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Private sector urged to get emergency plans in place

- Pending Disaster Management legislation to zero in on private sector obligations
Staff of the now renamed Central Administration Complex heading for higher grounds during the National Earthquake/Tsunami Simulation Exercise: Carib Wave/LANTEX 2015 on March 25, 2015. Photo: VINO/File
Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr has appealed to the private sector to have Disaster Management plans in place for employees. Photo: GIS/File
Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr has appealed to the private sector to have Disaster Management plans in place for employees. Photo: GIS/File
A school damaged by an earthquake in Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. Photo: Facebook
A school damaged by an earthquake in Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- While government is doing its part with those in its employ by promoting disaster preparedness and awareness, the private sector is also being urged to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of employees.

This comes in the wake of several earthquakes, including two strong ones, which resulted in the death of one person, injuries to several and the destruction of many buildings and properties in neighbouring Puerto Rico over the past two days.

As it stands today, the private sector is only bound by occupational health and safety regulations when it comes to disaster and other areas of disaster preparedness. With the increasing numbers and stronger earthquakes and tremors being felt in the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region, preparedness is being encouraged at all fronts.

DDM can assist

Speaking with Cathy O. Richards on the “Big Story” yesterday, January 7, 2020, Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr made this appeal: “We are echoing the same advice to the private sector who should also have their plans. If they don’t have plans the Department of Disaster Management can assist them in getting those plans finalised.”

He added it is very important, “Without scaring persons to have those plans, it is insurance, knowing what to do should it (a disaster) take place.”

Host Richards, when asking Mr Archer Jr why more disaster awareness was not being done for the private sector, was told “There are the Health and Safety Codes in the Labour Laws that businesses and organisations should ensure that their businesses and employees are well protected.”

“We think this is part of that protection. So the law actually covers the wider scope of doing whatever is in the best interest of employees. It does not say you must have a disaster management plan but it does say look after your employees, ensure they are protected...ensuring that they are in a healthy and safe environment.”

It is also anticipated that soon the private sector will be zeroed in when it comes to disaster management.

“As we get the legislation coming forward, the Disaster Management Bill, we will ensure it has the right teeth, not just for the public service but for the wider public because we are a partnership. We want to ensure that we are all doing well,” Mr Archer Jr said.

9 Responses to “Private sector urged to get emergency plans in place”

  • ccc (08/01/2020, 09:24) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    More talk nothing will happen
  • Babel (08/01/2020, 10:13) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Strong earthquakes and aftershocks in neighbouring Puerto Rico within the week as well as in Central America...Nicaragua, Costa Rica etc
    We should all be checking our preparation,.
    • Babel (08/01/2020, 17:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Add Dominica to the just now shakeup and the surrounding islandsj.
  • Jimmy smith (08/01/2020, 10:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply

    I am always amazed at some of these folks never even run a candy store, but telling everyone how to do things and they do not have a plan, oh I forgot their plan is on paper, implementing is another school. Unless the government hire a couple of people trained in logistics and crisis management to be in front of these issues, all we will have when something happens is a real cluster %^&* and politicians without a clue messing things up.

  • lol (08/01/2020, 11:50) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    The VIP has already abandoned the admin complex so they are safe
  • lol (08/01/2020, 16:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    LOOK OUT!!!! PUBLIC SERVANTS MAYBE SENT HOME FOR THE WHOLE DAY AGAIN....IN VAIN....LOL
  • Diaspora (08/01/2020, 17:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Undoubtedly, the private sector must take action to protect the health and safety of people. Secondly, it is also in its best interest to take action to mitigate damages to its property. This requires constructing facilities at or above the minimum building code requirements. It is always smart to build in a safety factor in design. The private sector should operate smartly and work closely with Dept. Disaster Management(DDM). It is advisable to follow the direction and guidance provided by DDM, ie, evacuation..........etc.
  • NezRez (08/01/2020, 19:23) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    After the 2017 hurricanes hit us, I have my emergency food box and water ready, just in case. Supermarkets will be closed as well as banks. These earthquake tremors are nothing to ignore, but prepare for. Tsunamis can happen with very big earthquakes, and I am prepared to run to higher ground. Make sure you have all of your important documents in one place so they can be easily grabbed to go. Stay safe everyone and hope we never have to use this life saving information.
  • SOS (09/01/2020, 02:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I do hope that things are in place for the schools.


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