“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION
(NEMO) FOR APRIL 2003 TO MARCH 2004, BELMOPAN, BELIZE CENTRAL AMERICA
INTRODUCTION
1.
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) experienced a very
eventful year even though there were virtually no major incidents necessitating its responses. The
most significant events that affected NEMO throughout this period under review were the
National and Municipal elections that were held on March 5, 2003; after which a new Minister
was appointed with the responsibility for Disaster Preparedness. The Rt. Hon. George Price, the
Father of the Nation and the founder of NEMO retired from active politics. The Hon. Sylvia
Flores, Minister of Defence and NEMO took over for eleven months and after a Cabinet
“Realignment” handed over to the Hon. Godfrey Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Defence
and NEMO. The National Emergency Coordinator (NEC), Mr. Anthony Sylvestre, who is
credited with being the first NEC and for the development of the NEMO Secretariat to a fulltime agency, was elevated to the post of Chief Executive Officer and then to Chairman of the
Public Services Commission. He was succeeded by his former deputy, BG (ret’d) Earl Arthurs.
2.
On October 6, 2003, and after eighteen months of waiting, the NEMO Secretariat finally
moved into their new and spacious purpose built headquarters. This was marked with a gigantic
Inauguration Ceremony attended by over six hundred official guests followed by a Regional
Conference attended by thirty-five (35) participants from the Caribbean and Central American
regions. Both activities were fully funded by the British High Commission in Belize. The NEMO
Headquarters also houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Defence and NEMO in addition to the
NEMO Secretariat with their operational areas.
3.
The NEMO Secretariat continues to build on the successes of the past by maintaining the
partnerships with the Public Service, the Non Government Organizations (NGOs), the Private
Organization (POs), Regional and International Organizations. We have established a new
partnership with the Louisiana Army and Air National Guard who has a wealth of experience in
Emergency Management as they are also responsible for the Emergency Operations Centre in the
State of Louisiana, USA. Our partnership with CDERA continues to bear fruits as we complete
the first year of the Caribbean Hazard and Mitigation Project (CHAMP); took receipt of a Search
and Rescue Vehicle and benefited from numerous workshops, seminars and meetings. The
highlight of our partnerships for this period was the Allied Forces Exercise in Panama which is
annually sponsored by the United States Southern Command in March. FAHUM 2004 as it is
dubbed, enabled a delegation of seventeen (17) Belizean to exercise along with over four
hundred (400) participants from the Caribbean, Central America, and the United States.
AIM
4.
The aim of this report is to highlight the activities of the National Emergency
Management Organization for the period of April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2004 and make
recommendations.
VISION
5.
NEMO’s vision is to develop a society that is fully prepared and can respond
effectively to the impacts of both natural and technological hazards utilizing the
comprehensive disaster management principles adopted by CDERA.
1
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
MISSION
6.
The National Emergency Management Organization, in cooperation with the
respective emergency management committees, and all public and private agencies, is
established to preserve life and property in the event of an emergency, threatened or real,
and to mitigate the impact on the country and its people.
ROLES AND FUNCTIONS
7.
The roles and functions of the National Emergency Management Organization are laid
down in the Disaster Preparedness and Response Act, Chapter 145 of the Substantive Laws of
Belize, Revised Edition 2000. NEMO is the agency mandated by law for “…the mitigation of,
preparedness for, response to, recovery from emergencies and disasters in Belize”. NEMO
functions at three levels (National, District and Village), and operates from a standardized format
of written hazard plans and standard operating procedures. At Annex A is the Organizational
Structure of NEMO.
8.
The NEMO Secretariat is the operational arm of NEMO and is staffed by sixteen officers
including the eight (8) District Coordinators and a Warehouse Manager. In addition, there are
two Warehouse Guards and a “Part-Time” Coordinator who are not yet on staff. At Annex B is
the Organizational Chart for the NEMO Secretariat.
9.
The NEMO Secretariat has two roles: Crisis and Non Crisis. When an emergency is
anticipated it provides the nucleus for the National Emergency Operations Centre in Belmopan
and an Operations Officer for each of the nine District/Special Emergency Operations Centers
countrywide. During non-crisis periods the Secretariat is responsible for training, organizing,
coordinating and motivating all stakeholders and operators from all sectors. It is also responsible
for soliciting assistance from local, regional and international organizations for the advancement
of emergency management in Belize.
INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING
10.
A number of consultancies have been completed or near completion over the last year.
The three Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Consultancies are part of the “Intuitional
Strengthening of NEMO” that was approved in 1999 as a part of the US $33 million Loan
Agreement between the CDB, IDB and the Government of Belize. The CHAMP Consultancy
was sponsored by CDERA through the CDB and CIDA (Canadian International Development
Agency). The Mitch + 5 Consultancy were sponsored by the UNDP for CEPREDENAC (the
Central American Disaster Prevention Agency). The present status of the consultancies are as
follows:
a.
Disaster Specialist. The National Disaster Plans and Standard Operating
Procedures are now completed along with policy documents for Relief Supply
Management, etc. (see Annex F). The plans and procedures are lodged with the
NEMO Secretariat who has programmed a “Table Top Exercise” for May 2004 to
test them prior to submission to Cabinet for their approval and support. The
Disaster Specialist, Dr. Barbara Carby, completed her twelve months assignment
in August 2003 and submitted her final documents in February 2004.
2
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
b.
Telecommunication. The Telecommunications Consultancy is now virtually
completed with the study, manual and draft plan which has been accepted. The
final Telecommunications Plan is awaited at this time.
c.
Hazard Mitigation. The final draft of the Hazard Mitigation policy document has
been completed after a national consultation and much tweaking. The Policy
Development Committee and regulatory agencies will have a final review of the
Policy document prior to its submission to Cabinet. The next step is the drafting
of the Hazard Mitigation Plan for Belize which should commence in May 2004.
d.
Oversight Consultant. An Oversight Consultant was contracted by IDB to oversee
all the IDB consultancies in order to ensure that the consultancies were in
accordance with ‘best practice’ and confirm with regional and international
standards.
e.
Mitch + 5. The Mitch + 5 study was completed by the consultant and submitted to
CEPREDENAC in November 2003. The study, which was funded by UNDP,
highlighted all the enhancements and improvements in disaster management
throughout the Central American region with special emphasis on the countries
that were affected by Hurricane Mitch in 1998 discussing their advancements
over the last five (5) years. It also made recommendations and stressed positive
case studies throughout the region.
f.
Geospatial Database. A Geospatial Consultancy has been contracted out through a
collaboration between CDERA and CDB and will cover selected Caribbean
countries; including Belize and in accordance with our Hazard Mitigation
Planning Consultancy. The consultant, which conducted her first two workshops
in March and April 2004, will provide a needs assessment report and a data
collection strategy in order to develop a common digital database for use in
Hazard Mapping and Vulnerability Assessment.
11.
In support of the recommendations from various consultants, the GOB has responded
positively by recruiting additional staff and provided adequate funding for the operations of the
Secretariat and the training of staff and emergency operators countrywide.
INFRASTRUCTURAL ENHANCEMENTS
12.
There are a number of infrastructural enhancements that are notable of mention during
the period under review, however, the four areas that will be covered are:
a.
