The Anguilla Red Cross Disaster Risk Reduction Programme has [successfully] completed its first phase running from January 2012 through December 2014. During this period the Anguilla Red Cross has engaged in risk reduction activities in three communities, namely Blowing Point, East End and North valley. The activities included working with community members in conducting Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments, supporting the communities in developing community risk reduction plans, trainings, supporting schools in hazards awareness, water safety, and information brochures for Italian and French speaking visitors.
These activities formed part of a wider, regional risk reduction programme intended to strengthen organisational capacities for community engagement, linked to similar initiatives implemented by the Red Cross in all the British Overseas Territories of the Caribbean.
Our communities have a greater awareness and understanding of local hazards, trained community based emergency response teams equipped with skills and knowledge to reduce exposure to risk. The programme has significantly contributed towards making Anguilla’s communities safer, more resourceful and self-reliant in the face of adversity.
The Anguilla Red Cross has also strengthened its Volunteers’ capacity to support a timely response to any major crisis on the island. This first phase of the programme was not without its challenges, but the difference we have made in the lives of our beneficiaries made this phase very rewarding.
The Anguilla Red Cross would like to thank all persons who contributed in making this phase a successful one. Firstly, to our hardworking, dedicated volunteers and the participating communities. Our gratitude is also extended to the staff of the Department of Disaster Management for the overwhelming support and encouragement and for allowing us to work side by side as we seek to create a culture of safety in Anguilla. The Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities & Housing and his team, other stakeholders in particular the dept. of planning, Youth and Culture dept., the Environmental dept., ANGLEC, P.A.V.E, Anguilla National Trust, Citrus, Nation Disaster Management Committee members, elected and non-elected district representatives, media houses and blowing point youth development centre.
The first phase of Anguilla Red Cross Disaster Risk Reduction Programme was supported by DfID and the British Red Cross. The British Red Cross has agreed to support the programme for a further second phase, which will run from January 2015 through to December 2016.
We look forward to your continued support of the Anguilla Red Cross Disaster Programme as we strive to build a safer, more resilient Anguilla; one community, one village one person at a time.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
