Vol. 1 Issue 1
October 2005

newsletter

Nevis Disaster management Office

Nevis prepares for natural and man-made disasters

As the island of Nevis continues to prepare for a natural or man-made disasters, the Nevis Disaster Management Office has created a comprehensive disaster management programme.
When dozens of government officials and community representatives participated in a recently held workshop facilitated by Mr. Lester Blackett, Director of the Nevis Disaster Management Office.
Mr. Blackett noted that the purpose of the workshop was to "review and update the 1989 Nevis Disaster Plan" created after the island was damaged by Hurricane Hugo.
According to Mr. Blackett, the key word is "inclusion," meaning everyone -- not just government officials or management -- must be included if a disaster management effort is to work to benefit all the people.
Topics covered included early warning systems where applicable, emergency supplies, shelters, search and rescue, food distribution and training of disaster management workers and volunteers.
"The importance of this workshop cannot be oversized, given the vulnerability of our area to natural as well as man-made hazards," said Mr. Blackett.
Among potential disasters covered by the workshop are hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides, floods, droughts, tidal waves, storm surges, major fires, power failures, civil strife and epidemics.
The hurricane season begins officially June 1 and runs through November 30, but in the past hurricanes have occurred outside this time period.
Speaking at the opening session on Tuesday April 26, Premier Amory strongly recommended that all sectors and ministries in Nevis involve themselves in the programme, saying that it is not a question of whether a natural or man-made disaster will strike … only when.
He pointed out that an ongoing public awareness programme would equip people as well as government officials with the knowledge and desire to do the right thing when a national disaster does occur.
He pledged his full support to all those involved adding, “You can have the best plan, but it is the implementation that counts.”
He urged those present to rely on their own experience and to use common sense to solve problems before they become unmanageable.
Workshop participants went through the Disaster Plan 1989 paragraph by paragraph, making changes and additions where necessary.
Under the plan, the public will be made aware of pending dangers by radio announcements.
Flags will also be raised at police stations and other locations and church bells will be rung.
Non-governmental agencies are asked to join the disaster management programme.

See Page 6

Representatives from various governmental and non-governmental agencies who attended the meeting to update the Nevis Disaster Plan.

NDMO WEBSITE &
BROCHURE LAUNCHED

‘I now launch this website by clicking this mouse’ - says Premier and Chairman Hon Vance Amory.
See story on page 2

MISSION STATEMENT
To promote disaster management to individuals, communities and organizations (public and private) with the aim of reducing risk, cost, and impact to life and property caused by man-made or natural disasters.

Chairman’s Corner

We are inaugurating this Newsletter, to create a greater awareness among our people in terms of planning and response to Disaster.
The Nevis Island Administration in collaboration with the Nevis Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and other organizations and groups have put in place such action plans to protect property and life.
It is important that all of us use the information provided, to adequately equip ourselves to mitigate and prevent any occurrence of disaster whether manmade (fires, accidents etc.) or from natural causes (floods, earthquakes, hurricanes) which can cause aggravated damage and trauma to persons in our communities.
It is my belief that it is the responsibility of every person (as far as he or she is capable), to be prepared to take necessary action if a disaster occurs. It is important that we also seek at all times, to act reasonably and in accordance with the law and to ensure that no action on our part creates disaster, example;
The Blocking of ghauts and waterways
Indiscriminate disposal/dumping of waste material
The unreasonable location of roads and buildings
The Nevis Island Administration has put in place legislation to guide and direct such activities, but I call upon all our people to be fully aware of what we can do to be part of this awareness programme.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
The “Nevis Disaster Management Office” (NDMO) will implement its Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Strategy that will establish the direction and structure for all phases of Disaster Management for the present and future, and shall develop its resources along with the public and private sector, to maximize efforts to prevent, prepare for, mitigate, respond to, recover and restore from, the effects of the hazard. Additionally to:-
(1) Raise awareness of the increasing risk and cost of disasters (man-made or natural) and the effective use of mitigative measures
(2) Promote the need for sound disaster management practices in all agencies
(3) Provide training to facilitate mitigative efforts and planning, rapid response and recovery
(4) To disseminate information to the general public on all aspects of Disaster Management

Premier and Chairman,
Hon Vance Amory

Disaster Terms

Preparedness: Activities and measures taken in advance to ensure effective response to the impact of hazards, including the issuance of timely and effective early warnings and the temporary evacuation of people and property from threatened locations.