The NEMO Headquarters. The NEMO Headquarters was occupied on October 6,
2003 after about nine months of delay. This delay may be attributed to a number
of factors that includes “change orders” and concerns about the roof. The building
is currently under a one year warranty by the contractor and has certified it to an
“acceptable standard” by the Chief Engineer in the Ministry of Works who is also
the Project Engineer. In addition to the mahogany doors that have all shrunk and
need to be sealed, there are five areas that need to be finalized:
(1)
The servicing and maintenance contract for the central air condition
system. The central air condition system was installed by a sub-contractor
who was replaced by “Bowman Electrical Engineering firm” a few months
3
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
prior to the handing over of the building in October 2003. The system is
under warranty for one year however, the preventive maintenance
schedule has not implemented since the servicing contract is outstanding.
The project office has been requested repeatedly to identify a suitable firm
and inform the NEMO Secretariat on the government’s responsibility for
payment etc.
b.
(2)
The servicing and maintenance contract for the stand by generator. The
stand by generator was procured and installed by the said Bowman firm.
Again, no maintenance contract has been initiated after five months of use.
The project office has been requested for guidance as per the air condition
system above. The plans, manuals etc. for both systems have not yet been
handed over to the NEMO Secretariat.
(3)
A glass partition for closing off the Kitchen and Dining areas. On
November 2000 when the floor plans for the NEMO Headquarters were
accepted by the NEMO Secretariat, it was approved with the addition of a
glass partition and door to seal off the kitchen and dining room areas in
order to contain the smell of food from the remainder of the building. This
has not yet been installed and is needed.
(4)
A shutter for closing off the office area after working hours. A transparent
glass shutter to close off the upstairs offices was also added on to the floor
plans in 2000 but has not yet materialized. This is also needed to ensure
that office equipment etc. can be secured after working hours whilst the
Training and operational areas of the building are being utilized.
(5)
The installation of the name on the tower and front entrance of the
building. It was agreed that the name of the building (NEMO
Headquarters) would be placed on two sides of the water tower and at the
front entrance. This is still outstanding at this time. The project Office has
been informed and has scheduled a meeting for April 14, 2004 in order to
finalize all outstanding arrangements with the contractor.
District (Regional) Hurricane Shelters. Three Regional Shelters in the University
of Belize Complex and one in the Belmopan Comprehensive High School
compound were completed during 2003 for the Cayo District (The Cayo District
is the main “catchment’s area for evacuees from the low lying areas and the off
shore cayes.). An auditorium is currently being tendered out to be constructed in
the Belmopan Comprehensive High School compound for later in 2004. District
shelters are under construction in the following areas and are scheduled for
completion by December 2004:
(1)
Corozal District. An eight-room two-storey classroom building is under
construction as part of the Escuela Mexico High School complex.
(2)
Orange Walk District. A multi-purpose gymnasium is under construction
as part of the Orange Walk Technical College complex.
4
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
(3)
Stann Creek District An eight-room two-storey classroom building is
under construction as part of the “ANRI” (Agriculture and Natural
Resource Institute), formally Lynam College.
(4)
Toledo District. The construction of an eight-room two-storey classroom
building is expected to commence by the end of May 2004. This will form
part of the University of Belize, Toledo Campus.
c.
The Retrofitting Project. This project is presently winding down after the
retrofitting of one hundred and sixty two (162) hurricane shelters countrywide. A
further eight is nearing completion in southern Belize and there are six shelters
still outstanding in the Cayo district. This will make a total of one hundred and
seventy six (176) shelters completed out of a possible two hundred (200). The
shortfall resulted from a lack of finances due to increased cost of repairs. Three
hundred and fifty shelters were inspected in 1999 of which two hundred and fifty
were identified for retrofitting. The deterioration of the structures over the past
four years, compounded by inflation reduced this number to two hundred.
d.
The NEMO Warehouse. The NEMO warehouse is located in Ladyville Village in
the Belize District. It was first used in 2000 in the aftermath of Hurricane Keith
that devastated San Pedro Ambergris and northern Belize. The NEMO warehouse
was completely retrofitted at a cost of over US $200,000.00 and was handed over
on Saturday 22 November 2003 by the United States Ambassador to Belize, Mr.
Russell Freeman. The funds for the refurbishment were provided by US
SOUTHCOM through the US Embassy in Belize. The works were done by a local
contractor and supervised by Mr. Wayne McDuffie from the US Embassy.
KIT AND EQUIPMENT
13.
The NEMO Secretariat received most of the furniture, kit and equipment for the new
building; however, there are some problems that are being rectified and equipment still
outstanding. Most of the office, operational, training, conference and dining room furniture were
produced locally from mahogany. Items such as Executive Chairs, Metal Lockers etc. were
imported. The current state is as follows:
a.
Furniture. All the local furniture have been purchased and installed, however, the
two conference tables have started to crack due to shrinkage. One has already
been repaired and the other is still outstanding. The imported furniture, which
includes Executive Chairs and Filing Cabinet have not yet arrived. They should
be installed by April 30. 2004.
b.
The Commercial Stove and Freezers. All the kitchen and dining room equipment
and furniture have been received. The Commercial Stove and Tank have recently
been received and awaiting installation. This should be installed by April 30.
2004.
c.
The Audio Visual. The Audio Visual system has been contracted out and should
arrive and installed by the end of April/early May 2004. It is hoped that
installation will be completed by mid May 2004 in order to coincide with the third
Annual NEMO Regional Disaster Management Conference. This conference is
5
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
sponsored by the US SOUTHCOM and will take place in the NEMO Training
Room during the last week in May 2004.
d.
Telecommunication Equipment. The Telecommunications Consultancy is
completed and has been accepted. The contracts have been signed and works have
commenced in the construction of towers on Baldy Beacon hill (Mountain Pine
Ridge, Cayo District) and in Belmopan inside the NEMO Headquarters
compound. The radios and other equipment have been ordered and should arrive
in May 2004. More on this topic will be discussed in a later paragraph.
e.
Vehicle Fleet. The NEMO Secretariat has a fleet of three vehicles (not including
the one privately owned and used by the NEC). These vehicles are used for
Training and Operations countrywide and for Administrative purposes in and
around Belmopan. The 1998 Jeep Cherokee which has been with the Secretariat
for over five years undertook major repairs during the first quarter of 2003 and is
now in good operating condition. The 2000 Isuzu Crew cab Pickup was serviced
and fitted with new tires during the period under review. The third vehicle is the
Search and Rescue (SAR) 2004 Toyota Crew cab pickup which is still not yet
fully kitted out for SAR operations. This vehicle should be operational by June 1,
2004.
The NEMO Secretariat is fully operational even though all their kit and equipment are
not yet installed. There are contingency plans in place for responding to incidents during this
period whilst kit and equipment are in transit. It is anticipated that all the kit and equipment will
be installed prior to June 1, 2004 for the opening of the Hurricane Season.
14.
PUBLIC EDUCATION, TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS
15.
THE NEMO SECRETARIAT. The NEMO Secretariat, through the NEMO Training
Officer (Major Gilbert Swaso), the Assistant Training Officer and the eight District/Special
Coordinators, have been very active in educating and informing the public and stakeholders in
the art and skill of disaster management. Members of the NEMO Secretariat have taken part on
radio and television programmes in order to update the public on our emergency preparedness
activities. During the first half of the period under review, the Disaster Specialist was in Belize
and conducted six national and district workshops. Some of the activities that need noting are as
follows:
a.
The Hurricane Preparedness Leaflet. The annual preparedness leaflets/flyers with
the Hurricane Tracking Chart as its centerfold were distributed countrywide on
June 1 and September 1, 2003 respectively. Over ten thousand of these flyers
were printed by Print Belize Limited. The leaflets are inserted in the two
newspapers with the widest circulation in Belize and also distributed by the eight
District Coordinators. It can be viewed on the NEMO Web Site:
www.nemo.org.bz. These leaflets give general information to the public on what
to do during a hurricane or flood including the names of hurricanes and the
approved list of Hurricane Shelters countrywide.
b.
