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NEMO
Thursday, May 11, 2006 - In what has become an annual event the NEMO
Secretariat is triggering its National call for Business Disaster Plans.
Disaster Management is not only about hurricanes, but it is also about securing
the corporate activities of businesses. Statistics shows that fifty percent
(50%) of companies that suffer an internal disaster (e.g. fire, computer virus
attacks) do not reopen for business. This is mainly as a result of the absence
of a plan to continue operations after the event.
Additionally, in light of the implementation of the CSME together with the fact
that many companies trade on the Security Exchange it has now become necessary
for businesses to assure their investors that there are procedures in place to
secure their business and one of the essential things to have in place is a
“Continuity of Operations Plan”, meaning “Continuing a business after a hazard
has impacted”. The objective is to introduce Disaster Management as a component
of Business Planning.
NEMO, however does not focus its attention on commercial houses only. “Every
intuition has an obligation to ensure that its people and property are taken
care of.” Dawn French, Director of NEMO says. “This is why we have worked with
Embassies, Churches, Press-Schools, Farmers and Boat Owners.” In the coming
months NEMO will work with the Airports as it prepares for the annual simulation
as well as hospitals and Banks. It is the mandate of NEMO and; the moral and
financial obligation to be prepared for what may come.
In light of the above, and in keeping with the Employees [Occupational Health
and Safety] Act No. 10 of 1985 and a number of other Statutory Instruments NEMO
repeats its call for Disaster Plans to be submitted.
Hurricane Ivan in Grenada, the Dominica Earthquake of 2004 together with the
Guyana Floods of 2005 illustrate in a tangible manner the need for a Continuity
of Operations Plan.
Miss French lamented the fact that too many small businesses are not taking the
threat of losing their business to a disaster seriously.
Should assistance be required for the writing or reviewing such a plan the NEMO
Secretariat stands ready to assist.
NEMO may be contacted at (758) 452-3802
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