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

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, July 31, 2023 – The Ministry of Tourism under the technical guidance of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) facilitated a half-day “Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA)” refresher training on Friday 21 July 2023 at the LIFE Center, Grand Turk for the Environment, Assessment and Planning (EAP) sub-committee.  The session was the first in a series of focused gatherings that also looked at the logistics for the teams from Grand Turk and Salt Cay.

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. Mr. Patrick Jarrett, a member of the DANA team, delivered the invocation. The training was facilitated by Mr. Kevern A. De Bellott, Hazard Mitigation & GIS Manager, DDME. Other members of the Ministry of Tourism executive, including Deputy Secretaries, Mr. Arthur Been and Mr. Ronlee James and Head of Secretariat Mrs. Mellisa Ariza were on hand; the DDME team was also supported by Ms. Kevaun Lucas, Deputy Director and Mr. Gary McLean, Community Preparedness Officer.  There was full participation from the team and the turnout was seen as a success by the organizers. The session was also streamed via Microsoft Teams for those attending in Salt Cay.

In commenting on the event, the Hon. Josephine Connolly stated, ‘This is an excellent example of risk mitigation as my Ministry of Tourism is responsible for the EAP sub-committee, and our focus on efficient damage assessment, while reducing interruptions and returning to normalcy if impacted not only by storms but other hazards. 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.