Carlisle “Pyiko” Williams from MVO to act
Carlisle “Pyiko” Williams
On June 1, 2017, the Governor’s Office issued a press release which, information, observations and comments on which reached TMR before we accessed it, relating to what was merely termed as ‘Transfer of Director Disaster Management Co-Ordination Agency (DMCA).’
The release stated that, “In response to a recent indication from the Director of the Disaster Management Co-ordination Agency (DMCA) that, as a result of some internal challenges being experienced within the Agency, adequate preparedness and response by the DMCA to a disaster or emergency could not be ensured and following a request made by the Director, Her Excellency the Governor, Elizabeth Carriere, has authorised some temporary changes in senior management at the DMCA.”
Over the several years of the Director’s tenure, there has been reports and rumours over several changes in senior personel and the operations at the Agency.
The first observation seemed obvious, especially in light of two of the actions stated to be taken upon the transfer which was effective the said day of the release.
These steps numbered 2 and 5 are:
- A full functional, management and operational review of DMCA will commence as soon as expertise is in place to undertake this.
- Mr Darroux will be temporarily transferred on a disaster management-related assignment on which he will report to the Governor while keeping the Acting Director informed.
The release continued: “Acting in cooperation with the Acting Deputy Governor, she has taken the following steps:
- Mr Carlisle “Pyiko” Williams will be temporarily transferred from his position at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory to the position of Acting Director DMCA beginning on 1 June, for the duration of the hurricane season in the first instance.
- A full functional, management and operational review of DMCA will commence as soon as expertise is in place to undertake this.
- Extra management support to the Acting Director and staff in the DMCA will be provided.
- The Governor and the Acting Deputy Governor will provide continued close oversight and support for the management and operational effectiveness of the DMCA
- Mr Darroux will be temporarily transferred on a disaster management-related assignment on which he will report to the Governor while keeping the Acting Director informed.
- This temporary transfer will begin on 1 June and continue until such time as longer-term transfer arrangements can be effected.
Billy Darroux
On the day when the hurricane season begins, the release ended with the note adding to the questions, observations and doubts of the information: “With 1st June being the official start of the hurricane season, it is Her Excellency’s view that these temporary changes would ensure effective management and operation of the DMCA and to reassure the public that Montserrat is entering the hurricane season with its primary disaster preparedness and response agency able to carry out its mandate fully and that the associated risk reduction measures are in place.
