By *Dr. Rose-Ann Smith
I want to start by stating that I am a Vincentian living in Jamaica and I hold a PhD in Geography. I lecture at the University of the West Indies in several courses, including disaster risk management. I am also a consultant that has contributed to or led several projects in the area of disaster risk management and climate change adaptation. I was the lead consultant for the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), charged with applying the Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Tool in several Caribbean islands. As much as I do not normally feel it necessary to publicise my credentials, I see this as a necessary preface to content of this article so that what follows will not be viewed as a political tactic but rather a perspective grounded in years of research and experience in a relevant field.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is currently faced with multiple stresses, including COVID-19 and a recent surge in the number of dengue cases. These epidemiological challenges are compounded by the imminent threat of an effusive volcano, which has significant potential to affect lives and livelihoods. This presents a very unique set of challenges as any action for preparedness and response must not only seek to manage these stresses individually, but also collectively. We must also contend with the fact that we are confronted with constraints imposed by limited human and financial resources. It is a difficult challenge for any government or people, but we are a resilient nation. I am confident we will be able to conquer this challenge if we capitalise on our strengths, address our weaknesses and explore the opportunities for transformation and change. In light of the prevailing circumstances, I will continue this article by offering some advice and suggestions to key stakeholders.
- Let us continue to lift the nation before God. We have called the country to one day of prayer and fasting in the past even when we were faced with less stresses. Let us do it again! We must not forget God as a Christian people and country. However, we have learnt that even as we seek God’s face for direction, it is pertinent that we put measures in place to address the issues at hand as we often acknowledge that faith without works is dead.
- A critical component of DRM is risk communication. We have to understand our people and our context and ensure that we find efficient and effective strategies to communicate our risk and valuable information. I have seen how false information can spread quickly on social media, but at times this is due to the fact that the truth is not forthcoming, has shortcomings or is simply just slow in coming.
Let us consider and apply the different methods that we can use to communicate. We can rely on our GIS experts to develop interactive maps and dashboards that provide daily updates to the people on different platforms, including social media; but we have to also recognise the different levels of literacy within the country, access to resources and age groups among other things. Accordingly, we need to engage multiple ways of communicating information. At this point, all radio stations, newspapers, TV stations, social media (FB, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn etc), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), bill boards, town criers, telecommunications networks such as Digicel and Flow who are able to send quick alerts and even regional radio stations should be involved in this FIGHT.
On the night of the Jan. 16, 2021, we saw some residents participating in a hasty south bound exodus. It was the first time many had witnessed the upwelling of hot magma, which ignited the dark skies as it gets closer to rim of the crater. They PANICKED! Reports from the UWI Seismic Centre indicate that this volcanic activity has been occurring throughout the day but is more visible at night because of the dark skies. If anything, this tells us that it is not a time to pull each other down with derogatory words alluding to stupidity, as I have seen some do, but to recognise that some may not be as privileged to access and understand certain information and further, to recognise that, amidst all that has been done through NEMO and the UWI Seismic Centre, more needs to be done in relation to clear, understandable and effective information. I personally think that this was a good opportunity to send out a broadcast SMS message, to utilise other media platforms to disseminate relevant information.
We must consider the significance of multiple methods of communication and also recognise the weaknesses in each. For examples, not everyone can read with understanding; not everyone has access to radio and television or even a cellular phone and, at times, the radio station they are tuned into may be on another island. I remembered years ago while doing my PhD research following Hurricane Tomas, I learnt that several persons in the Fancy community never heeded the warning because they never received it. They were tuned into the St. Lucia’s radio station whose signal, they picked up clearer. While much has changed since the last eruption, which occurred about 40 years ago, glaring gaps still exist in our communicative reach. More careful attention must, therefore, be directed at building knowledge on the nuances of information pipelines accessed and utilised by the population.
It is necessary even as we communicate to ensure that it is not one off and that it is hitting the airwaves at the same time each day. If, for example, we are using radio or TV, persons must be aware of a specific point in time when they would be updated.
I am also making an appeal for more press conferences. There are a lot of questions that the public has that the press can find a way to capture and get the answers from those in authority. We have not been seeing or hearing from some of the very key officials. Part of doing a press conference is to appease the heart of a people who are panicking and show us that amidst the turmoil, even without all the answers, you are standing with us, doing all that you can and, trying multiple things even as you gain more knowledge. Most of all, it gives answers to the many questions that that the Vincentian public have in light of the multiple stresses we face. Let us endeavour to do more in this area.
- I want to touch briefly on evacuation. I would wish to say more on this, but I have not yet accessed the evacuation plan or learnt of its elements. I have heard Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves mention its existence, but like many others, we are left wondering about the details. Not everyone will be able to pick up an evacuation plan and understand it, but with a volcano that can go off at any time, this is the time to educate the public about the details of the plan. We have no time to lose. We should have already been aware of several things:
Where to move to once the evacuation order is issued? Where are the evacuation points? How do we get there? This information must be given in accordance with where you are coming from. I am aware that some of the very high-risk areas on the Windward side do not have adequate transportation system, particularly Fancy. Therefore, we need to consider this. Have we sought to assess the assets within each community? How may persons have vehicles and boats and who will be willing to assist in the movement of people especially in light of COVID-19? How have we been appealing to these persons?
