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St. Ann Parish Disaster Committee’s Public Education Programme

June 8, 2009

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The St. Ann Parish Disaster Committee is holding a series of public education meetings across the parish.
The meetings are being held in collaboration with the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), and are aimed at heightening residents’ awareness of disaster preparedness.
The second in the series was at the Parry Town playing field, Ocho Rios, where residents were eager to participate and access valuable information.
Parish Disaster Co-ordinator, Alvin Clarke, said that in order to carry out a successful disaster management programme, the community’s involvement was of paramount importance.
“The first meeting was held in York District in the parish and it was a success, because residents participated to the fullest. They asked questions and, I am sure, they benefitted tremendously from the meeting,” he told JIS News.
He is inviting residents from across St. Ann to attend the sensitisation meetings, and better prepare themselves for any form of disaster.
“Whether there is a hurricane or not, so long as it rains heavily in the area, we normally experience flooding. If it rains heavily for even three days, we have a major problem,” Parry Town resident, Wendy Stewart informed JIS News.
She responded that the meeting was educational and informative, and that she was very happy that it was held in the area.
Another resident, Ionie Oxford, said that although she benefitted a lot from the forum, she was disappointed with the turnout.
“If this was a street dance, I am sure that it would be better attended, but when meetings like these are called some people don’t care, and when they find themselves in a disaster that is the time they start running around, because they do not know what to do,” she observed.
She thanked the JIS and the St. Ann Disaster Committee, which represents the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), for organising the meeting.

Last Updated: August 26, 2013

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