PLAN APPROVED
AT long last a national shutdown policy, to be implemented in the event of a climatic event, has been created and is ready for circulation.
That’s the word from Minister of Home Affairs, Edmund Hinkson. He made the disclosure yesterday morning during the annual Hurricane Preparedness Month press conference held at the Department of Emergency Management. According to Hinkson, Cabinet has approved the systematic national shutdown and reactivation policy framework and standard operating procedures, but he has not ruled out the possibility of giving it legislative effect if such is warranted. His comments came as he indicated that the police will be requested to enforce the shutdown procedure and ensure the safety of persons.
“We would urge the Department [of Emergency Management] as well, to make this policy framework as well-known as possible. The approach to a national shutdown will be on a staggered basis and there is nothing new about that, this will ensure that key elements of national operations are allowed to maintain an effective level of operation for as long as possible, while at the same time facilitating the systematic closure of non-essential operations,” the Home Affairs Minister explained.
Hinkson told the media that as is customary, schools and day-care centres will close first and this will free up the public transportation for adults. He added that non-essential operations of the public service would follow in closing and non-essential operations for the private sector should be considered at that time.
“We know that this has been a problem in the past in terms of the private sector closing. We have stated as a policy in this manual that private sector entities, companies, shall close their operations taking into account the provision of their disaster management or business continuity plans… We urge the private sector to have continuity plans for after the disaster passes. We urge the private sector to have disaster management plans just as we urge all government agencies to have,” he said.
The minister indicated that the private sector will close, taking into account the security and operational procedures of the company or entity; the welfare of their employees and the need for them to take their own domestic precautions, especially those living in remote, flood-prone areas; and the operations of public transportation, given that public transportation will have to close off at some time before the weather event. He said, however, that should the private arrangements be made to transport the staff home safely, that would be acceptable.
“In other words, we’re asking employers to be caring,” he stated.
Giving more details to the plan, he said if there is a threat of a direct or severe hit to the country, efforts will be made to get as many tourists off the island as possible before the event, and where some remain, contingency plans will be put in place to ensure safe accommodation for them.
Meanwhile, referring to the theme for the month “Prepare and Be Aware”, he said it is imperative that Barbadians are well prepared for the season and are stocking up on non-perishable items and water, as well as securing their homes.
“…This month we will continue to sensitise Barbadians, people living in Barbados, including persons with disabilities, as to the real possibilities of hurricanes hazards. In this regard, we implore people each and every one to ensure that your own properties, your own backyard, your own communities are as secure as possible, as free as possible from debris, and that your gutters are clear, the gutters outside your house.”
He added, “Don’t wait on Government now to come and clear it or don’t feel it is the responsibility of Government alone to do this. Government can’t do everything in this country, we don’t have the resources to do it.” (JRT)