How can we ensure that the evacuation process is so smooth that there is no traffic jam or other challenges that may slow down movement? How about persons like farmers who might be in the field at the time the order is given? What should they do immediately after getting that SMS? I am hoping here that they do carry a cell phone but, if not, there are also new challenges to address. The town crier might be useful here.
What about families with disabled, sick and elderlies; how are they incorporated in the evacuation plan? In all of this, we want to also understand how Covid-19 is addressed in the plan. I pray and hope that we do not have to go through such an eruption but should it take place, it is necessary that the public understands ALL information now.
Apart from the need for us to continue to pray and fast, I have focused my attention on communication and evacuation in this article as I believe these are critical at this time. However, even as we move forward, I wish to leave with you this SWOT analysis based on some cursory observations. The list is not exhaustive, but it is to tickle our minds that even as we continue to fight the three-headed monster before us, we must recognise our strengths, acknowledge our weaknesses and seek out opportunities amidst the threats we face.
Biography
*Dr. Rose-Ann Smith is a lecturer at the Department of Geography and Geology at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Jamaica where she lectures in several courses including disaster management. Her PhD research examined vulnerability to climate change and climate variability in St. Vincent. Her research interests include disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and sustainable livelihoods. While her research/consultations have occurred within the Caribbean including Jamaica, St. Vincent, Guyana, BVI and Antigua and Barbuda, several has been funded by international organisations including the World Bank and The United Nation Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). She was the lead consultant for the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) with the responsibility of applying the Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) audit tool, which identifies the strengths and weaknesses in CDM in different Caribbean islands.
The opinions presented in this content belong to the author and may not necessarily reflect the perspectives or editorial stance of iWitness News. Opinion pieces can be submitted to [email protected].
This is wonderfully said with such professionalism and obvious belief in our God. Thank you. I hope this gets to all the people who need to see and act on it
Thank you for your advise we really need person like you to deal with situation like this
Very practical and doable. Excellent presentation
After all that preamble I was expecting something more
It is a breeze in a bottle to hear an openly honest and neutrally balanced assessment of the state of crises management here in SVG. As a citizen with the dread “underlying conditions” it has been easy to feel that you are in the minority of the general population who leadership doesn’t value because “most people don’t get really sick” ..because they are young and strong. Similarly, there must be hundreds of Vincentians who also feel utterly vulnerable, indigent and marginalized by evolving national policies as regards the handling of the potential volcanic eruptions. I am convinced that these double whammy crises facing SVG requires governance that aims to make decisions not just to always make itself look good and perfect but which will indicate to residents that their wellbeing is the most important basis for making decisions.
Well why didn’t you SMH offer “something more”… it’s more than what has been offered by the relevant authorities in terms of an actual plan of action. Shake my head at you…
Very significant observation by Dr. Smith.
I share her concerns about definitive plans for an evacuation by several modes of transportation, as well as identifying and preparing shelters including sanitization for covid and fumigation against dengue.
This is not a scenario for divisiveness, but one that begs for national unity and action. All Vincentians are at risk in one way or another facing this 3-headed monster.
I am also happy that there are persons outside of the danger zone (both domestically and in the diaspora) who are ready to respond and assist. Blessings on you all.
Donald De Riggs.
Thank you Dr. Smith.
I agree completely with your comments and your SWOT Analysis of the situation here in our blessed land.
Might I further stress the importance of DAILY PRESS CONFERENCES with our own experts. The ‘reach’ of the few press conferences that I have listened appear to be phenomenal.
So …
1. DAILY Press conferences (updates) on the current situation.
Objectives: To provide a platform where the population can be given relevant and timely information.
2. The format of these briefings/updates should cater for question time that is relevant and substantive. Now is NOT the time to dissect opinions! The FACTS ARE – WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER AND IF NOT CONTROLLED PROPERLY, EVERY PERSON IS LIKELY TO DIE PREMATURELY.
3. REPETITION AIDS RETENTION> We have experts here. Let them talk. Dr. Keizer – Beache is one such brilliant expert but so too is MS. Forbes or her designate, Mr. Samuel or his designate, others in their fields of speciality. We need to see a more co-ordianted effort as we face an uncertain future.
4. With all due respect, give this nation a ‘together now’ approach.
5. There is a vast untapped resource – THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION. No need to reinvent the wheel. Field Officers are aware of the constituents within the various communities that they serve. Give them ‘ammunition’ with which to work. Give them the existing plans. Better yet, sit down with them and let them tell ‘you’ what they know and how to get to the people… especially within the rural communities.
6. Our people are in ‘deep danger’. My heart bleed again for our nation. WE CAN DO THIS. WE CAN TAKE CARE OF OUR SELVES IN SOME UNIQUE WAYS BUT WITHOUT PROPER DIRECTION WE WILL ALL SUFFER UNNECESSARILY.
