New Disaster Preparedness Legislation

Published 22nd October, 4:23pm

Legislation has been drafted that will see the formal creation of the government agency Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI). The legislation defines core areas of responsibility which include preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery and covers the full range of disasters that could affect the Cayman Islands. HMCI essentially evolved out of the National Hurricane Committee (NHC) which focused on tropical cyclones - the primary threat faced by the Cayman Islands. The 6.8 earthquake in December 2004 and the impact of Hurricane Ivan made it clear that a systematic approach to “all hazards” was needed to protect the people and the economy of the Cayman Islands from significant impacts, both natural and ‘man-made.’

The Disaster Preparedness and Hazard Management Bill, 2009 contains a number of new provisions and some that were traditionally practiced but not formalized; for example the legislation will allow for the redeployment of Government workers to respond to a disaster. Public buildings, equipment and vehicles can be reassigned for the response and recovery effort. Other aspects of the legislation relate to the establishment (by declaration) of disaster areas which might involve restricted public access to certain areas. For example, this clause might be used to protect the forensic integrity of site in a situation like a plane crash, or if it was deemed necessary to protect the public from the effects of a gas leak or chemical spill, or perhaps even to enable first responders to gain unencumbered access to a disaster area to save lives and rescue the injured.

Various provisions in the legislation relate to Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP) which will be required from every Government agency. These plans will ensure that Government continues to provide essential functions during and after a significant event and they will also reduce or mitigate disruptions that could result. Emergencies that require activation of the plans can take many forms such as a fire, flood, earthquake or hurricane. It is anticipated that the legislation will come before the Cabinet for consideration over the course of the next few months and could be signed into law as early as the beginning of next year. HMCI Director, Mr. McCleary Frederick says the legislation will significantly strengthen disaster response capacity and that the Country is prepared for prompt, efficient response and recovery to protect lives and property.

(A copy of the draft legislation is located on the homepage of the Cayman Prepared website)

For further information contact: Simon Boxall