The Hon. Philip Davis, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development, speaks at the opening of NEMA’s 2014 Bahamas National Knowledge Exchange Be Disaster-Aware Conference. (BIS photo/Kristaan Ingraham)

NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Government is reviewing legislation regarding planning, the built environment, and building codes, the Hon. Philip Davis, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development said as he officially opened the 2014 Bahamas National Knowledge Exchange Be Disaster-Aware Conference at Melia Nassau Beach Resort on Tuesday, September 23.

“Government is busy about reducing the risks associated with disasters and providing the framework which cultivates disaster planning through mitigation, preparedness and recovery,” he said.

Other Government initiatives include building and rebuilding sea walls and installation of proper drainage systems, which are also of critical importance for developing communities.

Minister Davis said the construction of the NEMA facility at Gladstone Road is fostering the Government’s long-term goal of building capacity in communities as it relates to disaster preparedness, and poverty alleviation. “Government is considering extending this type facility to some of our major islands so that as leaders of your communities you too can ensure that you are disaster-prepared well-ahead.”

Minister Davis pointed out that Disease Management, Emergency Operations, and Financial Procedures in disaster recovery, Geographical Information Systems, and working with the Media are all essential to the creation of seamless responses to disaster. He said the Government is committed to providing the framework for all of these components to improve response and recovery time by building efficient emergency management capabilities.

“You will recall that legislation was passed in the House of Assembly to create the Bahamas National Geographical Information System Centre. Government is convinced that utilised to its full potential, the expertise derived from this facility will provide the evidence required to sensibly and factually guide your work,” said Minister Davis.

He urged the delegates to interact with their colleagues and counterparts from the Family Islands, experts from the local agencies such as the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, Bahamas Information Services, ZNS, the Pan American Health Organization, and international partners from the Pacific Disaster Centre. “These sessions better prepare our country to face any type of disaster – be it man-made or natural,” he added.

He encouraged the delegates to think outside of the proverbial box in order to cultivate new ideas and strategies that will lead The Bahamas towards more effective and efficient mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery practices.

This is the fourth in a series of conferences. The National Emergency Management Agency is hosting the three-day event. Partners include the United States Embassy, the United States Northern Command, and the Pacific Disaster Center. The theme is “Be Disaster Aware – Building Disaster Resilient Communities”.

Conference sessions included topics such as Ebola, Bahamas Tsunami Response, Building Community, Department of Meteorology, Working with the Media.

Captain Stephen Russell, Director of NEMA, speaks at the 2014 Bahamas National Knowledge Exchange Be Disaster-Aware Conference. (BIS photo/Kristaan Ingraham)