The Archdiocesan Hurricane Preparedness and Relief Committee of the Bahamas , in its effort to prepare its parish communities throughout the islands for catastrophes and to strategise plans for restoration following natural disasters, held a workshop on Hurricane Preparation during the month of July.

Thirty representatives from parishes in Nassau and the Family Islands participated in the workshop. According to chairman Basil Christie, “workshops of this nature will be ongoing as it is also envisioned that from this group a sub-committee will be set up in each parish community throughout the archdiocese.”

Archbishop Patrick Pinder (centre) pictured with (from left,back row):Basil Christie, chairman of Archdiocesan Hurricane Committee, Trevor Basden, deputy director of Meterorological Department, Carl Smith, NEMA coordinator; front row: Pauline Allen, AHC member and Pat Francis, NEMA

He further stated that the main objective of the workshop was, “to train the parish representatives to provide necessary service on the occasion of emergencies, and to ensure that every effort is made to prepare the Catholic diocese and its parish communities throughout the Bahamas for catastrophes.”

A panel of professional presenters addressed and inspired the participants on different topics.

They included: Carl Smith, National Disaster Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) – “Overview of Comprehensive Disaster Plan and Emergency Support Functions”; Trevor Basden, Deputy Director, Department of Meteorology – “Explanation of and Adherence to Warning Systems”; Bridget Murray, chairperson disaster committee and member of the Bahamas Red Cross – “Types of Services”; Sandra Coleby, Senior Nursing Officer, Department of Health – “Services Available, Preparedness and Disease Prevention” and Phillippa Ferguson, Welfare officer, Department of Social Services – “Services Available and Location and Role of Department”.

The workshop was first of its kind to be conducted and according to Mr Christie workshops of this nature will be an ongoing initiative to be held every year in each parish community throughout the archdiocese.

The chairman also pointed out that it is incumbent upon each pastor, parish administrator and parish community to organise themselves to be prepared for disasters within their communities.

Most importantly he said, is a promotion of continued awareness, and also the follow through of Archbishop Pinder's directive to develop “a culture of preparedness”.

The Archdiocesan Hurricane Preparedness and Relief Committee was appointed by Archbishop Pinder on September 9, 2004 , after hurricane Frances caught many parish communities unprepared for the hurricane season.

A number of points of actions was proposed for implementation during the workshop.
( Bahama Catholic )