The 7th Annual All Hazard Risk Reduction and Safety Fair, held on Friday June 19, at the Department of Agriculture grounds, has been a means of alerting the Anguillian public about the need to stay safe from various types of dangers and disasters.
Deputy Governor, Mr. Stanley Reid, who has responsibility for disaster preparedness, stated in part: “This event has been consistently organised with the goal of providing opportunity for members of the general public to better understand the potential dangers of safety hazards that exist, and to explore the complexities and challenges that we face in reducing the risks posed by such hazards.
“This year is aptly captured by the theme: There is no substitute for safety. The organisation of the All Hazard Risk Reduction and Safety Fair is a clear indication that we have expanded our understanding and appreciation of the many hazards that can affect us. We, however, remain keenly aware of the potential for a hurricane event and therefore it is fitting that this Fair occurs during the first month of the hurricane season.”
Mr Reid went on: “We clearly appreciate that natural disasters and accidents are part of life. However, with certain mitigation measures in place, risks can be significantly reduced…”
Minister of Infrastructure, Mr. Curtis Richardson, commended the organisers of the event and urged all persons to be always cognisant of the fact that no matter how much focus is given to mitigating certain circumstances, they must never believe that they have full control of safety issues.
“We can always be on the line of marginalisation and put people’s lives at risk and put ourselves in a position for significant injury,” Mr. Richardson warned.
Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks, focused his listeners’ attention on the importance of having a culture of safety in their homes and business places. “This culture of safety will ensure that there is a safe and wholesome environment for family members, customers and the community at large,” he stated. “While workplace safety and health issues are not a major problem in Anguilla, at this time, I stress this matter now because the Government of Anguilla is committed to ensuring that the workplace remains a safe and healthy environment for all residents to make a livelihood and contribute to national and social development.”
Mr. Banks stressed that “safety is good for business. In fact, protecting workers is simply the right thing to do.”
Other short addresses were delivered by Mr. Bankcroft Battick, Chairman of the Essential Services Committee, who gave the welcome remarks; Mr. Trevor Queeley, of the Anguilla Red Cross, who had a safety message; and Mr. David Gumbs, General Manager of ANGLEC, who declared open the Fair.
Booths at the Fair included the Water Lab, Department of Health Protection; the Departments of Fisheries, Environment and Disaster Management; ANGLEC; Anguilla Fire & Rescue Services; Anguilla Electric Protective; Anguilla Vision Care Center; Viceroy; SOL; Social Security; the Water Corporation; the Ministry of Infrastructure; the Royal Anguilla Police Force; the Anguilla Red Cross; LIME and Dessert Green Organic.