From Page 1

Premier and Chairman of Nevis Disaster Management Committee, Mr. Vance Amory clicked the mouse to officially launch the Nevis Disaster Management Office Website and Brochure during a brief but significant ceremony on July 12, 2005 at the Red Cross Building in Charlestown.
Ladies and gentlemen,” said Premier Amory with a smile. “I’m gonna click this button right, but I want us to bear in mind always that we are so vulnerable to storms that all of us must do what we have to do to mitigate it and this website is important. Thank you very much. I now launch this website by clicking this mouse.”
He also gave the feature address where he reiterated the call for one to be prepared and to get as much knowledge as possible about hurricanes and natural disasters.
He said, “The knowledge which you will find there should enable you, who are users of the internet to have that knowledge which you can use to enable you to prepare in your own division, personally and where you are in charge of a department or a private sector organization to become more aware of the information on natural disasters, primarily hurricanes with which we are dealing with at this time.”
Premier Amory pointed out that the information received from the website would enable the government, through the Nevis Disaster Management Office, to be more adequately prepared and to be more aware of what ought to be done were the island to be struck by a hurricane.
“I think we have had recent experiences and we know the level of dislocation which could be caused and it is my belief that with the knowledge which will appear on this website that we could be more adequately able to mitigate against disaster which might affect Nevis.”
According to the Premier, the behaviour of hurricane/storm and the characteristic is very volatile and that it can change from hour to hour, from day to day. He observed, “Even though we might feel that a storm may not (at the last advisory affect us) there is nothing like having current information to determine what in fact is happening at the present moment.”
He expressed that it was his Cabinet’s intention to increase the allocation of the office of the Disaster Management and added, “I believe that that department has a very critical role to play as we have seen in the last couple of months, the effects of flash floods, as we have seen in years gone by the effects of hurricanes and other flash floods and storms that the department has to respond very quickly.
“It is my belief that we can strengthen the ability of that office to respond if we can supply that office with some dedicated tools and equipment which could be used to respond and to prepare because I believe in the preparation it would help to reduce the impact of flash floods, the impact of hurricanes provided we can put things into place in a timely manner,” he commented.
The website provides a vast collection of information such as the entire Nevis Disaster Plan which can be downloaded in sections, activities, bulletins, news items, weather forecasts, storm advisories, hazards and hazard tips/advisories, photo albums, databases, workshops/conferences, agencies, budget address for 2005, links to CEDRA, PAHO etc and a Chairman’s corner which will feature remarks by the Premier.

Early warning: The provision of timely and effective information, through identified institutions, that allows individuals exposed to a hazard to take action to avoid or reduce their risk and prepare for effective response.

newsletter

Nevis Disaster management Office

The NDMO Newsletter is a publication of the Nevis Disaster Management Office (NDMO) Charlestown.
Lester Blackett Laurel Arthurton
Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor
Tele: 469-1423 Fax:469-5407 Email:odpnevis@yahoo.com
Website: www.geocities.com/odpnevis
Layout/design: Anthony Henry & Mentrice Arthurton

How does the 2005 hurricane season compare with historical records?

The National Hurricane Center has predicted significantly greater activity for 2005, with 18-21 tropical storms and 9-11 hurricanes projected, 5-7 of which are expected to reach category 3 or greater. So far the season is exceeding expectations; as of September 30, the following activity had occurred:
18 named tropical storms
9 hurricanes
4 major hurricanes (Dennis, Emily, Katrina, Rita)
The earliest date on record by which four named tropical storms formed (Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Dennis formed before July 5)
The earliest date on record by which 2 category 4 hurricanes occurred (Dennis formed July 4-7; Emily formed July 10-16)
The most destructive hurricane in U.S. history (Katrina)
The mid-point of the season just passed
The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season has the potential to be the most active season on record.

