Disaster Relief - May 21, 2007

Rotary assists in Disaster Relief

Rotary District 7020, which comprises Anguilla, includes a total of 64 Rotary Clubs in 10 different countries or territories.

The district is located in the Caribbean, on two geographical areas, separated by Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. On the West side, there are 46 clubs, including Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Haiti, Jamaica, and Cayman Islands. On the East side, there are 18 clubs: US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, French West Indies (St. Maarten and St. Bart’s) and Dutch St. Maarten.

Rotary International has recognized the need for disaster preparedness in this District. Rotary raised over $1.2 million USD for the community after Hurricane Ivan ravaged the Cayman Islands.

In January, 2007, numerous experts and Rotarians were brought together in a North American Disaster Relief Conference in New Orleans to address plans for dealing with similar disasters in the future.

A major concern being addressed is communication prior to, during, and after disasters. Rotarians are assisting in the set up and distribution of a Satellite Telephone system via Global Star. At present, the system is being tested in our District.

The Rotary District 7020 Disaster Relief Plan should be in place by May of 2008. The plan will likely include liaison with the various Government plans as well as other non-governmental organization in the islands and around the world.

For more information about Rotary, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.