Students and health and safety authority figures congregated on the Agriculture grounds for the inaugural Health and Safety Expo on Friday 19th April, 2024.
The event, organized by the Department of Disaster Management in collaboration with various sponsors and partners, aimed to raise awareness about health and safety practices while fostering a culture of prevention and preparedness. With engaging presentations, interactive exhibits, and insightful speeches, attendees were equipped with valuable knowledge and resources to prioritize safety in their daily lives.
Upon entering the agriculture grounds, the venue was lined with various tents housing a diverse array of exhibitors, including Anglec, MASA, Maico, CG United, and the Royal Anguilla Police Force, among others. At each tent, students and attendees gathered and were educated on the importance of health and vehicle insurance as well as homeowners insurance in preparation for natural and other disasters. Meanwhile representatives of ANGLEC demonstrated the use and importance of hardhats while working. Other exhibitors also showcased the importance of a healthy diet and the use of life jackets in emergency situations, covering all sides of the health and safety spectrum. Their collective presence highlighted the multi-sectoral commitment to promoting safety awareness and preparedness.
The event officially commenced with a patriotic rendition of Anguilla’s national song by the talented students of the Valley Primary School and the Omolulu International School, setting a tone of unity and national pride.
Among the diverse array of speakers and performers, one message rang clear: the need to prioritize safety and well-being in our communities. Pastor Howard Simon led the gathering in a heartfelt prayer, invoking divine protection and peace amidst the storms of violence and crime that plague our society. “We are safe right now, and we have been safe all the days of our lives because you have kept us safe,” Pastor Simon prayed, his words resonating with hope and faith.
Following the invocation, Ms. Rodina Claudias, Senior Sales Manager at MASA, welcomed attendees and underscored the significance of the expo amidst increasing climate-related challenges. She urged participants, especially youth, to stay informed and take proactive measures to combat rising temperatures and other environmental threats. Her message resonated with the audience, emphasizing the collective responsibility to safeguard health and safety for present and future generations.
The importance of proactive safety measures was further underscored by Deputy Director of Disaster Management, Mr. Trevor Queeley, who echoed a message from the Director of Disaster Management, Susan Hodge. “Hazards are all around us, and we must be conscient of this fact. By extension, safety isn’t just a word we throw around lately. It is a fundamental principle that shapes our lives, our decision, our policies, and actions. Whether it is in our workplace, our homes, or in public spaces, safety is non-negotiable. It is a foundation upon which we build resilient communities capable of understanding any challenge that comes our way.”
He continued, “Safety isn’t just about protocols and procedures. It’s about people, our colleagues, our loved ones, and ourselves. Each decision we make, every precaution we take has potential to safeguard our lives and prevent disasters. In a world where risk and uncertainty are bound, our vigilance must be unwavering.”
Her Excellency, Governor Julia Crouch, then addressed the crowd. She shared personal insights from her experience as a health and safety lawyer, highlighting the sobering consequences of overlooking safety measures. “Every year in the UK, 14 people die from falling off ladders. Isn’t that extraordinary? That just by not thinking about how you put your ladder up against a wall when you’re working, you can have an awful accident…..Simple mistakes can lead to tragedy,” she cautioned, urging everyone to take the time to assess risks and prioritize safety measures.
Governor Crouch also emphasized the importance of proactive risk assessment and prevention, urging attendees to prioritize safety without stifling opportunities for enjoyment and growth. Her message reinforced the notion that safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Governor Crouch was followed by Mr. Donald Curtis of Caribbean Insurance Solutions, who shed light on the critical role of insurance in mitigating risks and providing financial protection. He emphasized the importance of early adoption of health insurance, stressing that “Health insurance is essential, even for the young”. Mr. Curtis also emphasized that attendees, and residents as a whole, must take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families.
Throughout the event, speakers and exhibitors alike emphasized the importance of building a positive safety culture—one that values and prioritizes the well-being of all individuals. Mrs. Shaneke Claire Mussington of ANGLEC delivered a compelling appeal for the establishment of a positive safety culture in organizations and homes. She stressed the holistic benefits of a safety-conscious environment, citing improved well-being, productivity, and financial outcomes. Her impassioned plea highlighted the transformative potential of collective efforts in promoting safety.
As the event concluded, Mr. Alwyn Richardson of the Department of Disaster Management extended gratitude to sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees for their unwavering support and participation. He highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in advancing safety initiatives and expressed optimism for future endeavors. His closing remarks encapsulated the spirit of unity and commitment to safety that defined the Health and Safety Expo. “Let us build a safer, healthier world together,” Mr. Richardson urged.
By equipping attendees with knowledge, resources, and a shared sense of responsibility, the event laid the groundwork for sustained efforts in promoting health and safety for all. As the attendees dispersed, equipped with newfound knowledge and resources, the resonance of the event’s message lingered—a reminder of the collective responsibility to prioritize safety in all endeavors. With continued awareness and proactive measures, the vision of a safer and healthier future for Anguilla remains within reach.
