NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Ministry of Disaster Preparedness Management & Reconstruction ended a month-long stint of activities, in worship at Christ Church Cathedral on Sunday, May 30, 2021.

The Ministry had designated May, ‘Disaster Preparedness Month’ under the theme: “We are All NEMA – Stronger Than Ever,” to give focused attention to preparedness and mitigation efforts on the eve of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

The hurricane season officially runs June 1 and ends November 30.  And this year, Meteorological experts are predicting a 60 percent chance of an above-normal number of named storms. A likelihood of 13 to 20 named storms with sustained winds of at least 39 mph.

The Minster of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction the Hon. Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe in her remarks underscored the importance of team effort during any catastrophe.

“The government continues to be committed as we build back better (post hurricane Dorian).  Lives and communities were lost but we continue to rebuild. We are NEMA, stronger than ever,” she said.

Dean of Christ Church Cathedral the Very Rev’d Harry Bain acknowledged the work of the Minister, its agencies – National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA and the Disaster Reconstruction Authority [DRA]), and all other relevant committee members and partners, regarding the work as service to community.  He also urged the community at large, to do their part in being prepared for the impending hurricane season.

Also present were Captain Stephen Russell, Director, NEMA; Kay Forbes-Smith, Managing Director, DRA; Carl Smith, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management & Reconstruction; Gayle Outten-Moncur, Deputy Permanent Secretary, NEMA; Kim Sawyer, Director, Department of Social Services; Trevor Baden, Director, Bahamas Department of Meteorology, and representatives of NEMA’s Emergency Support Function groupings, and partners.