Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Leon Lundy has revealed plans for the establishment of the Disaster Risk Management Authority.
Speaking to staff at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA) Lundy said, “to enhance our efforts in serving the community, NEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Disaster Reconstruction Authority and the Disaster Management Unit are merging to form the Disaster Risk Management Authority. We anticipate this with new office accommodation that will allow a more coordinated and cooperative approach to our plans, activities and functions. Under the new authority, emergency services will be improved to better assist the population with the responses to natural disasters for example, humanitarian relief must meet international standards regarding food and nature, health, water supply, sanitation and shelter. Also highly vulnerable persons such as women, children, disabled persons and older adults will receive better care.”
The Disaster Risk Management Act was debated and passed through Parliament in 2022.