EOC Workshops. A number of Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Workshops
were conducted during the year under review. During the first quarter, the
Disaster Specialist (Dr. Barbara Carby) and the NEMO Secretariat conducted
6
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
EOC training at the National level in Belmopan for operators in the NEOC. EOC
training for the nine District Emergency Committees were also conducted by Dr.
Carby and the NEMO Training Team in four regional areas (Orange Walk,
Independence, Belmopan and Belize City). The aim of the aforementioned
workshops was to agree on a standardized format for the Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs) for EOCs at the National and District levels. The Training
Officer, supported by the District Coordinators conducted a one day workshop in
each of the nine District/Special Emergency Committee areas. This was followed,
in the second quarter, by a “Table Top” Exercise in each of the nine locations by
the NEMO Training Officer. The District Coordinators conducted Village EOC
training for select villages in their areas of responsibility.
c.
Shelter Management. During the first quarter, Shelter Management
Training was conducted by the NEMO Training Officer in each of the nine
District/Special Emergency Committee areas, primarily for Teachers who are
employed in buildings that were selected as Hurricane Shelters. Shelter
Management Training was also conducted by the District Coordinators within
their respective districts. The NEMO Training Officer also conducted special
training for the BDF who are assigned by Cabinet as Shelter Managers
countrywide. The BDF now has its own Training Officer in the person of Major
Shelton Defour and is capable of undertaking its own Shelter Management
training.
d.
e.
Visits to schools and businesses. One of the projects that were expanded in 2003
was the visits to schools, businesses and other institutions with interests in
emergency management. Some of the activities that were carried out were:
(1)
Presentation by the NEMO Secretariat to the Rotary Club of Belize, The
Wesley Methodist Men’s Fellowship, the Mayors Association, the
University of Belize (management and staff), the Peace Corps, and the
Annual Red Cross Conference in Dangriga.
(2)
The District Coordinators conducted numerous visits to schools within
their area of responsibility. This commenced on June 1 annually during the
“Emergency Awareness Week” and continues throughout the hurricane
season. District Coordinators also met with stakeholders in the districts in
order to sensitize and update them on disaster management in general and
the activities of NEMO in particular.
(3)
The ten National Operational Committees (Chaired by CEOs or Head of
Departments) met with stakeholders countrywide to negotiate MOUs and
to agree on fees, quantity etc. The Transport, Food, Evacuation and
Utilities Committees were instrumental in this venture.
Training of Public Officers. Public Officers are the nuts and bolts of NEMO’s
execution plan. Therefore, training was conducted for them at the National,
District and Village levels. At the National level, the Disaster Specialist met on
numerous occasions with the ten Ministry Liaison Officers from the Operational
Committees of NEMO in order to update and standardize their Operational Plans.
7
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
The NEMO Secretariat made presentations to new inductees during their
induction training in Belmopan and Belize City.
f.
Training of BDF. The BDF support NEMO in nearly every operational committee
with a representative as their liaison officer. However, they are specifically
responsible for: Search and Rescue, Communications, and Shelter Management at
the National and District levels. Training for BDF in disaster management is done
locally by the BDF (Maj. Defour a former NEMO Training Officer who has
returned to the BDF); they are also invited to all NEMO training activities and
special Shelter Management training workshops. A workshop was conducted in
October 2003 for all Volunteer Officers and NCOs.
g.
The New School Curriculum. With funding from UNICEF and support from the
Ministry of Education, a number of projects for school children are in progress.
The Ministry of Education has included “Disaster Management” in its curriculum
at the junior school and High school levels. The University of Belize has also
included it in one of its Social Studies Programme. Games, workbook and posters
are some of the projects that are presently being adopted from a regional
programme funded by the UNICEF.
16.
THE BELIZE RED CROSS SOCIETY. The Belize Red Cross Society is presently our
foremost partner in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. They have been very
aggressive in the development of the “culture of disaster management” in Belize which has
helped to influence the government in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch. Their assistance on the
various committees during the planning process and operationally during the three hurricanes
and two tropical storms over the past five and a half years is testament of their sterling
performance. All of their disaster management programmes are done in support of and in
accordance with NEMO’s strategic plan of action. Their involvement in NEMO during 2003 are
as follows:
a.
NEMO. The President of the Belize Red Cross Society sits on the national
committee of NEMO and advises the Prime Minister, the chairman of NEMO.
b.
Foreign Assistance Committee. They have a representative that sits on the Foreign
Assistance Committee which meets monthly during the hurricane season. The
Belize Red Cross Society has proven in the past that they are capable of soliciting,
distributing and accounting for suppliers on behalf of NEMO.
c.
Relief and Supplies Committee, The Red Cross has two representatives in the
Housing and Shelter Committee. They were instrumental in the upgrading of the
plans and guiding the committee to be one of the most responsive operational
committees in NEMO.
d.
Medical Committee. They are actively involved in the Medical and Relief
Measures Committee and also provide First Aid coverage for a number of
Hurricane Shelters countrywide.
e.
Housing and Shelter. The Belize Red Cross Society is a member of the National
Housing and Shelter Committee. They provide wardens to work along with the
8
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
BDF in a number of selected shelters. Their District Headquarters in Belmopan
and San Ignacio have also been assigned as Hurricane Shelters.
f.
Information, Communications and Warning Committee. A representative also sits
on this committee which has the responsibility for Public Education. The Red
Cross contributes by circulating Disaster Preparedness Posters countrywide and
publishing a Family Disaster Preparedness Manual for sale to the public for a
nominal fee.
g.
Preparedness Projects. Over the last four years, the Red Cross has been very
active in rural Belize with “Community Disaster Preparedness” training. They
have also adopted selected villages in all parts of the country to assist in the
development of Village Disaster Management Plans and even Family Plans.
These plans and procedures were developed using the present NEMO
standardized format and in consultation with the NEMO Training Officer. For
these ventures they have actively solicited funding from the UN Agencies,
USAID and several other donors. The three main projects that are currently being
conducted are:
(1)
Community Disaster Preparedness. Along with the NEMO Training
Officer and using the CDERA guidelines, they have developed a
Community Disaster Preparedness training package that has been used
successfully in villages in the northern, central and southern districts.
(2)
Development of Family Plans. The development of Family Plans was
foremost on the Red Cross agenda and they have completed workshops
and distributed draft family plans to a number of families countrywide.
(3)
Development of Village Plans. The Red Cross has assisted in the
development of written Village plans in a number of villages including:
San Roman, Douglas, San Pedrito, Hopkins and Silk Grass villages.
17.
REGIONAL TRAINING. Regional Training Workshops and Exercises were conducted
by a number of regional agencies during this period under review. The most noted are
highlighted below:
a.
b.
CDERA. The CDERA Coordinating Unit has been very helpful in organizing
meetings, workshops and seminars within the Caribbean and in Belize. Some of
the most important of these that Belize participated in are as follows:
(1)
CDERA Pre Board and Board Meeting in Montserrat, Management
Training for National Disaster Coordinators in Barbados, Management
Training for Deputy National Coordinators in Montserrat, Regional EOC
& Early Warning Workshop in Barbados, etc.
(2)
CDERA’S collaboration on Hazard Mitigation, Search & Rescue Early
Warning and other institutional strengthening topics.