Activities for the “Disaster Awareness Week”
Saturday 1st October 2005
Church Services: Prayers/Announcements
“Youth on the Go” - VON Radio (9 am)
Sunday 2nd October
Church Services Prayers/Announcements
Monday 3rd October
Launch of Disaster Awareness Week
Red Cross building (10 am)
Tuesday 4th October
“Let’s Talk” - VON Radio Program (8 pm)
Wednesday 5th October
Talks: High & Primary Schools
Essay Competition launch - High Schools
Thursday 6th October
Panel Discussion - Red Cross Building (7:30 p.m.)
Friday 7th October
Disaster Management Exhibition
Red Cross building (9:30 am - 4:00 pm)
Awards & Reception Old Manor Hotel (7:00 - 9:30 pm)
Saturday 8th October
Community Cleanup day – all day
(residences, businesses, village/community)

NDMO activities since the start of the year

SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES (FEB - JUNE) 1. Annual International Disaster Mgt Conference, Orlando
2. Damage Assessment & Needs Analysis Course, Antigua 3. Initial Damage Assessment Workshop, Hanley’s Road
4. Shelters & Shelter Management Workshop, Hanley’s Road
5. Disaster Warehouse supplies from US Southcom 6. NEMS meeting with OECS ESDU 7. Warehouse Management Workshop – St. Kitts 8. Meeting with Nevis Amateur Radio Club 9. Exhibition Booth at Agriculture Open Day. 10 Key Agency Meeting at Red Cross Building
11. Regional Review meeting , Jamaica 12. Governor’s Disaster Conference in Tampa, Florida 13. Meeting with Adventist Disaster Relief Agency (ADRA) 14. Health Disaster Coordinators Meeting in Tortola
15. Inspections of Emergency Shelters 16. Media Meeting & District Chairpersons meeting 17. Key Agencies meeting & "Let Talk" Program on VON 18. Meeting with Floyd Homer – Environmentalist 19. Meeting with Carl Herbert and Goldwyn Caines (NEMA) 20. Meeting with Agencies to draft Flood Management Plan 21. 1st meeting Nevis Disaster Management Committee 22. Flood Management Plan Meeting/Workshop
ACTIVITES - JULY 1. District Chairperson's Meeting 2. Disaster Management Sub-committee Chair meeting 3. NDMO Website & Brochure Launch at Red Cross Building 4. Mitigation Council Meeting, NEMA Headquarters, St. Kitts 5. Premier's Ministry 2006 Estimates Meeting 6. Medical & Health Sub-Committee meeting
7. Some Public Agencies submitted Disaster Plans
8. Emergency Supplies Sub-Committee meeting
9.1st Culturama Sea Fair 10. Talk to Diabetics and other meeting participants 11. Regional Security System Strategic Plan Conference 12. Prize-giving VON Radio for Culturama Disaster" Quiz 13. Medical & Health Sub-committee meeting
14.Trade Fair - Craft House Grounds Disaster Mgt Booth 15. NDMO handout “web-cards” & brochures at Culturama
ACTIVITES - AUGUST 1. Meeting Fire Services - Equipment Project Proposal 2. Disaster Management Workshop, Tortola
3. Environmental Pollution Sub-committee meeting
4. St. James District Committee meeting
5. Search & Rescue Sub-committee meeting
6. Utilities & Transport Sub-Committee meeting 7. Emergency Shelter Sub-Committee meeting 8. Public Information & Education Sub-Committee meeting
9. Talk to Diabetics and other meeting participants 10. Peace Corps Orientation training. 11. NEMA / NDMO meeting in Nevis 12. Nevis Disaster Management Committee meeting: 13. Shelters/Shelter Mgt Workshop "for Shelter Managers".
ACTIVITES - SEPTEMBER 1. Committee meeting - Awareness Week plans and Newsletter 2. Nevis Disaster Mgt Committee & District Chairs meeting
3. St. Thomas's District Committee meeting
4. NEMA/NDMO meeting. 5. St. George's District Committee meeting 6. St. James Shelter Committee meeting 7. Thomas's District Committee meeting 8. Awareness & Education meeting 9. Utilities & Transport Sub-committee meeting 10. St. George's District Committee meeting 11. Emergency Operation Center (EOC) outfitting 12. Critical Private Agencies to draft/finalise Disaster Plans 13. Nevis Disaster Management Plan (further updates)
PROPOSED ACTIVITES - OCTOBER 1. 1-8 DISASTER AWARENESS WEEK OF ACTIVITIES 2. 7-9 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) meeting 3. 13-14 Shelters/Shelter Management Workshop 4. 17-21 Training for Instructors - USAID OFDA Workshop NEMA 5. Initial Damage Assessment Workshop 6. Updating of Nevis Disaster Plan for a Volcanic Eruption 7. Continued Public Awareness and Education program 8. Draft Policy documents on Donations, Emergency Shelters &
Housing, Mass Crowd Events, Disaster Relief 9. Communications Workshop (radio) 10. Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Management Workshop 11. First Aid Training workshops 12. Mitigation Council meeting, NEMA Headquarters, St. Kitts 13. CDERA mandate review workshop, St. Kitts 14. Draft Response Plans for other Hazards (Earthquakes, Oil
Spills, Major Vehicle & Fire Incidents)

Photos

Photos

(ABOVE) Participants of a recently concluded Shelter
Management workshop pose
for a photo at the Hanley
Road Shelter/Community
Centre in Gingerland.

(ABOVE) Lester Blackett Director of NDMO (left) and Dr. Raymond Charles, Head of Civil Engineering at University of West Indies, St. Augustine Campus at a disaster management workshop in Jamaica recently.

(BELOW) Shipyard workers unload disaster supplies for the NDMO donated by the US Southern Military Command

(BELOW) Workers survey damage caused by flood water at the Education Department in Marion Heights recently.

PLAN NOW DON’T WAIT DISASTERS DON’T
DISCRIMINATE

A water sprout that sprung up off the Coast of Nevis

(RIGHT) Flood water rushes pass the Education Department in Marion Heights during the heavy rain in November last year.

Man-made
disasters

From front page

Premier opens
Disaster Shelters

From Page 2

With the opening of the Pond Hill Community Centre and Hurricane Shelter on Monday April 26, 2004, the Hon Premier Mr. Vance Amory said that his government would make use of the centre to initiate formal and non-formal skills training programmes that would benefit the youths.
He noted that the government had built the multipurpose centre through a World Bank loan of nearly EC$1 million and told the gathered members of the public and well wishers who came to witness its opening that he would want the facility to produce the best the island could have from its people.
The centre will be used by all the people in the neighbouring communities and according to the chairman of the day's proceedings, Mr. David Grante, it had galvanised the people in the surrounding areas to form the Pond Hill, Clay Ghaut, Chicken Stone and Beach Road Community Club (PCCB-CC).
Your Government is prepared to give it (the centre) full support to whatever programmes that the club organises, and we will support them because we have the interest of the young people and the future of this country as one of our prime objectives, noted the Premier.
He said that through the Ministry of Community Affairs, Youth and Sports that the Government would initiate formal skills training and informal skills training.
We want to ensure that our youth have the opportunity to maximise their God-given potential and talents, whether it is in technical, computer, culinary skills, craft, art and other aspects of development so that they can feel good about this community centre and the facilities which it provides, promised Premier Amory.
Also addressing the gathering was the Junior Minister for Youth and Sports, Community Affairs, Trade and Industry, the Hon Mr Laughton Brandy who challenged the people in the area to claim ownership of the facility by making maximum use of it saying that he would rather see it disintegrate through its being used by people and not to disintegrate from termite.
This building was designed so that it could also be a hurricane shelter in the time of hurricanes, observed Mr. Brandy.
But as you know hurricanes do not come every year, but as good governance would dictate, the Nevis Island Administration thought best to prepare in the event that a hurricane should strike.
Editor’s Note: a new Community Centre and Hurricane Shelter was also built at Hanley Road in Gingerland

