In an initiative to bolster the resilience of of the financial services industry, BVI Finance hosted the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) for a Breakfast Forum titled "Are You Prepared? Hurricane Preparedness and Business Continuity." This event provided essential insights and practical strategies for managing and mitigating risks associated with hurricanes and other potential disasters.
Expert Insights and Preparedness Frameworks
BVI Finance Marketing & Media Relations Coordinator Adrianna Soverall, who moderated the forum, was joined by a distinguished panel of experts from the DDM, including Michel Ambrose, Planning and Preparedness Manager; Chrystall Kanyuck- Abel, Information and Education Manager; and Andrew Jackson, Meteorologist. The experts provided detailed guidance on creating robust disaster preparedness and business continuity plans, emphasizing the importance of readiness in the face of natural disasters.
Disaster Management Cycle: A Comprehensive Approach
Michel Ambrose outlined the disaster management cycle, stressing the need for businesses to engage in continuous risk assessment and planning. "The cycle includes mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery phases," Ambrose explained, "and it's vital for businesses to understand and implement strategies at each stage to minimize disruption and safeguard assets."
Anticipating an Active Hurricane Season
Meteorologist Jackson provided an in-depth overview of the current hurricane season, highlighting predictions for this year of 23 named storms, including 11 hurricanes. "With the possibility of rapid intensification, businesses must stay vigilant and prepared," Jackson advised, urging attendees to take proactive measures in securing their properties and ensuring the safety of their teams.
Tailored Business Continuity Plans
Kanyuck-Abel emphasized the need for businesses to develop tailored continuity plans that address specific risks, including technological hazards, pandemics, and social unrest. "Your continuity plan should be location-specific and account for all essential business operations," Kanyuck-Abel noted, underscoring the importance of safeguarding critical data and ensuring robust communication channels.
Resources and Support from DDM
The DDM team highlighted the wealth of resources available to businesses, including detailed templates for disaster and continuity plans, guidance on conducting hazard vulnerability assessments, and support in developing emergency response strategies. They encouraged businesses to utilize the DDM's mobile app and WhatsApp channel for timely updates and alerts.
Ensuring Staff Welfare
Addressing concerns about staff welfare, Ambrose stressed the importance of supporting employees during disasters. "Our staff are our greatest asset," she said, "and ensuring their safety and well-being is paramount. Businesses should have clear policies to support staff, including provisions for remote work and emergency communications."
Interactive Q&A and Practical Advice
The webinar concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants raised questions about insurance coverage, price gouging prevention, and specific preparedness actions. The panelists provided practical advice, including checking insurance policies, securing property, and maintaining up-to-date emergency supplies.
Conclusion and Future Steps
The BVI DDM remain committed to supporting the business community in maintaining resilience against natural and other disasters. They encouraged all businesses to regularly review and update their disaster preparedness plans and to take advantage of the resources and support available.
For further information and access to preparedness resources, businesses are encouraged to visit the DDM website at BVI DDM or contact the department directly.
Please click here to view the webinar
For further information please contact:
Adrianna Soverall
Marketing and Media Relations Coordinator
asoverall@bvifinance.vg |Tel: 284-852-1957