CEPREDNAC. Belize’s Prime Minister (Hon. Said Musa) held the Presidency of
SICA, which is the Central American Integration System, for six months during
the period under review. A concerted effort was made during this period to move
Belize from “Observer Status” to that of a member. However, Belize has still not
9
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
moved to the next level and is still an observer. Nevertheless, Belize has taken
part in a number of activities in Central America which was sponsored by
CEPREDENAC. The Executive Secretary of CEPREDNAC visited Belize in
September 2003 and again in November 2003 for the Inauguration of the NEMO
Headquarters. Belize also participated in the Mitch + 5 which were held in
Honduras during December 2003. The Training Officer attended an EOC
management workshop in Guatemala City in December 2003.
c.
Plan Pueblo Panama. A MOU has been drafted and submitted for signing by
Ambassador Figueroa. Both the NEMO Secretariat and the Office of the Solicitor
General have submitted their recommendations which have been incorporated in
the final draft.
d.
The Barbados Plan of Action. The Deputy NEC attended the meeting of the
Barbados Plan of Action which was held in Belize City on July 25, 2003.
e.
The Mexican Memorandum of Understanding. The Mexican Ambassador to
Belize submitted a draft MOU to the Ministry of Defence and National
Emergency Management for their comments. This document was perused by the
NEMO Secretariat and the Office of the Solicitor General and accepted with
amendments. This was followed by a visit by the Mexican Defence Attaché to
Belize who paid a courtesy call on the NEC and toured the new NEMO facility.
f.
US SOUTHCOM. The US Military Liaison Office and the Embassy of the United
States of America in Belize have been very instrumental in organizing a number
of training, visits and exercises funded by US SOUTHCOM. Some of the
activities completed are as follows:
(1)
Annual NEMO Regional Disaster Conference in Belize on 2 – 6 June
2003 (participants from the Caribbean and Central American region
attended).
(2)
The Deputy and Training Officer from the NEMO Secretariat, along with
two other Belizeans attended an International Workshop on Emergency
Response (IWER) focusing on First Responders to Hazardous Materials
and Collapse Structures in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA in April 2003.
(3)
The Training Officer attended an Emergency Operations Centre Training
in Guatemala City, Guatemala in December 2003.
(4)
The NEC attended a Regional Disaster Conference at the Inter-American
Defence College in Washington D. C. in December 2003.
(5)
Seventeen Belizeans attended FAHUM 2004 in Panama City, Panama for
10 days in March 2004. FAHUM 2004 was a Command Post Exercise
during which Caribbean, Central American, USA and other
Regional/International organizations partook.
(6)
A VIP visit to Louisiana State Emergency Operations Centre by the Chief
Executive Officer, National Emergency Coordinator and four other
officials in March 2004.
10
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
18.
INTERNATIONAL TRAINING. There were a number of offers for international training
and workshops; however, none was accepted during the period under review. The European
Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) sponsored an in country workshop
for Damage Assessment in March 2004, but it was later postponed for June 2004.
THE NATIONAL AWARDS SCHEME
19.
The Cabinet approved a National Awards Scheme for Emergency operators and
supporters in September 2003. The Cabinet commissioned the award as “The George Price
Emergency Management Award”. It was agreed that an annual awards presentation will be
done during the last week in November to honour individuals and organizations for their
outstanding support to emergency management in Belize. There are two types of awards in two
categories: The Lifetime Award “Plaque” for individuals or Organizations and The Certificate of
Appreciation for individuals or groups. The names and dates of the Awardees are posted on an
Awards Board (Roll of Honour) in the NEMO Headquarters.
20.
The first recipients for the George Price Emergency Management Award for 2003
were as follows:
a.
b.
Lifetime Award - Individual.
(1)
Mrs. Audrey Courtenay – Former Executive Director of the Red Cross,
Retired Matron and presently the Chairperson for the Red Cross Disaster
Management Committee.
(2)
Mr. Carlos Fuller – The Chief Meteorologist who has served in that post
for over 14 years and sits on the National Information, Communications
and Warning Committee.
Lifetime Award – Organization.
(1)
The Belize Red Cross Society – The Belize Red Cross Society has been
synonymous with disaster management in Belize for decades and has fostered a
good partnership with the NEMO Secretariat over the last six years.
c.
Certificate of Appreciation - Individual. The nine individuals who were
selected for the Certificate of Appreciation are as follows:
(1)
Mr. James Janmohammad - Presently the Operations Officer and has
served during Hurricanes Mitch (1998), Keith 2000 and Iris 2001. He is a
Businessman.
(2)
Ms. Anita Zetina – A senior Public Officer who has recently been elevated
to the Post of Chief Executive Officer. Over the last six years, three
hurricanes and two tropical storms, she has been responsible for the
SUMA system in Belize. She has designed and managed the Relief
Supplies system, and, by virtue of her new post, is now the Chairperson of
the National Relief Supplies Committee. She is also a core committee
member of the Mitigation Committee.
(3)
Mr. Daniel Silva – A retired Minister of Government who chaired the
Cayo District Committee for four years. He is currently the (Volunteer)
chairperson for the Housing and Shelter Committee. He was responsible
11
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
for establishing a District Emergency Fund which received donations from
several businesses.
d.
(4)
Mr. Oscar Reyes – A District Education Officer who was active in the
southern district in the aftermath of Hurricane Iris. He is currently the
Chairman of the Stann Creek District Information, Communication and
Warning Committee.
(5)
Ms. Patty Arceo – A retired politician who was Chairperson for the San
Pedro Emergency Committee during Hurricanes Mitch, Keith and Iris
when the islands of San Pedro Ambergris and Caye Caulker had to be
evacuated. She is presently a community activist.
(6)
Mr. Richard Merril – A prominent media personality who has supported
NEMO effort during past crisis to transmit information countrywide via
LOVE FM.
(7)
Mr. Reynaldo Burgos – A retired Mayor of Orange Walk who has been at
the forefront of Emergency management for the last six years in the
Orange Walk District. He was instrumental in designing the evacuation
plans for Douglas Village which is evacuated a number of times annually
due to flooding.
(8)
Mr. Maurice Rodgers – A Technical Officer in charge of the Ministry of
Works in the Corozal District and chairs the Housing and Shelter
Committee for the last five years.
(9)
Mr. Bartholomew Yung – A business man who owns a saw-mill in Toledo
District. He was instrumental in the reconstruction efforts in the aftermath
of Hurricane Iris which devastated southern Belize in 2001.
Certificate of Appreciation - Organization. The Cabinet did not grant approval
for any organization to be awarded the Certificate of Appreciation for 2003.
21.
The George Price Emergency Management Award is just one way in which NEMO and
the Government of Belize is able to show appreciation to the public and private sectors for their
support to emergency management in Belize.
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMMES
22.
The NEMO Secretariat was dynamic in forging a number of partnerships with local,
regional and international organizations. This included the CHAMP project which was a tripartite arrangement with CIDA, CDB and CDERA; the Partnership for Peace programme with
the LAANG and US SOUTHCOM; the Schools Disaster Training with the Ministry of
Education and UNICEF; Community Disaster Preparedness Training with USAID and the Belize
Red Cross Society; and the British High Commission and the British Army Civil Affairs Group.
CHAMP. The CHAMP Project is a Caribbean Mitigation Capacity Building Programme which
is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), executed by the
Organization of American States (OAS) and implemented by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency
Response Agency (CDERA). Belize is one of four countries selected to “Pilot” the project that
was launched in December 2002. The National Project Implementation Committee developed a
12
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
Draft Mitigation Policy by mid 2003 and conducted a national consultation in December 2003.
