The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew participates in a recent three-day meeting by the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), organized to discuss National Hurricane Preparedness and Response simulation from July 17-19, 2024.
PM Drew is also the Executive Director of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and personally led the three-day National Hurricane Preparedness and Response Simulation Exercise. His active involvement clearly indicates his dedication to preparing the country for a natural disaster.
The primary objective of the National Hurricane Preparedness exercise was to test the Federation’s response mechanisms and train the country to handle a destructive hurricane effectively.
The Prime Minister also posted about this on his official Facebook page. He wrote, “This week, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) undertook a three-day National Hurricane Preparedness and Response Simulation Exercise to prepare the country for a natural disaster.”
PM Drew highlighted the nation’s need to remain alert and prepared for any potential disaster, showcasing the government’s unwavering commitment.
He joined the meetings during the first two days of the exercise because he considers preparedness necessary in mitigating risks and challenges during emergencies—Attorney General Garth Wilkin and Minister of Agriculture et al. Samal Duggins also participated in this exercise.
During the exercise, the officials visited three affected territories. These included Irish Town Bay Road, where extensive flooding had led to a significant sand deposit on the roads and surrounding areas. They also visited parts of Cayon, where land sliding had occurred, and Stone Fort, where the crew was clearing out fallen trees and debris that had blocked the roads.
Prime Minister Terrance Drew, acknowledging the three-day simulation exercise as ‘a valuable insight,’ expressed his appreciation for the exercise’s role in highlighting areas for improvement. This recognition is a testament to the government’s commitment to keeping all the country’s citizens safe and informed during natural calamities.
