SAJ hosts Newport West disaster preparedness meeting
JUST AS the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season is reaching its seasonal climax, the Shipping Association of Jamaica invited its members to take part in a free disaster awareness preparedness and management session presented by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). Last year’s season while not among the worst experienced by Jamaica, took a devastating toll on our regional trading partners. Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Puerto Rico, St Maarten and others experienced the onslaught of some deadly tropical cyclones which caused loss of life and property. Harvey, Irma Lee and Maria are the names of the storms which are perhaps the most memorable for their terrible impact and their quick succession as they moved across the region wreaking havoc.
ODPEM prepared an excellent presentation which was aimed at preparing the port of Kingston for disasters which make a port business community particularly vulnerable. Kristen Rhone informed the gathering of the reasons for, and possible effects of, earthquakes, tsunamis, fires and hurricanes. She provided technical information and practical advice on how to prepare for these disasters and how to prepare to mitigate the effects of the inevitable. It was all very well received. The audience collectively decided that the meeting was so valuable that a committee should be formed to implement the recommendations.