The policy is now completed and will be submitted to Cabinet for approval. The next step will be
the drafting of the National Mitigation Plan.
a.
THE LOUISIANA ARMY & AIR FORCE NATIONAL GUARD (LAANG).
The BDF and LAANG signed a partnership for peace programme in 1995 and
have both benefited greatly from it. In 2002 LAANG provided two facilitators for
the second NEMO Regional Disaster Management Conference in Belize City.
This was followed by visits to Belize by the Adjutant General and representatives
from the Emergency Management Office and Department of Homeland Security
in November 2003 and January 2004. A reciprocal visit was made in March 2004
by the CEO, NEC and staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Defence and
National Emergency Management. NEMO is now forging a new partnership with
the LAANG, building on their successes since 1995 with the BDF.
b.
US SOUTHCOM. The USMLO (LTC David Decker) has done a superb job in
supporting NEMO’s work programme by organizing assistance from US
SOUTHCOM. Belize have benefited from Humanitarian Assistance Programmes,
FAHUM exercises, Disaster Training and visits to USA, Caribbean and Central
America.
c.
BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION. The British High Commissioner in Belize (H.
E. Phillip Priestley) and his staff did a superb job in identifying funding for the
Official Inauguration of the New NEMO Headquarters. They also funded a
Regional EOC workshop in November 2003 (Caribbean/Central America).
d.
RED CROSS. The present partnership with the Belize Red Cross continues to
blossom as discussed in paragraph 16 above.
e.
UNICEF. The partnership between UNICEF, the Ministry of Education and
NEMO has benefited the school children throughout Belize. There are a number
of projects already accepted and awaiting funding.
f.
PAHO. The Pan American Health Organization has supported NEMO through
their partnership with the Ministry of Health. They have assisted with the
development of the Ministry of Health National Disaster Response Plan. PAHO
have sponsored a number of “Health Related” workshops and most recently
funded a Simulation Exercise in Belize City and the three other Regional
Hospitals.
g.
OFDA/USAID. During the period under review, the Belize Red Cross received
funding from USAID to conduct Community Disaster Management Training in
four rural areas. Some of the villages to benefit from this training are: San Pedrito,
Hopkins, Douglas and San Roman. At the conclusion of the training villagers
drafted their Village Emergency Management Plan.
13
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
OUTSTANDING PROJECTS
23.
The NEMO Secretariat has achieved most of the goals set out for 2003. However, the
expectations that after six months in the new NEMO Headquarters, the computer system, Audio
Visual System and Telecommunication Equipment would have been procured and installed have
not been realized. These and some of the other outstanding projects are discussed below:
a.
Computer System. The new computer system has not yet been installed in the
NEMO Headquarters. However, the equipment has been identified, the
Consulting Firm has been contracted and the Tender documents have been lodged
with the IDB. The supplier will shortly be selected and delivery should be
completed by the end of May 2004.
b.
Audio Visual Installation. The Audio Visual Equipment has been contracted out
to a Guatemalan firm (Bears Com) who has also won the tender for supplying the
Telecommunication Equipment. Both should be installed and functioning by mid
may, 2004.
c.
Telecommunications. Bears Com International is presently constructing the two
Radio Towers and is scheduled to procure, install and test the telecommunication
system prior to the next hurricane season which will commence on 1 June 2004.
d.
Activation of Board of Directors. The Disaster Preparedness and Response Act
establish an Advisory Board to oversee the activities of NEMO on an annual
basis. However, this Board has not yet been activated. The NEMO Secretariat will
endeavour to activate this board at the commencement of the 2004 Hurricane
Season.
e.
Membership to CEPREDENAC. The NEMO Secretariat will work with the
Ambassador to Central America (H. E. Mr. Moises Cal) to accede to the
government of Belize’s direction with regards to membership to CEPREDENAC.
f.
The Volunteer Corps. The NEMO Secretariat intends to develop a volunteer corps
in each district/special committee location. A model corps will be developed in
one village in each of the nine NEMO locations by the NEMO District
Coordinators by September 2004. This will them form the nucleus of the NEMO
Volunteer Corps.
FINANCIAL BUDGET
24.
The Financial Budget for FY 2003/2004 was $455,983.00 Recurrent and $40,000.00
Capital II. However, this was supplemented by six workshops that was funded by the IDB and
facilitated by the Disaster Specialist; three workshops funded by CDERA through the CHAMP
Project; two workshops funded by US SOUTHCOM; one Regional Workshop funded by the
British High Commission; and the purchase of one Search and Rescue Vehicle, a Lap Top
Computer and a Satellite Phone through the CDERA’S LSAR project.
a.
RECURRENT. The Government of Belize honoured its manifesto promise to
Public Officers by granting the first of three pay increases. All junior officers
received 8% whilst senior officers received 5% increases. The recurrent budget
14
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
remained the same with the exception of Personal Emoluments for the approved
vacancies that were filled.
b.
CAPITAL II. The Capital Budget, which was for Training and Exercises
countrywide, was reduced by $20,000.00 (from $60k to $40k).
CHALLENGES
25.
The NEMO Secretariat will have to address a number of challenges in the future. With
the ownership of a new headquarters, kit, equipment and additional staff along with an active
work programme, there will be a need for additional budget. The three vehicles along with busy
schedule have already dictated the need for a full time driver/messenger. With the fusing of
ministries after the realignment in February 2004, the NEMO Secretariat has lost the dedicated
use of their Administrative Officer who is now employed in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Defence and National Emergency Management as their Administrative Officer.
a.
Reduced Training Budget. The Training budget for FY 2004/2005 has again being
reduced to only $13,200,00 which is less than a quarter of the required sum. Many
of the other sub heads were also reduced from last year’s budget. The challenge
here is to solicit funding from our partners locally, regionally and internationally
in order to realize NEMO’s Work Programme for 2004/2005.
b.
Driver. A driver was requested for this financial year but was not approved. The
NEMO Secretariat is looking at the possibility of receiving a form of short term
support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Emergency
Management.
c.
Admin Officer. The loss of the Administrative and Programme Officer has been
hard on the NEMO Secretariat. Even though she is working for the ministry, the
secretariat needs the Admin Officer within, on a daily basis to perform the duties
specified. It is hoped that an officer will be assigned shortly. The duties are
presently shared between a number of officers including the Executive Secretary,
Training Officer and Deputy.
FUTURE PROJECTS
26.
The NEMO Secretariat has designed a work programme for 2004/2005 along with a
forecast of events. It has also drafted a Strategic five year plan for the NEMO Secretariat.
a.
NEMO’s Work Programme. Attached at Annex C is the Work Programme for
2004/2005 which is self-explanatory.
b.
NEMO’s Forecast of Events. Attached at Annex D is the Forecast of Events for
the NEMO Secretariat for the period of January 2004 to December 2005.
c.
NEMO’s Five-Year Plan. The NEMO five-year Plan is attached at Annex E.
RECOMMENDATIONS
27.
In order for the NEMO Secretariat to fulfill its work programme at Annex C it will have
to identify alternative funding for training and conducting exercises during 2004. It will also
need to acquire additional staff and resources to compliment those provided by government. The
recommendations, therefore, are as follows:
15
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
a.
Identify funding for the Training Plan. The NEMO Secretariat will need to solicit
assistance for Medical and Public Health activities from PAHO; Community
Disaster related Activities from OFDA/USAID (supported by the Red Cross);
Exercises from IDB, CDB, CDERA, US SOUTHCOM and British High
Commission. Assistance will be sought locally from Businesses, NGOs and other
Private Organizations.
b.
