Members of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and other stakeholders met Tuesday with Minister responsible for Disaster Management Hon. Rawdon Turner to assess the country’s readiness for the upcoming hurricane season which begins in June.

Representatives from various critical departments spoke about their level of preparedness, the various challenges they face and the need to coordinate efforts for a better disaster management system in Antigua and Barbuda.

Among some of the concerns are the problems of illegal dumping and littering which compound the issue of flooding throughout the island. General Manager of the National Solid Waste Management Authority Indira James-Henry says one of the challenges is that after solid waste would have cleaned drains and gutters the cleaning teams would return shortly after and find these same drains and gutters filled with waste.

There are also several illegal dumping sites around the island – an issue that needs serious attention so that action can be taken against those individuals that are responsible.

It was recommended that a drainage management committee which consists of solid waste, public works, APUA and the Department of Environment, coordinated by NODS, could be set up.

Other issues outlined include the need for additional resources for the Met Office such as a purpose-built headquarters and additional staff, the importance of educational programmes to help residents understand their roles in various aspects of disaster management, persons adhering to evacuation notices and departments establishing contingency plans so they can continue to operate after an impact.

Minister Turner was grateful for the opportunity to meet with the various representatives and to hear their concerns. He was joined at the meeting at NODS by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Transformation Sarah Stuart.