7. There is NO MORE TIME TO WASTE. I am calling on all politicians (Opposition and the government to co-ordinate your calls); talk show hosts; bloggers; persons in general to please put your differences aside and lets DO THIS. WE HAVE TO HELP EACH OTHER. WE MUST.
Dr. Doris D Charles
Retired Diplomat
Vincentian to my core!
… Another thing, there are retired Principals of schools and other professionals who I am sure are willing to assist on the ground as Persons in Charge of Evacuation Centres.
I call on the relevant authorities to PUBLISH THE PLANS THAT CURRENTLY EXIST!
I know that these will be up for criticism but use the ‘comments’ to reshape the current trend of thought. Criticisms are meant to expose what exist and if rightly repositioned, they can be used with excellent results. I don’t mind criticism at all. I understand the world around me much better. Critics gave us ‘food for thought’. Of course some criticisms have to be adjusted in our minds to get the best of what persons are saying/writing.
The diaspora
This is another vast untapped resource. Some years ago as I understood it then, there was an attempt to match ‘skills to needs’ through a project organised by the International Organisation for Migration and executed by the Regional Integration Disapora Unit. Is it that information exist about our overseas experts especially in the field of medicine who might be able to engage in Zoom Meetings and lend support to our medical staff here on the ground? Maybe this was considered already and if so, forget what I have just written.
What about persons like Dr. Andrew Simmons or others within the field of Community Development who might be contacted as consultants? Have we reached out to him and others within the diaspora? They know the terrain of this country.
Where can all retired persons lend support in terms of becoming involved in a “Think Tank” ? A support structure for our young professionals? Will they listen to the older heads in this country?
How many more persons have to die before there is an OPERATIONAL PLAN TO SAVE LIVES?
IT IS HURTING ME TO SEE OUR PEOPLE NOT YET FULLY ORGANISED. WE HAVE EXPERTS, WE HAVE LIMITED RESOURCES BUT WE HAVE TO GRASP MORE FULLY THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION.
COME ON VINCENTIANS, UP WITH THE OPERATIONAL PLANS…
Dr. Doris D Charles
Its me again …
PLAN AND EXECUTION OF PLAN
Phase One (Zoom meetings)
Phase Two (OPERATIONAL PLAN DISSEMINATED TO HEADS OF COMMITTEES)
Phase Three (EXECUTION OF PLAN)
Via Zoom, issue a call to all Vincentians here at home and in the diaspora.
Just a snippet of what I have in mind…
Ministry of Agriculture
Monday: Retired persons to join with current heads of departments/senior officers within the field of Agriculture/animal husbandry/ fish, other seafood and meat production to offer their advice to the current Ministry of Agriculture. What advice? Advice on :
– post eruption agricultural replanting of crops/animal reproduction etc…
– general food safety and security policy both current and ongoing aspects. Where is the food security policy mentioned in the news in March 2020?
– All aspects of agricultural production and animal husbandry within zones
– The management of mangroves etc
Grenadines Affairs
Zoom Meeting
– Special policy for the care of these smaller islands
– Get a consultation via Zoom
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tuesday:
Zoom Meeting
– Discussion with the various overseas Missions on how best they are to function with regards to our foreign policy initiatives
– Interface with local government and other experts here as to what exactly they ‘bring to the table’ from countries that are deep in COVID related issues.
– For consideration is this: should they be allowed to function as they are? What aspects of their roles have to be revisited? Staff arrangements/ staff emoluments/a cut in staff or what? The implications for the best practices on country representation that sort of thing
The Ministry of National Mobilisation, Social Development, Local Government, Gender Affairs, Family Affairs, Housing and Informal Settlement
Wednesday:
Zoom meeting
– Discussions with (retired and current serving officers) field officers, social workers, local government personnel, family life practitioners, family law – lawyers; housing officers especially those assigned to informal settlements
– What to discuss? How to mobilise our nationals/how to care fully to retirees/the vulnerable persons across this blessed land – in zones/utitilse the expertise of Community Development Officers who know the areas and persons
– Issues that touch and concern gender/mental health/abuse of persons generally and so on
– Issues about the family and where and how families live/get our trained counsellors involved – even those assigned to schools – we trained them and now they owe their existence to this country (don’t get me wrong, I am just saying that even those who are in private practice should consider to be part of this process of consulting and giving guidance to others)
Its a TOGETHER NOW agenda. We are one people regardless to the colour of our eyes. My eyes are brown and I see them reflected in my Dad’s eyes. I am yet to find out the colour of my mother’s eyes.
Now, if all or some of the above have been done, then ignore me.
Dr. Doris Charles
Hello Dr Smith and Dr Charles, both provide excellent comment! I’m a Vincentian living in the UK and an HR professional. Firstly, I’m my experience those most concerned and moved by any situation are those who should be involved in the solution, whether within the system or not. Obviously better if endorsed by the system. However even if outside the system there are things ‘WE’ all can do individually or collectively.
My husband and I pray for St Vincent regularly, so we would be interested in getting involved in a National Day of prayer although daily consistent prayer is needed at this time.
Also, I would encourage you both to use the power of social media and your contacts on the ground in St Vincent to put your plans as much as you can into action especially around communications.
LSL