Acquire a Driver, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Defence and National
Emergency Management will be requested to provide a Driver on loan for the
NEMO Secretariat whenever necessary. Attempts will be made to train current
staff to acquire a valid driver’s license.
c.
Acquire an Administrative Officer or Administrative Assistance. The post of
Administrative Officer needs to be filled. However the posting of an
Administrative Assistant in lieu of the Administrative Officer would be an initial
step towards resolving the requirement for a person to do the Administration and
Programmes in the NEMO Secretariat.
CONCLUSIONS
28.
In conclusion, NEMO has continued its planned progression over the last year. The
Institutional Strengthening portion of the Hurricane Rehabilitation and Preparedness Project
along with the Retrofitting of Shelters has now been completed. The construction of District
Shelters will be completed shortly. Continuous training of staff and Emergency operators will
continue along with the development of written hazard plans at the National, district and village
levels. The establishment of a Volunteer Corps will provide additional support for our
emergency operators countrywide as we continue to work with the BDF, Police and Public
Officers. More emphasis will be placed on training the trainer workshops and Table Top
exercises in order to multiply our efforts and continually test the present system.
29.
As we consolidate in the new NEMO Headquarters and is fully kitted out with new
equipment, furniture, plans and SOPs, we continue to embrace the Comprehensive Disaster
Management principles that is advocated by CDERA. While our main concerns continue to be
hurricane preparedness, we will aggressively follow the CDM principles and improve our
capacity to manage other hazards.
30.
The strength of NEMO will continue to be the cohesion of the emergency operators at the
three levels of operation (National, District and Village). The achievement of the mission,
“…preserving life and property…” will continue to be our main focus.
PREPARED BY:
THE NEMO SECRETARIAT
NEMO HEADQUARTERS
BELMOPAN, BELIZE, C. A.
15 April 2004
16
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
ANNEXES:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF NEMO
THE NEMO SECRETARIAT
NEMO WORK PROGRAM FOR 2004 – 2005
NEMO SECRETARIAT’S FORCAST OF EVENTS FOR 2004
NEMO FIVE-YEAR WORK PLAN FOR 2004 - 2009
F.
LIST OF EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY PLANS/GUIDELINES
17
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
ANNEX A
THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF NEMO
Executive Level
Prime Minister
Cabinet
Cabinet
Secretary
NEMO Secretariat
National Level
NEICWC
NMCPHC
NDANAC
NFAC
NHSC
NSAREC
NTRAN
SPORTC
District Level
NRUAC
NMEC
NRSMC
NRC
NHRMC
9 X District Emergency
Committees &
DEICW
Sub
DMCPH
Sub
DHS
Sub
DSARE
Sub
DRUAC
Sub
DRSM
Sub
Committee
Committee
Committee
Committee
Committee
Committee
DDANA
Sub
DFA
Sub
DTRANS
PORT
Sub
DME
Sub
DHRM
Sub
Committee
Committee
DR
Sub
Committee
Committee
Committee
Committee
Village Level
Village Emergency Committees
Shelter
Food
Medical
Committee
Committee
Committee
Information
Communication
& Warning
Committee
18
SAR &
Evacuation
Committee
Transport
Committee
Damage
Assessment
Committee
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
ANNEX B
THE NEMO SECRETARIAT
Gen. Earl Arthurs
National Emergency
Coordinator
As of
April, 2004
Ms. Greta Mossiah
Executive Secretary
Mr. George Hanson
Deputy Coordinator
Ms. Delvorine August
Office Assistant
Ms. Dona Mas
Prog. Mgr/Admin
Maj. Gilbert Swaso
Training Officer
Leandro Quichan
Accounts Clerk
Mr. Brian Flowers
Warehouse Mgr
Mr. Leopold Wade
Warehouse Guard
Mr. Santiago Acosta Sr.
Deputy Trg Offr
Mr. Sydney Noralez
Warehouse Guard
DISTRICT COORDINATORS
Ms. Elsa Vasquez
Cayo District
Mrs. Eleanor Alvarez
Belize District
Mr. Joseito Lopez
Corozal District
Mrs. Netty Johnson
Orange Walk District
Mr. John Suazo
Stann Creek District
Mr. Amelio Cal
Belmopan/Cayo South
Ms. Timrose Augustine
Toledo District
Mr. James Janmohammad
San Pedro/Caye Caulker
19
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
ANNEX C
NEMO’S WORK PROGRAMME - 2004-2005
Ser.
Programme
Area
Activities
Strategies to be used
Indicators of
Success
Time Frame
Budget/
Resources
1.
Institutional
Strengthening
Review/Develop
District Hazard
Plans and SOPs
Consultation with
Chairpersons for the
District & Operational
Committees
District Disaster
Plans completed
February to
June 2004
Governmen
t of Belize
2.
Institutional
Strengthening
Review final Draft
for National
Emergency
Communication
Plan
Consultant/NEMO
Secretariat conduct
Consultation with
Stakeholders
Review
completed
2nd. Quarter
2004
IDB Loan
Agreement
3.
Institutional
Strengthening
Review and
Practice
Emergency
Communications
Plan
National and District
Training and Exercises
Emergency
Communication
s Plan Tested
2nd Quarter
2004
IDB Loan
Agreement
Governmen
t of Belize
4.
Institutional
Strengthening
Develop
Mitigation Plan
Consultant, Mitigation
Committee, Group
consultation
National
Mitigation Plan
completed
4th Quarter
2004 to 2005
CHAMP/C
DB/
CDERA
5.
Preparedness
Increase Damage
Assessment
capacity
Training of National
and District Committees
Ten teams
trained
countrywide
1st Quarter to
3rd Quarter
2004
ECLAC
and
Governmen
t of Belize
6.
Preparedness
Improve EOC
Management at the
National Level
Review SOPs and Train
EOC Staff at the
National Level.
Tabletop Ex.
completed
2nd Quarter
2004
Governmen
t of Belize
7.
Preparedness
Improve
Command and
Control
Training Officer
Workshop/Tabletop
Exercise for Liaison
Officers
Train 50 Liaison
Officers at
National Level
2nd Quarter
2004
Governmen
t of Belize
8.
Preparedness
Increase Shelter
Management
Capacity
District Coordinators
workshops for public
officers and volunteers
600 more
trained Shelter
Managers
3rd Quarter
2004
Governmen
t of Belize
9.
Preparedness
Improve
Operational
Capacity
Training Officer
workshops for
Emergency Operations
Centre operators
30 trained EOC
Operators
4th Quarter
2004
Governmen
t of Belize
20
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
10.
Preparedness
Improve Logistic
Capacity
Training Officer
Warehouse
Management
workshops
35 Warehouse
Managers trained
in all 9
District/Special
Committees
3rd Quarter
2004
Government
of Belize
11.
Institutional
Strengthening
Develop Recovery
Policy and Plans
Recovery
Committee
National
Recovery Plans
Completed
By 4th
Quarter
2004
Government
of Belize
12
Institutional
Strengthening
Develop Command
and Control Policy
at the Incident
Scene
LANG Training for
SARE Committee
Policy
Completed
By 4th
Quarter
2004
LANG and
US Govt.
13.
Institutional
Strengthening
Third Annual
NEMO Regional
Disaster
Management
Conference
LANG/NEMO
Training Officer
Incident Command
Workshop
35 Participants
from 21
countries trained
in Incident
Command
May 24 to
28, 2004
US
SOUTHCO
M
Government
of Belize
14.