Tropical Storm/Hurricane Preparation

Secure your home
1. Install shutters, storm panels or plywood over all windows, doors, open vents. 2. Insert wedges in all doors and sliding patio doors. Wedge and secure normal doors.
3. Secure garage doors and porch doors. Back the car in the garage, against the closed door.
4. Lower television and radio antennas.
5. Protect appliances and furniture by elevating them off the floor and covering them with plastic. Move valuables to upper floors.
6. Set the refrigerator thermostat to maximum cold, and don't open unless necessary.
7. Recharge appropriate equipment, such as cellular phones, batteries.
Secure outdoor property
1. Remove loose objects from the yard and patio. 2. Prune dead or dying tree limbs.
3. Tie down any large objects that cannot be brought in, such as propane tanks.
4. Close all outside electrical outlets and cover with duct tape.
Prepare " Supplies Kit"
1.Purchase fresh and extra batteries for radio & flashlights.
2. Make as much ice as can be stored in available freezer space.
3. Refill prescription medications and obtain an extra supply of special medications or supplies.
4. Purchase additional nonperishable food that does not need cooking. Don't forget pet food or special dietary supplies.

NEVIS DISASTER MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Hon. Vance Amory 4695521 X2007 Premier Premier’s Ministry
Ms. Venetta Hobson-Moving 4695521 X2004 Permanent Secretary Premier’s Ministry & Human Resources
Mr. Lester Blackett 4691423 Director Nevis Disaster Management Office
Mr. Ernie Stapleton 4695521 X2176 Permanent Secretary PPNRE/CWPUP
Mrs. Cheryl Barrett-Field 4695521 X2044 Director Gender & Social Affairs
Mr. Brian David 4695521 X2024 Principal Assistant Sec. Ministry of Youth, Sports,
Community Affairs, Trade & Industry
Mr. Harvey Hendrickson 4698606 Divisional Fire Officer Fire & Rescue Services
Ms. Lillith Richards 4695521 X2106 Director (Ag.) Physical Planning, Natural Resources
& Environment
Mr. Keith Scarborough 4695521 X2010 Director (Ag) Press and Government Information
Ms. Gloria Anslyn 4691267 Director Red Cross Society
Mr. Gregory Phillip 4695411 President Chamber of Industry & Commerce
(Nevis Chapter)
Mr. Jerome Rawlins 4695000 Vice President (Nevis Ops) Cable & Wireless
Mr. Erskine Caines 4695521 X2058 Legal Counsel Legal Department
Mr. Stephen Jones 4695521 X2153 Principal Assistant Sec Ministry of Agriculture, Lands,
Co-operatives & Fisheries
Mr. Laurie Lawrence 4695521 X2017 Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance
Mr. Elvin Bailey 4695521 X2061 Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education
Mr. Tyrone O'Flaherty 4695521 X2033 Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism
Dr. Judy Nisbett 4695521 X2111 Medical Officer Alexandra Hospital
Supt. Cecil Morgan 4695400 Superintendent of Police Charlestown Police Station
Dr. Frederick Isaac 4697245 Manager NEVLEC
Mr. George Morris 4695521 X2085 President Lions Club
Mr. Dexter Bowrin 4691016 President Rotary Club
Mr. Joseph Claxton 4695473 District Chair St. Pauls
Mr. Dwight Morton 4695521 X2131 District Chair St. John’s
Mrs. Eileen Walwyn 4699354 District Chair St. James
Ms. Paulette Walters 4695521 X2107 District Chair St. George’s
Mrs. Jennifer Weekes 4690300 District Chair St. Thomas DISTRICT CHAIRPERSONS
St. Paul - Joseph Claxton (6652499)
St. John - Dwight Morton (6632813)
St. George - Paulette Walters (6634246)
St. James - Eileen Walwyn (4699354)
St. Thomas - Jennifer Weekes (4690300)
SHELTER MANAGERS
St. Paul’s Parish & Bath Village
Netball Complex, Charlestown
* Ms. Alphur Jeffers (4690247)
Grove Park Pavilion, Grove Park
* Mr. Denzil Parris (4690477)
Charlestown Primary School, Infant Block
* Ms. Hazel Manners (4695401)
Community Centre, Bath Village
* Ms. Paulette Hanley (4691467)
Girl Guides HQ, Stoney Grove
* Ms. Bridgette Hunkins (4695489)
St. John’s Parish
Staff Room, Prospect Primary School
* Ms. Lornette Thompson (4693406)
Anglican Church, Fig Tree
* Ms. Rodney Elliott (4693810)
Sports Complex, Church Ground
* Mr. Gary Liburd (4692811)
St. Johns Primary School (Top)
* Mr. Anthony Brookes (4693235)
St. Johns Primary School (Bottom):
* Mr. Glenroy Griffin (4693218)
Church of God, Cox Village
* Mrs. Ornette Morton (4692486)
Brown Hill Community Center, Brown Hill
* Mr. Allister Thompson (4693333)
St. George Parish
Ebenezer Church of God, Old Manor
* Mr. Sevil Hanley (4692841)
Wesleyan Holiness Church,
Bucks Hill
* Mr. Wilroy Liburd (4693250)
Calvary Baptist Church, Rawlins
* Mr. Dwight Hanley (4692854)
Community Centre, Hickmans
* Mr. Floyd Liburd (4693668)
Community Centre, Pond Hill
* Ms. Veronica Brandy (4693874)
Community Centre, Hanley’s Road
* Mr. Vincent Maynard (4693575)
Zion Chapel (Emmaus), Zion
* Mr. Shefton Liburd (4693724)
St. James Parish
Seventh Day Adventist Church, Butlers
* Mr. Bertin Mintos (4698862)
Church of God, Brick Kiln
* Mr. Sylvester Bryan (4699659)
Seventh Day Adventist, Beulah, Camps
* Mrs. Marcella Jones (4699221)
Newcastle Preschool, Shaws Road
* Ms. Estella Queeley (4699076)
Methodist Church Hall, Fountain
* Ms. Olive Daniel (4698998)
St. Thomas Parish
Methodist Church, Cotton Ground
* Mr. Charles Tyson (4690085)
Wesleyan Holiness Church, Cotton Ground
* Mr. Trevor Parry (4698647)
Church of God of Prophecy, Jessups
* Mr. Rudolph Nisbett (4690076)
New Testament Church of God Jessups
* Pastor James Douglas (4695699)
Wesleyan Holiness Church, Barnes Ghaut
* Ms. Hilarena Liburd (4691535)

