Safety in homes, on the roads, in the community, the work place, and everywhere else, was the key component of the Eighth Annual All Hazard Risk Reduction & Safety Fair held in Anguilla on Friday, June 24. The theme was “Avoid the Worst, Put Safety First”.
Governor Christina Scott also spoke at the event. She advised members of the public that there was so much that they could do, individually and collectively in their homes and work places, to foster an awareness of safety. She said that safety must always be at the heart of what they do on an everyday basis.
The Governor was pleased with the number of stakeholders who were represented at the various safety booths, and related services, and thanked them for their participation.
Delivering the main address at the event on the Department of Agriculture grounds, Mr. Curtis Richardson, Minister of Infrastructure, said in part: “I would like to encourage individuals to practice a culture of safety in keeping with the old adage ‘prevention is better than cure’. As a result of the significant increase in the vehicular traffic on Anguilla’s roads, drivers are advised to be even more cautious and attentive in their driving habits.”
The Minister went on: “Employers are encouraged to create safe working environments for their workers, thereby contributing to a culture of safety. Preventable accidents not only affect individuals but entire families and communities, both emotionally and financially. It is therefore incumbent on all to adhere to occupational safety standards and obey safety guidelines in the execution of duties and responsibilities.
“As Minister with responsibility for the transport and construction sectors, two of the areas with high incidence of accidents, injuries and deaths, I implore all persons to make safety a priority.”
Other persons who participated in the opening ceremony were Mr. Bankcroft Battick, Chairman of the Essential Services Committee; Mr. David Gumbs, General Manager of ANGLEC and Mr. Worrel Brooks.
Many schoolchildren from The Valley area and outlying districts attended the safety fair.
The event was part of the on-going strategic objectives of the Essential Services Committee of the National Disaster Management Committee, the All Hazard Risk Reduction and Safety Fair and the Anguilla Electricity Company (ANGLEC). The fair provided useful demonstrations and information on workplace safety, personal health, disaster preparedness techniques and mitigation, crime prevention, personal security, laboratory safety, stress management and health screening.
The participating stakeholders were the Water Lab; Department of Health Protection; Ham Radio; the Departments of Fisheries, Environment and Disaster Management; Health and Nutrition Promotion; ANGLEC; Anguilla Red Cross; Anguilla Fire & Rescue Service; Caribbean Eye Care; Health Authority; Viceroy Hotel; Anguilla Water Authority; Delta Petroleum; National Chronic Disease Unit; SOL; Port Security; and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing, Agriculture and Fisheries.
ANGLEC was the platinum sponsor. Other sponsors were Delta Petroleum, Gold Sponsor; SOL and Anguilla Development Corporation Ltd, Silver Sponsors; and NAGICO Insurance Company Ltd and ABC Supplies, Bronze Sponsors.
