ALVIN CLARKE, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) co-ordinator for St. Ann, has urged citizens in the parish to be prepared in the event of disasters.
He said persons should not wait until a disaster strikes before they begin to put precautionary measures in place.
Mr. Clarke was speaking at a special service held recently at the Ocho Rios Anglican Church to mark the beginning of the hurricane season from June 1 to November 30. He said that as part of preparations for the season, several zonal committees had been set up in the parish.
In the message read by R.O. Walters, Custos of St. Ann, Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke said Jamaica, because of its geographical location, was prone to different kinds of disasters.
He pointed out that historically, in a single year, "We have suffered from droughts, flood rains and hurricanes, and sometimes we suffer from the effects of several hurricanes in a short period."
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, in his message read by Carol Jackson, Councillor for the Ocho Rios Division, extended gratitude to the many volunteers and organisations working hard to maintain the disaster management programme.
"Your efforts over the years have assisted the ODPEM to discharge its mandate and to ensure that disaster prevention and mitigation remained on the forefront of the minds of the nation," the message said.
Others participating in the service included the Rev. Dr. Benson Headly, pastor for the church and Dorothy Delgado, Secretary/Manager for the St. Ann Parish Council.