Institutional
Strengthening
National Disaster
Audit
British Civil
Affairs Group
supported by BDF
All NEMO
Committees
audited at the
National &
District levels
October
2004
(3 weeks)
British Civil
Affairs
Group
Government
of Belize
16.
Institutional
Strengthening
Construction of a
NEMO Warehouse
in Belmopan
USMLO/National
Guards Engineer
Teams supported
by BDF
Warehouse
completed
September
/ October
2004
US
SOUTHCO
M
Government
of Belize
17.
Preparedness
Establish a
Volunteer Corps
unit in each District
location
NEMO Training
Officer/District
Coordinators
At least one
model unit
established in a
village in each
district
By 4th
Quarter
2004
Government
of Belize
18.
Preparedness
BDF Shelter
Management
Workshop
NEMO Training
Officer
Train 35 BDF
Instructors
June 2004
BDF (GOB)
19.
Preparedness
Community
Disaster
Preparedness
Training
Red Cross, NEMO
Secretariat
200 villages
complete written
Hazard Plans
By 4th
Quarter
2004
USAID,
OFDA,
GOB
20.
Preparedness
Computer Training
Consultant
25 operators
trained at Basic,
Intermediate &
Advance levels
Between
June and
September
2004
IDB/CDB/G
OB Loan
Agreement
21
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
ANNEX D
NEMO SECRETARIAT’S FORECAST OF EVENTS FOR 2004
5 January 2004 (updated 23 March 2004)
DATE
EVENTS
ACTION
REMARKS
LANG Visit, Planning
Conference for
Third Annual NEMO
Conference
Training Officer
Programme of Events Fwd to
USMLO by 15 Dec 03
12 – 28
National Hazard & Mitigation
Project (NHMP) Public
Consultation on Policy
document
Deputy Coordinator
All Districts to include Belmopan
& San Pedro Ambergris
28
NEMO Planning Conference
Training Officer
All District Coordinators to attend
Disaster Preparedness Workshop
Training Officer
Police Academy (2-3 PM)
11
Meeting with Ministry Liaison
Officers
Deputy/Training
Officer
District Coordinators to attend
24
EOC Workshop
Deputy/Training
Officer
National Committees L. Os
Main Reconnaissance for
National Simulation Conference
NEC/Training Officer
TBC by Civil Affairs Group UK.
Introduction to Hazard
Mitigation Planning
Deputy
CDERA (Eleanor Jones and Pieter
De Jong)
29
Hazard Mapping and
Vulnerability Prioritization
Workshop
Deputy
CDERA (Dr. David Smith)
11
Emergency Operations Center
Workshop
Deputy/Training
Officer
Liaison Officers National
Operations Committees
16 – 27
FAHUM
Training/Admin Officer
23 – 26
FAHUM, Distinguished Visitors
Programme
Admin Officer
NEC/CBDF to attend
24
CDREA Hazard Data Collection
CDREA Consultant
Deputy/ Head, Lands Information
Centre (LIC) assisting
April
Coordinating Conference
National Emergency
Coordinator
District Coordinators/ Warehouse
Manager to attend
January
13 – 16
February
5–6
28 Feb – 9
Mar
March
2–4
6
22
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
7
Tele - conference
NEC/Training Officer
TBC
NEC Visit CONRED
Headquarters, Guatemala
Admin Officer
TBC
Emergency Communication
Workshop and Table Top
Exercise
Training Officer
Liaise with Tele-Communications
Consultant
16
Revision of Final Draft of
NHMP
Deputy & Core Project
Development
Committee
Final Revision of NHMP prior to
submission
19-22
Geo-spatial Training, Trinidad
Deputy/Head, LIC
Two Belizean sent to Trinidad for
training
21
Emergency Operations Center
Table top Exercise
Training Officer
Liaison Officers, National
Operations Committees
22
NEC and Team visit Toledo
Emergency Committee
NEC, Deputy and
Training Officer
Deputy coordinates with members.
District Coordinators to organize
23
NEC and Team visit Stann
Creek Emergency Committee
NEC, Deputy and
Training Officer
District Coordinators to organize
27 – 28
Damage Assessment Workshop
ECLAC/ Training
Officer
National Committee
representatives to attend
May
Inspection and Certification of
Shelters completed.
Operations
Officer/LOHSC
List of all shelters submitted to
the Secretariat for approval
2–8
Regional Humanitarian
Assistance & Natural Disaster
Workshop
Admin Officer/Training
Officer
Miami, Florida – Training Officer
to attend
2–8
Collapse Structure Rescue
Workshop
Training Officer/Admin
Officer
District Coordinator Cayo and
BDF Officer to attend
3
NEMO Secretariat’s Monthly
Conference
Deputy
District Coordinators and
Warehouse Manager to attend
4 –7
Oil Spill Rapid Ecological
Assessment Workshop &
Stakeholders visit
Deputy/ Department of
the Environment
Stakeholders Training on 5 May
5-7
CIDA Consultant Visit
Deputy/Core PDC
Interview of PDC on CHAMP
progress in Belize
7
Complete Revision of Hazard
Plans
District Coordinators
Using New Template
7
Hazard Mapping Training
Report
Consultant/ Deputy
Development of Training Report
1
23
USMLO’S Office
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
11
NEC and Team visit Corozal and
Orange Walk Emergency
Committees
NEC, Deputy and
Training Officer
Deputy coordinates with members.
District Coordinators to organize
12
NEC and Team visit Belize City
and Belize District Emergency
Committees
NEC, Deputy and
Training Officer
District Coordinators to organize
13
NEC and Team visit Belmopan
and San Ignacio Emergency
Committee
NEC, Deputy and
Training Officer
District Coordinator to organize
15 – 16
NEMO Static Display at the
National Agricultural and Trade
Show
Assistant Training
Officer/Belmopan
Coordinator
Concept to be submitted for
approval by April 15
17 – 21
CDERA Board Meeting
NEC/Executive
Secretary
NEC to attend
19
Inaugural Meeting of the Hazard
Mitigation Planning Committee
NEC/Deputy
Formation of Hazard Plan
Committee
24 - 28
Third Annual NEMO
Conference - Incident Scene
Command Management
NEC/Training Officer
Liaison with USMLO
21 Regional Participants
24 – 29
Caribbean and Central America
Flood & storm Damage
Reduction Seminar
Participant TBC
Liaison with USMLO
Vicksburg, Mississippi
30 May – 5
June
National Emergency Awareness
Week
Deputy, Training.
