The National Emergency Advisory Committee (NEAC) convened an emergency meeting on Thursday night in response to the developing situation involving the imminent eruption of the La Soufriere Volcano in neighbouring St Vincent and Grenadines.
The almost 2-hour long meeting heard presentations/comments from the Minister with Responsibility for Disaster Management Sen. Winston Garraway. He updated the meeting on bilateral discussion held on Thursday between Prime Ministers Dr Keith Mitchell of Grenada and Dr Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines. The Chief Medical officer spoke on the Covid 19 protocols to be applied in this situation; the Commissioner of Police on Security issues; St George’s University on accommodation of possible evacuees. Other stakeholders contributed to the meeting on the possible alternative options for housing through the shelter committee and the entry and processing protocols that will be given in this situation.
The major recommendations proposed from the meeting are:
- All incoming persons will go through the quarantine screening protocols as directed by the Ministry of Health
- The National Disaster Management Agency mandated to lead and coordinate the opening and management of shelters.
The meeting which was attended by over 40 sector representatives, considered the major challenges that can be posed and proposed the best practices, as we prepare to lend a hand to our northerly neighbours.
Other government ministers also in attendance were ministers Nicholas Steele and Kindra Mathurine–Stewart.
More information will be forthcoming on Friday, after Minister Garraway consults with the government team and the subsequent hosting of a press briefing, which will detail the country’s national response to the possible disastrous situation in neighbouring St Vincent and the Grenadines.
NaDMA, the official source for all disaster-related information in Grenada.
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