The National Disaster Management Office held a successful advocacy meeting with the Premier of Rennell-Bellona and his Provincial Executive Monday this week.
Premier Timothy Johnston Peseika in thanking the NDMO team said him and his executive were very happy with the advocacy because it gave them a lot of insights into what the government's new disaster arrangements are.He said that following what they had learned, "we would not have any problems allocating of a piece of land for an office and accommodation for the Province's Disaster Coordinator."
Premier Peseika also added his government will give whatever support it can, when needed.
In response, the NDMO Director Loti Yates said taking leadership and ownership of the new arrangement is very important.
He said the Province needs to take the lead when a disaster strikes the Province as the national government will only be to support with whatever that Provincial Disaster Committee may request after a disaster impact.
The advocacy included a run down on the history of disasters which hit the Province in the past, the need to prepare communities against potential future threats such as natural disasters as well as shortage of food.
The NDMO team also gave a run down on the National Disaster Arrangements in the country according to the 1987 Disaster Plan.
Mr. Yates told the executive that he was very happy about the discussions saying a follow up a workshop will be made later this month.
Meanwhile, Rennell-Bellona Province's Provincial Secretary, Robert Pongi also assured the NDMO team that he will work together with the Provincial government to ensure their support is given to the Provincial Disaster Coordinator once he gets posted.