Officer, District
Coordinators
Sensitization of Disasters to
coincide with the Opening of the
2004 Hurricane Season
June
Damage Assessment Training
Workshop
ECLAC/ Training
Officer
National Committee
representatives to attend
2
Launching of the Hurricane
Preparedness Leaflet
Training Officer/
Government Press
Office
10,000 copies to be printed by 15th
May
8–9
Train the Trainer Workshop
Training Officer
All District Coordinators
21
Finalization of Digital Database
for Hazard Maps
Deputy/LIC/Consultant
Finalize Digital data Base for
Hazard Mapping
25
CDERA Council Meeting
NEC/CEO
Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Defence & National Emergency
Management
TBC
Planning Conference, Louisiana
NEC/Training Officer
Liaison with USMLO
1–2
24
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
Production of Final Country Report
(Hazard Map Production for Belize
City, San Pedro and Caye Caulker
Consultant/ Deputy/LIC
Liaison with CDERA Consultant
TBC
Warehouse Management
Workshop
Warehouse
Manager/Training
Officer
35 Participants from the 9 District
Committees (including the 8
District Coordinators)
August
Inspection and Certification
completed, List of Certified
Shelters Submitted
Housing & Shelter
Committee, District
Coordinator
Updated Shelter List to be
published
30 – 03 Sept
State Partnership Programme
Planning Conference
NEC, Deputy &
Training Officer
Venue to be confirmed
31
Submission - Proposals/Projects
for 2005 Budget
All
Construction of NEMO
Warehouse in Belmopan
NEC/USMLO
July
19
5
10 – 21
10th St. George’s Caye Day, 21st
Independence Day
National Celebrations
23 – 30
To be funded by the US
SOUTHCOM Humanitarian
Assistance Programme
Community Disaster
Preparedness
District Coordinators
Partnership with Belize Red Cross
Society
National Preparedness Audit
Exercise
Training Officer
Supported by British Civil Affairs
Group and BHC
TBC
Ceremony for Annual George
Price Emergency Management
Award
NEC/Deputy/Training
Officer
Cabinet Secretary to assist with
nominations to Cabinet
30
Official end of Hurricane season
All
TBC
Regional Planning Conference
NEC/Training Officer
TBC
NEMO Secretariat Christmas
Party
All
15 Dec.
2004-15 Jan.
2005
Xmas Break
ALL
October
16 Oct – 13
Nov
November
December
Louisiana, supported by USMLO/
US SOUTHCOM
District Coordinators Meet on the first Tuesday of every month in Belmopan unless otherwise directed. Meetings
will include sessions to enhance Coordinators capacity.
25
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
ANNEX E
NEMO FIVE-YEAR WORK PLAN, 2004-2008
Ser
Programme Area
1.
Activities
Strategies to be used
Institutional
Strengthening
Review/Develop
Contingency
Plans and SOPs
Training Officer,
District
Coordinators
Group Consultation
Districts /
Special
Committees
Disaster Plan
completed
February
– May
2004
GOB
2.
Institutional
Strengthening
Assess/Practice
Communications
Plan
Consultant/Trainin
g Officer and
District
Committees
Emergency
Communications
Plan Tested
May –
July 2004
IDB & GOB
Loan
Agreement
3.
Institutional
Strengthening
EOC Equipment
installed in
Building
Contractor
Consultant
Equipment
installed and
Tested
May –
July 2004
CDB, IDB &
GOB Loan
Agreement
4.
Institutional
Strengthening
Develop
Mitigation Plan
CHAMP Group
consultation and
Cabinet’s Approval
National
Mitigation Plan
completed
4th Quarter
2004 to
2007
CDERA/CIDA
& GOB
5.
Preparedness
Increase Shelter
capacity
Contractor
Construction of 4
Regional Shelters
Construction
completed
2nd
Quarter
2004 to
2nd
Quarter
2005
CDB, IDB &
GOB Loan
Agreement
6.
Institutional
Strengthening
Construction of a
Warehouse in
Belmopan
USMLO/National
Guards Engineer
Teams supported
by BDF
Warehouse
completed in
Belmopan
September
/ October
2004
US
SOUTHCOM
Government of
Belize
7.
Preparedness
Improve
Command and
Control
District
Coordinators Train
Councilors for 200
Villages
Train at least 3
Councilors in
each village
2nd
Quarter
2004 to 1st
Quarter
2005
GOB
8.
Preparedness
Increase Shelter
Management
Capacity
Training Officer
workshops for
BDF Soldiers and
Police
70 Shelter
Managers
trained for
BDF/BPD
1st.
Quarter
2004 to 1st
Quarter
200
Government of
Belize
9.
Preparedness
Improve
Operational
Capacity
Training Officer
workshops for
Emergency
Operations Centre
operators
Train all Liaison
Officer/ Support
Staff and relief
personnel for
NEOC Operators
2nd.
Quarter
2004
Government of
Belize
10.
Preparedness
Improve
Operational
Training FAHUM
Liaison Officer
train at every
2004 to
2008
US
SOUTHCOM
26
Indicators of
Success
Time Frame
Budget/
Resources
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
Operational
Capacity
train at every
level
2008
SOUTHCOM
11.
Preparedness
Improve Logistic
Capacity
Training Officer
Warehouse
Management
workshops
60 Warehouse
Managers trained
in all 9
District/Special
Committees
3rd
Quarter
2005
Government of
Belize
12.
Preparedness
Improve Damage
Assessment
Capacity
Training Officer
DANA Workshops
9 District/Special
Committee
Teams Trained
By 3rd
Quarter
2005
Government of
Belize
13.
Preparedness
Review/Develop
Incident
Command Scene
Management
State Partnership
Programme
Workshop
Trained BDF,
BPD, BERT,
Port Authority,
Fire Service and
NEMO Staff
2nd
Quarter
2004
US
SOUTHCOM
14.
Mitigation
Review/Strength
en Building
Codes
Training of
Engineers Trades
men
Contractor to
ensure
compliance of
the Codes.
2004 to
2008
GOB
15.
Mitigation
Develop Risk
Reduction Plans
Sensitize
population
Via Media and
school
programmes.
Risk Reduction
Curriculum in
schools
2004
to2008
GOB
16.
Preparedness
Family and
Community
Disaster
Planning
District
Coordinators
support by Red
Cross
95 % of villages
completes plans
2004 to
2008
GOB USAID
17.
Mitigation
Develop Hazard
Maps
CHAMP Group
Consultation
Complete
Hazard Mapping
2004 to
2006
GOB and CDB
18.
Preparedness
Construct
Southern
Regional
Warehouse
USMLO/CBDF
NEMO Operations
Officer
Warehouse
completed in
Stann Creek
District
2005 2006
US
SOUTHCOM
GOB
19.
Preparedness
Construct
Northern
Regional
Warehouse
USMLO/CBDF
NEMO Operations
Officer with
Engineer Teams
Warehouse
completed in
Orange Walk
District
2006 2007
US
SOUTHCOM
GOB
20.
Institutional
Strengthening
Develop
Recovery Policy
and Plans
Deputy NEC,
Recovery
Committee
National
Recovery Plans
Completed
By 4th
Quarter
2004
Government of
Belize
27
“DISASTER MANAGEMENT * PRESERVING LIFE AND PROPERTY”
ANNEX E
LIST OF EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY PLANS/GUIDELINES
1.
BASIC NATIONAL DISASTER PLAN
2.
NATIONAL HURRICANE CONTINGENCY PLAN
3.
NATIONAL FLOOD CONTINGENCY PLAN
4.
NATIONAL EVACUATION PLAN
5.
NATIONAL FIRE PLAN
6.
NATIONAL LAND SEARCH AND RESCUE PLAN
7.
NATIONAL RELIEF SUPPLIES MANAGEMENT PLAN
8.
NATIONAL OIL SPILL PLAN
9.
NATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND NEEDS ANALYSIS
10.
NATIONAL STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES MANUAL
11.
NATIONAL TELECOMMINICATIONS PLAN
12.
NATIONAL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE MANAGEMENT
13.
GUIDELINES FOR THE SUSTAINABILITY OF PLANS REVIEW AND TESTING
14.
GUIDELINES FOR SHELTER MANAGEMENT IN BELIZE
15.
GUIDELINES FOR THE SUSTAINABILITY OF NEMO
16.
PROPOSAL FOR ENHANCEMENT OF POLICIES FOR DONATION
17.
PROPOSAL FOR National Telecommunications Manual
18.
DISTRICT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES MANUAL
19.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS MANUAL
20.
STRATEGIC TRAINING PLAN
28