Deputy Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr. David Archer, Jr. has said that there must be systems in place that serve as a blueprint for the Territory’s response following a disaster, to allow for work to continue when the functions of Government are significantly affected.

Mr. Archer, Jr. was addressing a workshop organised for leaders from across the public service to identify key issues that may hinder critical government functions in the event of a disaster or emergency and propose possible solutions.

One of the key deliverables from the consultation was for the creation of a Continuity of Government Plan which will include processes for the continuity or rapid re-establishment of critical services; the security of critical government records; and enabling communication between the various public offices and departments.

The Deputy Governor said, “It is those 24 through 48 hours following the occurrence of a disaster that are considered the most crucial and we must ensure that we develop systems that serve as a blueprint so as a Territory, we are able to remain resilient even in the midst of a disaster.”

Mr. Archer also stated that the plan cannot be done in isolation as each stakeholder plays a critical role in its creation.  He said the document will be designed to guide public officers and the wider Virgin Islands community into a space where they feel confident that the services deemed critical to their survival are able to thrive in the wake of a disaster.

During the meeting, stakeholders including permanent secretaries, heads of key services including the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and representatives from the health sector, worked to identify essential functions that are deemed critical activities that would sustain the Territory and are the primary focus before, during, and after a catastrophic emergency.

The stakeholders also shared their experiences on how they were able to continue to provide critical services to the public after the Territory was struck by three major disasters in 2017.

The workshop was facilitated by Consultant Atiba Clarke and hosted by the Office of the Deputy Governor in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management.

Consultant Mr. Clarke distributed workbooks to assist the public service leaders in considering the essential functions they facilitate within the Territory, which will also help to finalise the Continuity of Government Plan.

“A lot of these issues have already been discussed based on the experiences of 2017, but this plan will help set it all out in one practical, cohesive document so that it can be used for future events and can be shared with those who will assume leadership functions should the Territory be impacted again,” Mr. Clarke explained.

The Continuity of Government Plan will provide guidance to support essential functions performed by the Government when a disaster or emergency threatens or impacts its operations in a manner that requires changes to the delivery of Government services or the relocation of personnel or operations. The final plan will:

1. Undertake a business impact assessment of Government’s essential services;
2. Facilitate decision-making and continuity of operations planning activities;
3. Reduce disruptions of essential functions;
4. Document the order of succession of critical management positions;
5. Identify vital facilities, equipment, records, and other assets; and
6. Guide an orderly transition to continuity of operations planning activities and return to operations.

Photo Caption:

Photo 1: Some of the leaders present during the Government’s Continuity Plan Workshop.

Photo 2: Leaders formulating solutions for disaster emergencies with Continuity Plan Workshop with facilitator, Mr. Atiba Clarke.