It is almost becoming a routine as the announcement came that the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessel Mounts Bay would visit pay a courtesy visit to Montserrat on July 8, 2019 as part of this year’s hurricane season preparations of the UK Government.
This year Commanding Officer, Captain Jeremy MacAnley of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessel Mounts Bay is the man in charge of the Mounts Bay, which last year was under the command of Captain Peter Selby who assured Montserrat that it is capable of giving assistance in hurricane and disaster relief.
The Mounts Bay remains of the lips of many for its lead assistance, rescues and support to Anguilla and British Virgin Islands during the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
So, the new man faced a media cohort that wanted to know how Captain Jeremy McCanley thought he could be even better prepared for Montserrat and other territories should disaster strike. He reported that following a desktop simulation exercise on Monday with key disaster management and security personnel concluded that Montserrat was in a high state of preparedness should there be any eventuality he said the capability and capacity of the Mounts Bay fit seamlessly into the plans and programs of the disaster management Coordination Agency the D.M.C.A. and the other key response agencies on island.
He said: “Following yesterday’s very thorough discussions and exchange of information, I think Montserrat so far as I can tell is very well prepared, probably better prepared than some of the other islands we’ve visited.”
“However,” the captain continued, as he searched for ways to be even better, “the main thing that I am looking for is our ability to seamlessly integrate and support the effort of your DMCA in restoring your communities,” he said.
He said that they now know how our system in Montserrat works. “Your DMCA knows how our ship works and we know where the interface will be. They know what skills we bring, particularly our helicopter, they know we can put plant on the beach, diggers etc, and I have skilled engineers, both civil engineers, electrical engineers, who can come and render assistance and bolster your own island ‘s ability and that’s what we do.”
In the mix of all the discussions, planning and desktop simulation, the ship also conducted a series of training and exercises with the Royal Montserrat Police Service, Royal Montserrat Defence Force and Disaster Management Coordination Agency.
Residents Urged to Make Preparations for 2019 Hurricane Season Now
Meanwhile this week, the New Director of the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) says he is optimistic that residents on island have already started or completed their preparation for the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Major Alvin Ryan is however warning that per adventure there are those who have not done so, and to make haste and bring their preparations to competition
Listen to Director of Disaster Management Coordination Agency, Major Alvin Ryan
See photos of Governor’s reception
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