SACPA to discuss Canadians’ response to hurricanes

SESSION GOES TODAY AT ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION

Today’s SACPA will examine the question of what are Canadians’ responsibilities when it comes to our response to devastating storms and hurricanes affecting our southern neighbours.

With 260 km/h maximum sustained wind speeds, Category 5 Hurricane Maria tore through Dominica on Sept. 18, 2017, causing mass destruction and directly affecting some 73,000 people (the entire population). Sixty-five deaths in Dominica were attributed to Hurricane Maria. Critical infrastructure — including schools, hospitals, electrical lines, houses, public buildings and government offices, and private structures key to the economy and people’s livelihoods — was significantly damaged.

SACPA guest speaker Steve Hypolite and his school, Castle Bruce Secondary School, survived Maria — the 10th most intensive Atlantic hurricane on record. However, the results and challenges, including on the education system, were dramatic.

Hurricane Maria has highlighted key questions, “What is our responsibility as northern neighbours — and possibly as creators of global warming/climate change — in supporting southern neighbours who face the wrath of warming ocean temperatures?” The speakers will address the issues at hand.

SACPA will also welcome Maurice Hollingsworth from Dominica Foundation to provide his insights.

The event begins today at 11:30 a.m. with a buffet luncheon served at the Royal Canadian Legion General Stewart Branch No. 4. The presentation begins at 12:30 p.m. See the SACPA website at

www.sacpa.ca for more details.