St Kitts and Nevis: Pre-Strike meeting held at NEMA for disaster preparedness

St Kitts and Nevis: The acting prime minister, Dr Geoffrey Hanley, held an urgent meeting yesterday at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Headquarters to discuss disaster preparedness.

This meeting outlined the necessary precautionary measures for the anticipated intense weather conditions in the nation.

St Kitts and Nevis, was previously under a tropical storm warning, however, the conditions have worsened as the tropical storm has transformed into ‘Ernesto’, a tropical cyclone.

The meeting was attended by several ministers, including the Cabinet Secretary, Dr Marcus Natta, Chair of NEMA board, Clarcial Langley-Stevens, Commissioner of Police, James Sutton, St Kitts and Nevis’ Major Kayode Sutton, National Disaster Coordinator, Abdias Samuel and Assistant Secretory in the Ministry of National Security, Kennyate Tyson.

Apparently, the government has been prioritizing disaster preparedness through investment, and NEMA has also held several simulation exercises in order to prepare for the disaster.

Prime minister Dr Terrance Drew, while sharing a glimpse of the meeting on social media stated that, “The safety of our people is of highest priority for us and I encourage everyone to take necessary precautions as we continue to monitor development of this intense weather system”.

This is to be noted that, PM Drew is on personal leave till 21st August 2024 and in his absence, Dr Geoffrey Hanley is appointed as the acting prime minister.

PM Drew also conducted a virtual meeting earlier to discuss important measures taken in light of the coming disaster.

During the meeting, the prime minister also highlighted the safety of the locals as a topmost priority for him and extended his gratitude to everyone who was making efforts to ensure safety whilst the tropical cyclone approached the island nation.

PM Drew also noted that one should remain precautious and vigilant in light of the approaching disaster and emphasized that the government is constantly looking up for the development of tropical conditions in the Atlantic.

The citizens are constantly applauding the efforts of the government in light of disaster preparedness.

One of the social media users stated that, “All the unnecessary whining with PM gone on leave by the laba mouths and Samuel sent home – look at the evidence. PM is fully involved while on leave and Mr. Samuel is there. One really cannot listen to the negativity. Shut them out”.

“Better with Labor. Stay focused, PM Dr Drew,” another user noted.

Another user said, “Well done, PM, we are sure of our security with you. Your efforts for your nation, even if you are on vacation, are commendable. Thank you so much.”