Disaster Risk Management Review Committee Established
The Cabinet has established the Disaster Risk Management Review Committee (DRMRC) to enhance the country’s readiness for natural and man-made disasters. This committee will assess critical infrastructure, essential services, and the state’s ability to provide timely disaster response, focusing on water, electricity, telecommunications, medical services, and community preparedness.
Major General Antony Anderson, Former Commissioner of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, will chair the committee. A distinguished leader and public servant, Major General Anderson, brings a wealth of experience in disaster management, national security, and public safety. Other members of the DRMRC include Dr Parris Lyew-Ayee Jr., Mr Johnathan Brown and Ms Trudy Deans. Ms Deans will serve as Head of the Secretariat for the committee.
Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee is a leading expert in geospatial technology applications. With an extensive background in geography, he has advised businesses and policymakers on disaster resilience. Mr. Johnathan Brown is a retired Senior Public Official and the immediate past president of the Jamaica Government Pensioners’ Association. Trudy Deans is a strategic global executive with over two decades of experience. Currently serving as Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister of Jamaica, she has been instrumental in major national initiatives such as the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission and the National Identification and Registration Act. Together, the members of the committee bring decades of experience in both public service and private sector.
The DRMRC will evaluate the country’s disaster preparedness across various sectors, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend improvements. It will also review the coordination between national and local authorities and propose actionable measures to enhance Jamaica’s disaster resilience and response capabilities. Their work will include evaluating emergency services and critical infrastructure resilience to ensure Jamaica is better equipped to handle future crises.
Reporting directly to the Prime Minister, the Disaster Risk Management Review Committee will provide monthly updates and bi-monthly reports over its four-month tenure. The findings will offer practical steps to strengthen the country’s disaster preparedness, response, and recovery mechanisms, helping to create a safer and more resilient Jamaica.
Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness welcomed the establishment of the Disaster Risk Management Review Committee, stating, “In light of the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters, our country must be fully prepared to respond swiftly and effectively. This Disaster Risk Management Review Committee work is vital in ensuring that our infrastructure, communities, and public services are resilient and that we are able to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of all Jamaicans. I look forward to receiving their recommendations as we continue to build a stronger, more resilient Jamaica.”
The establishment of the Disaster Risk Management Review Committee reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring Jamaica is more resilient and prepared to face the challenges and multiple, overlapping disasters and crises.