The Valley, May 18, 2005 - Mr Roger Bellers, Disaster Management Adviser for the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID), has taken up a year long posting to Anguilla. 

National Disaster Coordinator of Anguilla (left) Wycliffe Richardson and Roger Bellers (right)

Tasked with advising on the United Kingdom’s approach to disaster management in the Overseas Territories and assisting all the territories to attain appropriate standards of disaster risk reduction, Mr Bellers will offer support and technical assistance to implement the Government of Anguilla’s Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy as recently approved by Executive Council. The strategy calls for the strengthening of the National Disaster Office and for the integration of disaster management into national development planning.

Mr Bellers commented: “Like all societies, Anguilla is threatened by a variety of natural and man-made hazards including, but not limited to, hurricanes. As a small island state it is particularly vulnerable to potential impacts. If prosperity and progress are to be protected, risks must be reduced to acceptable levels and preparedness measures in place for when hazards strike.” 

“I am encouraged that the Government of Anguilla is placing a renewed emphasis on disaster management and I am pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to building Anguilla’s hazard resilience,” Mr Bellers added.

Since his appointment in 2001, Mr Bellers has been stationed in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the British Virgin Islands.

FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr Wycliffe Richardson
Disaster Preparedness Coordinator
National Disaster Organization
P.O. Box 296,
The Valley
Anguilla
Tel: (264) 497-5666/5667
Fax: (264) 497-2378
Email: axaeoc@anguillanet.com