A more organised and official role has been determined for media houses in Anguilla in the delivery of the island’s disaster management activities. The plans also take into account the interest of the international press in any given emergency situation which may occur and how the dissemination of information can be carried out in a coordinated and general manner in both cases. The aim is to have the media as key partners in a controlled communication system to ensure that the correct information gets out.

The Disaster Management / Media meeting in progress

The plans were discussed at a meeting held on Monday, August 28, and attended by disaster preparedness officials and representatives from the electronic and print media. The main speakers were Director of Disaster Management, Elizabeth Klute, Susan Hodge, Programme Officer, and Kenneth Hodge, the Lead Public Information Officer, who is the Government’s Director of Information and Broadcasting. The Disaster Management Adviser based in Anguilla, Roger Bellers, was also at the meeting.

The talks focussed on the key role media houses are expected to play in the dissemination of information from the Department of Disaster Management and through the Public Information Officer. The information will be channelled in the form of emails, faxes and telephone calls. A website is also being created by the Department to provide up to date information. Another move is to be the setting up of a national media centre which will be located at Cable and Wireless, where contact with the press had been facilitated previously.

The Disaster Management / Media meeting in progress

During the meeting a draft plan, prepared by the Government Information Service at Radio Anguilla, was presented by Mr. Hodge for approval. Among other matters, the principles on which the plan is based, take into account that it is in “Anguilla’s best interest to have accurate information about itself in the international arena during a crisis. When properly managed, this facilitates the flow of needed assistance, enhances the country’s and government’s reputation and helps maintain business confidence,” the document states.

It continues: “Anguilla cannot effectively close its borders to incoming and outgoing news. With today’s technology, media personnel will get information. Only if government facilitates the media will it have a chance to have its official position heard in a positive manner. Overseas coverage is also a source of information for the local population.
“Reporters need direct contact with spokespersons and need to see the nature and effects of the crisis themselves. This gives greater authenticity to the reporting and to government’s message. Press releases and information sheets, while important to set out clearly the official position and as background and reference material, are not sufficient for the media especially in crisis situations.

“The government side of the story is not sufficient for the press. Good journalists have a duty to include other sources in the pursuit (or appearance) of objectivity. Government must not only ensure that it is one of the sources of information for the press, but it must facilitate contacts with other sources.”

Earlier in the meeting, Susan Hodge took the opportunity to explain changes to the structure of the National Disaster Committee. Instead of seven components, there are now three main subcommittees which are Community Services, Essential Services and Strategic Planning.

The first subcommittee is headed by Orris Proctor, Permanent Secretary for Health. Under this arrangement the subcommittee is responsibility for shelters, health, first aid and other relief work. Kenn Banks, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Public Utilities, heads the subcommittee which deals with search and rescue, law and order, utilities and access among other matters. Aiden Harrigan, Permanent Secretary for Economic Development, is head of the subcommittee whose duties include damage analysis, recovery and needs assessment.

The meeting achieved much, particularly a good understanding of the cooperative functioning of the media as key partners with the Department of Disaster Management.

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