| U.S. SOUTHCOM hands over the new Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD) facility (Office, Emergency Operating Center & Warehouse) to the Nevis Island Administration (See News Article below & Video here ) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| U.S. Southcom Representative Kirk Cordova hands over the commemorative plaque to the Permanent Secretary in the Premier's Ministry, Mr. Joseph Wiltshire & NDMD Director, Mr. Lester Blackett, both of the Nevis Island Administration |
| Nevis Island Administration representatives along with Kirk Cordova U.S. Southcom and Eric Newman, US Contractor, at the handing over of the new facility |
| Agency/Conference/Meeting Room at the new facility |
| NEWS ARTICLE United States Southcom Representative, Lt. Col. Kirk Cordova handed over the commemorative plaque to the Permanent Secretary in the Premier's Ministry, of the Nevis Island Administration, Mr. Joseph Wiltshire, in a brief ceremony held at the Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD) new facility at Long Point, Nevis on Thursday evening, 9th November 2007. Lt. Col. Cordova was at the time visiting Nevis, with Mr. Eric Newman of Newco Structures, U.S. Contractor for the Project. Mr. Wiltshire subsequently handed over the plaque to the NDMD Director, Mr. Lester Blackett. Lt. Col.. Cordova expressed his pleasure at the development of the facility and stated that he expected it to be fully utilised. The two representatives were completing a tour of US Southcom projects in the eastern Caribbean region, which included visits to Grenada and Antigua & Barbuda. He stated in his comments, "on behalf of the United States and Southern Command, we are extremely happy with what we've seen; the capability that you have actually pulled out of the initial building has been quite impressive and I'm sure that the people of Nevis will certainly appreciate it, in the unfortunate event that a natural disaster should occur. I am sure that you are going to exercise it dutifully. Enjoy the building. I am happy to be here." The new facility located 1 mile along the road to the deep Water Port, and consists of Offices, an Emergency Operating Center (EOC), Communications room, Library/Audio-Visual room, Conference/Training/Agency room, Kitchenette, Warehouse and more. The United States Southern Military Command (US Southcom) funded most aspects of the building construction with additional contributions by the Nevis Island Administration. The existence of this first ever custom designed and suitably equipped Offices and Emergency Operating Centre is essential for the successful implementation of all components in Disaster Management in Nevis, including Preparedness, Prevention, Mitigation, Planning, Response and Recovery. These abilities are important to all stakeholders including the Private and Public Sector Corporate entities. It is the Department's intention to have a fully capable and modern facility to react to the challenges of this fast changing global environment with global warming and disasters on the increase. It must be noted that the Emergency Operating Centre will not only be used in times of Disaster but also as a training and exercise center and a �Coordinating Center� for major events in Nevis, e.g. Culturama, Head of Government Meetings and �Tempo� type events, that require significant multi-agency coordination, security and event planning. The Nevis Disaster Management Department through the Nevis Island Administration is currently completing construction activities for the area surrounding the facility, including fencing, parking areas, access roads and driveways, generator housing, communications towers, water storage and landscaping. The new building is already operational with the formal opening proposed for December 2007 or January 2008. The Department wishes to thank all parties who contributed to the successful project including, the United States Government, the Nevis Island Administration, the local Contractors, Government agencies, Private sector entities (including TDC, C&W, Caribbean Cable Communications, Courts) and the staff of the facility. |