In a world where natural disasters are becoming more frequent and less forgiving, Anguilla just gained 20 new reasons to feel a little safer.
On Monday, 14th April 2025, the Teacher’s Resource Centre was transformed into a stage of celebration and pride as 20 men and women were honoured for successfully completing the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Enhanced Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (EVCA) training workshop. From fire safety and advanced first aid to risk assessment and search & rescue, these participants are now officially equipped with the knowledge—and the gear—to take the lead when disaster strikes.
The event, chaired by Ms. Nicola Webster of the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), brought out the best in Anguilla’s disaster response community. Attendees included Deputy Governor, Hon. Perin Bradley; Director of Disaster Management, Ms. Susan Hodge; and Director of the Anguilla Red Cross, Ms. Pamela Riley—all united to celebrate the volunteers whose commitment to preparedness has made them certified first responders and agents of resilience.
“This ceremony is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of all participants,” said Ms. Webster in her opening remarks. “You have taken significant steps to enhance our community’s emergency response and disaster preparedness capabilities.”
And those steps were no small feat. Over two intensive weeks—from 31st March to 12th April—the trainees tackled everything from psychosocial support to relief distribution and survey execution. Their sessions were guided by teams from Disaster Management, the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service, the Medic Team, and the Red Cross.
But as Ms. Susan Hodge reminded the audience, this achievement isn’t a finish line—it’s a new beginning. “By completing this course, you’ve taken an important step in playing your part,” she said, quoting the DDM’s mantra: “Disaster preparedness is everyone’s business.” She urged the graduates to keep their training sharp even in calm times so when the “grey skies” roll in, they’ll be ready. “When we prepare together, we respond better. When we respond better, we recover faster.”
The sentiment was echoed by Ms. Pamela Riley, who likened the training to a kind of insurance—an investment that only shows its true value when things go wrong. “Your engagement showed a shared commitment to making Anguilla a safer and more resilient island,” she said. “These skills—teamwork, leadership, problem-solving—will serve you in far more than emergencies.”
Before wrapping up, Riley gave a special nod to the women behind the scenes: Nicola Webster and Kurlida Richardson Howe, whose leadership helped revive and shape this critical programme.
The Hon. Deputy Governor added a personal note of appreciation. “This workshop demonstrates your exceptional commitment and discipline,” he said. “The certificates you receive today represent not just personal accomplishment but collective advancement.”
Mr. Bradley, who is also Chair of the National Disaster Committee, highlighted the importance of diversity, community service, and volunteerism in building a stronger public service—and a stronger Anguilla.
The climax of the afternoon came when the graduates, who varied in age and background, received their certificates—along with backpacks loaded with emergency tools including vests, safety goggles, gloves, hard hats, masks, flashlights, and emergency blankets. These weren’t just souvenirs—they were a symbol of readiness, a toolkit for resilience, and a badge of honour.
As the applause echoed through the centre, one message rang loud and clear: Anguilla’s strength lies not just in policies or procedures, but in people—people willing to learn, to lead, and to leap into action when the community needs them most.
