Environment Assessment and Planning Sub-committee (EAP) conducts a refresher session on Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA)

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands, 29 August 2023 – The Ministry of Tourism, under the technical guidance of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), facilitated a half-day “Initial Damage Assessment (IDA)” refresher training on Thursday, 17 August 2023 at the Opus, Ocean Club, Providenciales for the Environment, Assessment and Planning (EAP) sub-committee. The session was the second in a series of focused gatherings that also looked at the logistics for the teams on Providenciales.

The devastation caused by natural disasters in the Turks and Caicos Islands in past years, including the most recent, Hurricane Fiona in September 2022, highlighted the critical need to accurately assess the damage caused by a hazard as well as identify the need for immediate assistance in relief and reconstruction.

Mr. Brian Been, Tourism Risk Manager, opened the session and brought greetings on behalf of the Minister of Tourism and the Committee Chairperson, Mr. Wesley Clerveaux, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism. Ms. Annmarie Campbell, an Initial Damage Assessment (IDA) team member, delivered the invocation. Mr. Kevern A. De Bellott, Hazard Mitigation & GIS Manager, DDME, facilitated the training. Other Ministry of Tourism executive members, including Mr.  Alique Harvey, Communications Intern and Ms. Leandrea Missick, Executive Assistant to the Minister, were on hand; Mrs. Patrina Pollard Harris, Training Officer, also supported the DDME team. There was full participation from the team, and the turnout was a success by the organizers.

In commenting on the event, the Hon. Josephine Connolly stated,’ As Ministry responsible for damage assessment, this session allows participants to sharpen skills and focus on efficiency. We aim to provide rapid response in the execution of damage assessment from a multi-hazard approach. Thanks to the DDME for the continual assistance to the EAP on this initiative.’

The Ministry will conduct other sessions throughout the islands as this will be a regular activity for the EAP. The Ministry encourages persons wanting to become volunteer damage assessors to register interest with the DDME or Ministry.