SPEECH DELIVERED BY MR. CHARLES E. FONSEKA, MINISTER FOR INTERNAL AFFAIRS ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPERATIONALISATION OF THE NATIONAL INTEGRATED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN
THURSDAY THE 04TH OF AUGUST ,SAVOY SEYCHELLES RESORT & SPA
Allow me to welcome you all to the launch of this World Bank Mission to the Seychelles. This is a High Level Workshop geared towards the Operationalization of a National Integrated Emergency Management Plan.
The team at Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD); have tirelessly worked with their collaborating partner, the World Bank, through Mr. Paul Hayden and Mr. Darmen Ellayah, with the support of Dr. Michel Martin and Ms. Keren Charles, the task team leader, to develop a series of Workshops during their stay. Disaster Risk Management has been a subject of contention in the past, not least in regards to its importance, but more so in where the responsibility lies in respect of the unit responding.
Since its conception in late 2019, and its approval in early 2020, the National Integrated Emergency Management Plan has been the conceptual driver behind the Covid-19 pandemic response, and the major land fill in September 2020.
The National Integrated Emergency Management Plan, sets out the way forward for all stakeholders to develop their sectorial plans according to their functions as lead and support agencies in five functional areas. These are; Rescue and Security, Health, Humanitarian Services, Essential Infrastructure and Services and Emergency Management.
It is true that ownership for the development of Plans and SOP’s for Risk Reduction do rest with the respective portfolios, however, I hasten to add that we at DRMD, will be by your side at all times to help in its development.
These functions will have to be operationalized in order to meet the expectation of the government to lower disaster risks by implementing an effective collaborative approach to reduce effects of multi-hazard events.
It aims to strengthen emergency preparedness for effective response at all levels and thus contribute to the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 Priority 4: Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is not my intention to encroach in the key points of the next speaker, but I would be failing if I miss this opportunity to reiterate the urgency of everyone needing to take a strong stance in Risk Reduction at the respective stations.
The existential changes happening around the world, whether it be environmental or geographical imbalances, impacting security and safety urges us to review our national risks.
As we begin this important task in earnest, I thank you all for your presence and participation. I thank President, VP, DM and all Ministers for having graced us with your presence and support. It is a great honour and pleasure to officially launch the Operationalization of the National Integrated Emergency Management Plan.