Kids Activity Survival Kit
You may have to leave your house during a disaster and may sleep somewhere else for a while. It’s smart to put together your own Kid’s Activity Survival Kit so you will have things to do and share with other kids. These can all be stored in a backpack or duffel bag. Just make sure you can carry it easily. Some suggested items for your Activity Survival Kit:
A few of your favourite books
Crayons, pencils or marking pens and plenty of paper
Scissors and glue
Two favourite toys such as a doll or action figure
One or two board games
A deck of cards
A puzzle (One with lots of pieces is good -- it takes a long time to do!)
Small people figures and play vehicles that you can use to play out what is happening during your disaster -- such as ambulance, fire truck, helicopter, dump truck, police car, small boats.
Favourite stuffed animal or puppet
Favourite blanket or pillow
Pictures of the family and pet

For Kids

SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Public Information/Education (469-1423 or X2130)
Lester Blackett: Director, NDMO (663-8376)
Housing & Shelter Management (469-5521 X 2061)
Elvin Bailey: Permanent Secretary, Education & Library Services
Medical & Health Services (469-7080 or X2111)
Judy Nisbett: Medical Officer, Health (662-9342)
Utilities & Transport (469-5521 X2176)
Ernie Stapleton: Permanent Secretary, CWPUP/PPNRE (662-0302)
Emergency Supplies (469-5597 or X2153)
Stephen Jones: Principal Assistant Secretary Agriculture (667-3695)
Environmental Pollution (469-5521 X2106)
Lillith Richards: Ag. Director, Planning, Natural Resources &
Environment
Search & Rescue (469-8606 or 665-6138)
Harvey Hendrickson: Divisional Officer, Fire & Rescue Services

Plan now! Don’t Wait!
Disaster Don’t Discriminate!

Nevis Disaster management Office

The NDMO invites you the member of the public to submit photographs, letters and articles. You the members can be our eyes and ears. Write to us about your experience with a flood, fire, hurricane or any disaster. Tell us about the person who you have helped or who have helped you in a time of crisis. Or send in any photograph that you might have of any disaster.
NB. NDMO reserves the right to edit, rewrite, or summarise articles for taste and length.

