St. Kitts and Nevis
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Saint Kitts and Nevis: Statement made at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (2009)
Official Statement made by Mr. Carl Herbert, National Disaster Coordinator, Saint Kitts and Nevis, at the second session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, June 2009.
HFA National Reports
National Report 2007: 2007 National Report on the Implementation of the HFA (2007) - Saint Kitts and Nevis
National Report 2006: Unreported
National Report 2005: Unreported
National Platform:
Unreported
HFA National Focal Point:
National Emergency Management Agency
PO Box 186, Basseterre, St Kitts
Phone:+869-466-5100
Fax:+869-466-5310
Contact Person:
Carl Herbert, National Disaster Coordinator
E-mail:nemaskb@thecable.net, carlrock@yahoo.com
Alternative contact:
Mr. Perry Peets, Deputy National Disaster Coordinator
E-mail: perrypeets@gmail.com
Other National Focal Point:
National Emergency Office NDMO. Premier's Ministry, Nevis Island Administration
PO Box 280, Main Street, Charlestown, Nevis
Phone:+1-869-469-1423, Fax:+1-869-469-5407
Contact Person:
Lester Blackett, Director - e-mail: odpnevis@yahoo.com
Other contacts:
CDERA Member:
Mr. Carl Herbert, National Disaster Coordinator (Actg). National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
Address: Old Telephone Building, Central Street, Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis
Phone: (869) 466-5100 / 6892, fax: (869) 466-5310; e-mail: nemaskb@caribsurf.com
Country profile:
Name: Saint Kitts and Nevis
Capital: Basseterre
Independence Day: 19 September 1983 (from UK)
Population: 39,349 (July 2007 est.)
Area: 261 sq. km. (Saint Kitts 168 sq km; Nevis 93 sq km)
Density: 149 Inhab/ sq Km
Religions: Anglican, other Protestant, Roman Catholic
Language: English
Ethnics Group: predominantly Black; some British, Portuguese, and Lebanese
Goverment: Constitutional monarchy with Westminster-style parliament
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar
IDH Positión : 49°
Climate: Tropical, tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)
The twin island state of Saint Kitts and Nevis is susceptible to hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, wind, and storm surge coastal erosion.
The period 1995 to 1999 has been particularly challenging with Hurricanes Luis and Marilyn in 1995, Hurricane Georges in 1998, severe flash flood in 1998 and Hurricanes Jose and Lenny in 1999.
These events have caused serious social and economic disruption.
The National Disaster Mitigation Council was established in 1998/1999 and consists of representatives from the public and private sectors as well as non-governmental and church organizations. The council is chaired by the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister, who reports directly to the Cabinet. The National Emergency Management Agency's Office was established in 1995. A Disaster Management Act (#5/1998) provides the legal framework for emergency management. The current National Disaster Plan was revised in 1999 and provides for the engagement of both public and private, governmental and non-governmental organizations. Community mobilization is organized through district committees. The development of contingency plans at the community level has been ongoing for several years.
In response to the serious damage from Hurricane Georges, a Post Georges Disaster Mitigation Project was undertaken in 2000/2001. Funded by USAID and in part implemented by the OAS Unit for Sustainable Development and Environment, this project resulted in the production of a Natural Hazard Mitigation Policy and Plan, several hazard maps and a shelter manual.
The existing building code addresses seismic risk and was revised in 2000. Enforcement of this code, however, remains a challenge, largely due to a limited number of inspectors.
Public service announcements and media campaigns are used to heighten public awareness on disaster related issues and a number of public education initiatives are taking place. Each year, a major campaign involving street banners, billboards, flyers, announcements and interactive discussions aims at preparing the residents of both islands for the hurricane season.
Progress:
(2005.) (Source: Matrix Final - based on national progress report for the Global Platform):
HFA P1 - Institutional and legal framework:
National disaster mitigation plan and policy document (2001)
Development control and planning act in 2000
Multistakeholder workshop for mainstreaming DRR into development took place in Saint Kitts
HFA P2 - Risk identification and EWS:
Early warning for meteorological events
Seismic Research Unit (SRU)
HFA P3 - Knowledge and education:
Training on shelter management, damage assessment and needs analysis, hazardous materials, mass casualty management and land search and rescue
Public education and awareness via radio, television, print and exhibition
Hazards brochures
Disaster management documentation center
HFA P4 - Risk applications:
N/A
HFA P5 - Preparedness and response:
N/A
Others Documents:
