Senior Managers from across the Public Service are currently in Anegada recently. The Virgin Islands public service has recorded an 8 per cent increase in its annual rapid readiness assessment for 2025 compared to 2024. Photo: GIS/File

Mrs Sharleen S. DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, stated that her office and the Department of Disaster Management have been working collaboratively throughout the year, focusing on providing support to ministries and departments to maintain critical functions following hazard impacts while also prioritising the well-being of staff members. Photo: GIS/File

The territory achieved an average score of 74% this year, indicating a heightened state of preparedness for potential hazard impacts. Photo: GIS/Facebook

The territory achieved an average score of 74% this year, indicating a heightened state of preparedness for potential hazard impacts.

According to a press release from the Government of the Virgin Islands, this score, which is an improvement from 66% in 2024, demonstrates that the public service is actively ensuring that the necessary systems are in place to protect critical resources.

'Preparation & awareness'

Mrs Sharleen S. DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, stated that her office and the Department of Disaster Management have been working collaboratively throughout the year. They have focused on providing support to ministries and departments to maintain critical functions following hazard impacts while also prioritising the well-being of staff members.

Mrs DaBreo-Lettsome stated, “These readiness assessments give us a clear understanding of where we are as an organisation prior to the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. It allows us to get clear data that then informs decisions that are necessary to ensure the continuous protection of systems and individuals. This proactive nature will ensure we are always a step ahead in any possible recovery process.”

The Permanent Secretary emphasised that as the season progresses, the service has performed well in responding to impacts, which reflects the efforts put into preparation and awareness.

'Improvements in communication & preparedness'

The press release further stated that the readiness assessment indicates improvements in communication and preparedness within ministries, as well as enhanced awareness, planning, and document protection and backup. This means that agencies have kept an up-to-date contact list of all active employees, and ministerial groups are improving their readiness as needed.

Additionally, the assessment highlighted improvements in public officer awareness, participation in national exercises, and the completion of Disaster Response Plans for all offices.

The Office of the Deputy Governor and the Department of Disaster Management have reaffirmed their commitment to addressing gaps identified by the assessment by providing continued support to ministries and departments in the future.