Comprehensive Disaster Management Policy 2014.

The Comprehensive Disaster Management Policy is a national policy with a multi-sectoral approach. The goal of this Policy is to build a safe, resilient and sustainable society through the use of a comprehensive and gender based approach towards the integration of disaster risk reduction, energy and water conservation and climate change adaptation into all aspects of national development.
Disaster risk reduction, energy conservation and climate change adaptation initiatives will be integrated into all strategic plans with a multi-sectoral approach. Research and risk assessment will be conducted to identify hazards, reduce vulnerability and improve decision making processes aimed at protecting life and property and contributing to sustainable development practices. A national data repository will be established to ensure access to information to all. Risk maps will be developed to identify vulnerabilities, social and economic risks and provide the basis for comprehensive disaster management initiatives. The legal and policy framework will be strengthened to ensure the development and implementation of sound policies, practices and effective governance. The relationships with regional and international partners and institutions will be strengthened to deliver effective, immediate and on-going support to the communities affected by hazards. Moreover, the resilience and self-reliance of communities will be built through capacity building in order to ensure prepared and disaster resilient communities. The impacts of hazards will be minimized by effective mobilization of resources at the community level and an effective communications strategy will be developed that enables to reach targeted communities throughout Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Disaster response interventions will be based on early warning systems to enable response to hazards in a timely and effective manner. Furthermore, relief interventions will be provided to all citizens with a socially equitable manner. The provision of assistance will be based on a thorough post-disaster need assessment of the affected populations or their available local capacities in order to maintain health and wellness and reduce future vulnerabilities as well as meet basic needs. The community participation will be encouraged in the design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of interventions. The resilience of the environment to disasters will be increased in order to foster sustainability of the physical and natural environment.