Dr Geoffrey Hanley hosts meeting at emergency NEMA headquarters, discusses impending weather situation

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: Dr Geoffrey Hanley, the Acting Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis held an urgent meeting at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) headquarters on Tuesday morning. The meeting was conducted as St Kitts and Nevis is currently under the threat of tropical storm.

Notably, the Prime Minister, Dr Terrance Drew, is on personal leave, and in his absence, Dr Hanley has been acting as the Prime Minister. And, in the urgent meeting held by him, he was joined by several delegates such as Cabinet Secretary Dr. Marcus Natta; Commissioner of Police James Sutton; Chair of the NEMA Board, Claricia Langley-Stevens; Major Kayode Sutton of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force, and Kennyate Tyson, Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of National Security and National Disaster Coordinator, Abdias Samuel.

During the meeting, the delegates exchanged significant dialogues on inclement weather conditions and the measures that can be taken in order to enhance the safety and security of the country. They also discussed the reports provided by the National Disaster Sub-committees, district volunteers, communications providers and more.

Also, the meeting involved all the relevant stakeholders with whom the government shared their preparatory activities and response mechanisms with a vision to tackle all the challenges that the island nation can face due to the change in weather situations.

The Acting Prime Minister extended gratitude to all the delegates for their instant response to the impending weather system and prioritizing the safety of all its citizens.

Moreover, the Prime Minister, Dr Terrance Drew who is on a family vacation also held a zoom meeting of senior government officials on Sunday. He stated that the purpose of the meeting was to assess the current weather situation and to ensure that their preparedness measures are firmly in place.

The Prime Minister, Dr Terrance Drew shared the glimpses of their meeting on his official Facebook account and stated that his government is committed to ensuring that all the preventive measures are taken in place in order to maintain safety of the citizens. He stated that they will make all possible efforts to ensure that proper and effective responses are taken before, during and after the passing of the weather system.

While emphasising on their preparedness activities, PM Terrance Drew stated that NEMA has held simulation exercises and the government has continued to prioritize disaster preparedness through investment. He stated that it is crucial as the Caribbean expects a highly active hurricane season this year owing to the climate crisis.

The Prime Minister added that the safety of the people is their highest priority. For the same, he is urging everyone to take all the necessary precautions and continue to monitor the development of this weather system.