Get the DDME App encourages Minister, speaks to Improvements in Emergency Management in Budget speech  

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, May 19, 2022 – With 2022 predicted to be an above average year for hurricanes and June 1st only days away the Disaster Management sector is getting a boost in funding and in initiatives this year according to Minister of Immigration Arlington Musgrove.

While Minister Musgrove did not specify the amounts budgeted he revealed that money was budgeted for more Emergency Communications Equipment and Systems, and for every emergency shelter across the TCI to be fitted with its own dedicated Emergency Radio Equipment.  Additionally signage in English, Spanish and French Creole will be erected to help with shelter identification and Tsunami evacuation routes.

Governor Nigel Dakin in a recent hurricane preparedness meeting said he had been advised by experts that “The first national priority beyond immediate action to save life and limb is getting the international airport open to bring in first responders.”

Subsequently the Immigration Minister has revealed plans for securing means of external communication saying the government, “Will be developing long range emergency communications that will allow for communications with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, Neighbouring States and  UK Military Ships via High Frequency (HF) method of communications.”

These efforts will be alongside the DDME ALERT App which was unveiled earlier this year and is also set to be upgraded with Spanish and French Creole added as additional language options.

Minister Musgrove impressed upon residents the importance of downloading the application.

“With this mobile application the DDME can now communicate with every man, woman and child; however, for it to be successful we must all download the app and get onboard, therefore, as citizens of this country, this is when I ask you and the entire TCI to “Pledge to Prepare” for this upcoming Hurricane Season by downloading the app and following the safety tips and alerts that the department will be sending out – it is safety information at your fingertips,” he said.

The DMME Alert App is available for download on both Apple and Android devices for free.