, long ago, before there were people, there was hardly anything in the world but water. One day, Great Spirit looked down from heaven. He decided to make a beautiful land. But where could he begin? All he saw was water. Then he spotted a giant turtle. Great Spirit decided to make the beautiful land on the turtle’s back.
But one turtle was not big enough. The land that the Great Spirit wanted to make was very large. So he called out, "Turtle, hurry and find your six brothers."
Turtle swam away to find them. It took her a whole day to find the first. It took another day to find the next. After six days, Turtle had found her six brothers. "Come," she said. "The Great Spirit wants us."
Spirit called down. "Turtles! Form a line, all of you -- head to tail, north to south. Umm -- you have three on the south, please move a little to the east. Hmmm. Yes, that’s just right. What a beautiful land you turtles will make! Now listen! It is a great honor to carry this beautiful land on your backs. So you must not move!"
The turtles stayed very still. Great Spirit took some straw from his supply in the sky. He spread it out on the turtle’s backs. Then he took some soil and patted it down on top of the straw.
Spirit cleaned his hands on a fluffy white cloud. Then he went to work, shaping mountains and valleys and lakes and rivers. When he was finished, he looked at the beautiful land he had made. Great Spirit was very pleased. But soon trouble began. The giant turtles grew restless. They wanted to stretch their legs.
"I want to swim east," said one.
"I want to swim west, with the setting sun," said another.
turtles began to argue. They could not agree which way to move. One day, four of the turtles began to swim east. The others began to swim west. The Earth shook! It cracked with a loud noise. But after a minute, the shaking stopped. The turtles had to stop moving because the land on their backs was so heavy. They had only been able to swim a little way from each other. When they saw that they could not swim away, they stopped arguing and made up.
Every once in a while, though, the turtles argue again. Each time they do, the Earth shakes!

Premier and Chairman of Nevis Disaster Management Committee, Mr. Vance Amory clicked the mouse to officially launch the Nevis Disaster Management Office Website and Brochure during a brief but significant ceremony on July 12, 2005 at the Red Cross Building in Charlestown.
Ladies and gentlemen,” said Premier Amory with a smile. “I’m gonna click this button right, but I want us to bear in mind always that we are so vulnerable to storms that all of us must do what we have to do to mitigate it and this website is important. Thank you very much. I now launch this website by clicking this mouse.”
He also gave the feature address where he reiterated the call for one to be prepared and to get as much knowledge as possible about hurricanes and natural disasters.
He said, “The knowledge which you will find there should enable you, who are users of the internet to have that knowledge which you can use to enable you to prepare in your own division, personally and where you are in charge of a department or a private sector organization to become more aware of the information on natural disasters, primarily hurricanes with which we are dealing with at this time.”
Premier Amory pointed out that the information received from the website would enable the government, through the Nevis Disaster Management Office, to be more adequately prepared and to be more aware of what ought to be done were the island to be struck by a hurricane.
“I think we have had recent experiences and we know the level of dislocation which could be caused and it is my belief that with the knowledge which will appear on this website that we could be more adequately able to mitigate against disaster which might affect Nevis.”
According to the Premier, the behaviour of hurricane/storm and the characteristic is very volatile and that it can change from hour to hour, from day to day. He observed, “Even though we might feel that a storm may not (at the last advisory affect us) there is nothing like having current information to determine what in fact is happening at the present moment.”
He expressed that it was his Cabinet’s intention to increase the allocation of the office of the Disaster Management and added, “I believe that that department has a very critical role to play as we have seen in the last couple of months, the effects of flash floods, as we have seen in years gone by the effects of hurricanes and other flash floods and storms that the department has to respond very quickly.
“It is my belief that we can strengthen the ability of that office to respond if we can supply that office with some dedicated tools and equipment which could be used to respond and to prepare because I believe in the preparation it would help to reduce the impact of flash floods, the impact of hurricanes provided we can put things into place in a timely manner,” he commented.
The website provides a vast collection of information such as the entire Nevis Disaster Plan which can be downloaded in sections, activities, bulletins, news items, weather forecasts, storm advisories, hazards and hazard tips/advisories, photo albums, databases, workshops/conferences, agencies, budget address for 2005, links to CEDRA, PAHO etc and a Chairman’s corner which will feature remarks by the Premier.

# www.geocities.com/odpnevis Tele: 869-469-1423 odpnevis@yahoo.com