Barbuda gets ready for future hazards

BARBUDA, June 2019 - Being prepared for any disaster during the Atlantic hurrican season is a must and in the Eastern Caribbean region countries and territories have been getting schools and communities ready through a disaster risk reduction programme which includes developing a readiness plan for each school.

Most schools in Antigua and Barbuda have undertaken the programme and students at Holy Trinity Primary School in Barbuda completed  training in May 2019. The children had fun while learning some important lessons. The training is supported by UNICEF, its various partners and governments across the sub region.
 

First responders were on hand to show the students how they could be protected in an emergency, including being ‘rescued’ by fire fighters.

This little girl is starting early!

Several Holy Trinity students seem a little overwhelmed at the prospect of being rescued

“I will definitely help my mummy to prepare for the hurricanes,” says 6-year-old Xavier Morris after the training. His 11-year-old sister Xiomara adds, “We will be start preparing by getting water, food and things to keep us safe.”

One exercise requires the children to prioritise which essentials they need if caught up in a disaster. Xavier Morris (on the left) seems a little unsure

Mum, Omah Morris, says she is better prepared this time. “I am worried about the hurricane season cos during the last hurricane, I thought I was prepared but I wasn’t prepared. But just for my kids I stood up. I will tell them more about hurricanes and I will be there for them.”

Life is returning to normal in Barbuda, though plenty of things still need to be done. Jamaiyah Roberts, 9, is happy to look to the future.  She says, smiling, “I think it’s good that Barbuda is recovering because it’s a place where we all live. And one we love."