Nassau, May 5, 2008 (Bahamas Information Services) - The Cabinet Office announced today that following the posting as Consul General to New York of Mr. Carl Smith former interim Head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Commander Stephen Russell of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has assumed the position of interim Head effective Monday, 5 May, 2008.

Commander Russell, who is on loan from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, has previously been involved with the Disaster Relief and Recovery Unit of the Cabinet Office from 1992 to 2001, and served as Deputy Coordinator of the Unit from 1997 to 2001.

During that period he also served on the Board of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA).

The Cabinet Office is ensuring that all appropriate steps are taken to prepare The Bahamas for the onset of the hurricane season which begins on 1 June, 2008 and welcomes the return and able leadership of Commander Russell.