Nevis Disaster Management Facility named after former co-ordinator
By St Kitts & Nevis Sun
Tue, 18 Nov 2008, 10:10
Source: http://sunstkitts.com/paper/?asknw=view&asknw=view&sun=494418078207132005&an=141713079311182008&ac=Local
The Nevis Disaster Management Facility at Long Point has a new name.
The Llewellyn Newton Disaster Management Facility was last Thursday unveiled by the Premier of Nevis Joseph Parry and Mary Ourisman, the United States ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.
During the ceremony, Premier Parry reminisced about his role as the first national co-coordinator of disaster preparedness and informed the audience that Newton was his able assistant.
“In those humble days it was just Newton and I who worked without an office, equipment or headquarters. Over the years Newton worked very hard to build a facility on the island of Nevis. He worked with CEDERA, St. Kitts and the regional police forces and organisations. He was not afraid to ask, to seek assistance or beg and now out of these efforts, we have this building opened by the US ambassador today,” Premier Parry said.
The premier also complimented Newton for his hard work and creativity. He also commended his ingenuity when he explained that his former assistant organised mock exercises and other drills imitating what could be potential disasters. He said Newton was always willing to assist with the training of individuals, so they would be ready for action, in case of emergencies.
The 110 x 44 feet structure is a hurricane resistant, steel-framed building that will house the Nevis Disaster Management Department Staff, Emergency Operating Centre and Warehouse.
The cost of the project is in excess of $1.5 million, provided by the US government, while the Nevis Island Administration has provided an additional $1 million to cover mainly external works which include drainage, a parking lot, access roads, fencing security, emergency systems, landscaping and more.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Ourisman pledged the US government’s support and commitment to provide assistance to the island, where needed.