Peace Corps' Eastern Caribbean Program Preparing for Hurricane
Peace Corps' Eastern Caribbean Program Preparing for Hurricane
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 8, 2004 – 6:30 p.m. (EST) In anticipation of Hurricane Ivan, the Peace Corps is taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of its volunteers serving in Haiti, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and the Eastern Caribbean, which includes the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The storm is not expected to impact all islands in the Eastern Caribbean.
Grenada:
Yesterday, all 23 Peace Corps volunteers and trainees on the island of Grenada were consolidated into five safe houses to prepare for the storm. Each safe house is supplied with food and water to sustain the volunteers and trainees.
At the present time, there are limited means of communications on the island. However, the Peace Corps staff in the Eastern Caribbean are working to establish contact with the volunteers in each of the safe houses, including flying staff to the island as soon as the airport in Grenada is operational.
Peace Corps staff in Washington D.C. are in constant communication with the staff at Post (located on the island of St. Lucia), the State Department, and the Embassy.
Dominican Republic:
Yesterday, staff initiated an Emergency Action Plan to contact all 23 volunteers located in the potential path of the hurricane. All safe houses have been prepared for use by the volunteers if necessary.
According to weather reports, the eye of Hurricane Ivan is not expected to pass directly over the Dominican Republic.
Haiti:
Hurricane Ivan is expected to pass south of Haiti on Thursday evening.
In preparation, all eight Peace Corps volunteers have been notified through the Emergency Action Plan. Four have consolidated to secure locations. The remaining four are on standfast, and will remain at their sites until the storm passes the region.
Jamaica:
The hurricane is expected to pass over Jamaica on Friday morning.
Wednesday, the Post initiated an Emergency Action Plan to contact all volunteers about the storm. The Peace Corps has begun consolidating the 118 volunteers on the island to assigned consolidation points, located throughout the country. All safe houses or assignment points are currently being prepared for the volunteers’ arrival.
In preparation for possible crisis situations and natural disasters, each Peace Corps program has an Emergency Action Plan specific to that country and developed in cooperation with the Embassy and Peace Corps Headquarters in Washington D.C. The plans are tested frequently and information is updated constantly. Volunteers are thoroughly trained in their role and responsibilities in the Emergency Action Plan. Posts are prepared for all emergencies.
