Churches encouraged to give thanks for a relatively inactive season

Carl Herbert

Friday, November 30th 2012, BASSETERRE ST. KITTS:- National Disaster Coordinator, Carl Herbert, is expressing thanks to NEMA Volunteers, stakeholders and the entire Nation, for the support and confidence placed in the Disaster Management Organisation, which he represents, throughout this year.

Mr. Herbert insists that it is because of the various collaborations between NEMA and a combination of private and public sector arrangements, that he and his team are able to serve the local community in a consistent and professional manner.

“I give thanks for the contributions of all of our partners in serving our Nation,” Mr. Herbert says, “but especially to our Creator, who has spared us during the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season, from major disruptions and harm.”

To this end, NEMA’s annual call is being sounded to encourage all religious and social organisations to include a special tribute to the Most High for His protection during the Hurricane Season, in upcoming services. “At a time when recovery and rehabilitation is challenged by scarce financial and other resources, saying thank you for being spared impact is extremely purposeful,” he said.

This is especially true, as the NDC quickly warns the Nation not to let their guard down, even as the season ends on November 30th.

It is true that disasters do not always result from tropical cyclones alone, which incidentally can and have occurred outside of the accepted parameters of the season, in the past. “In our region, we are plagued by a number of hazards such as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis and the usual suspects such as fires and landslides,” Herbert said. “So our best defence is to remain vigilant and by monitoring local media for incident alerts and updates.”

Volunteers, members of the public and private sectors are invited along with other residents of St. Kitts and Nevis, to take part in thanksgiving in their respective communities around the islands, on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December, 2012, as part of NEMA’s appeal to celebrate a safe 2012 hurricane season.

NEMA also takes this opportunity to wish the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis a secure and enjoyable Christmas and Carnival and a prosperous and peaceful 2013.