Local News
Department of Disaster Management Hosts Community Preparedness Meetings on Sister Islands
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is taking proactive steps to enhance community-based resilience by organizing community preparedness meetings on the sister islands. In collaboration with the Sister Islands Programme, the DDM has already conducted meetings in North Sound, Valley, and The Settlement, with the final meeting scheduled for today, October 18th, at the Jost Van Dyke Methodist Church Annex.
Cecil Jeffrey, Community Relations Officer at the DDM, highlighted the importance of these sessions in enabling sister islands residents to meet the DDM team and acquire valuable knowledge on preparing for and responding to hazards. Mr. Jeffrey emphasized the significance of empowering individuals to take action after a disaster, ensuring they do not feel helpless in the face of adversity.
During the meetings, residents have received practical tips on hurricane preparedness and handling other hazards. They have also been educated on contingency and disaster planning, staying informed, and considerations for emergency shelter. Moreover, DDM and Sister Islands Programme officers have engaged attendees in discussions about training opportunities and community evacuation planning.
The officers have also taken the opportunity to inform residents about the upcoming ShakeOut earthquake preparedness exercise, scheduled to take place on October 19th. By sharing this information, the DDM aims to raise awareness and encourage participation in this important drill.
Residents seeking further resources can access a range of valuable tools on the DDM’s website, including a hurricane tracking map, templates for family and business emergency plans, and tips for preparing for storms and other hazards.
Through these community preparedness meetings and the provision of resources, the DDM is actively promoting a culture of preparedness and resilience among sister islands residents. By empowering individuals and fostering a sense of collective responsibility, the DDM aims to enhance the Territory’s ability to effectively respond to emergencies and protect its communities.
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British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
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