Minister Baptiste inspecting the preparedness brochure with Cable and Wireless Allan Scholl and Mr. Philmore Mullin

Mr. Scholl and Philmore Mullin

Telecommunications giant, Cable & Wireless, has come in for high praise from the authorities responsible for disaster preparedness and mitigation.

Minister of Housing, Culture & Social Transformation, the Hon. Hilson Baptiste and the Deputy Director of the National Office of Disaster Services, Philmore Mullin, expressed the words of commendation during the launching of Cable & Wireless' hurricane preparedness programme, under the theme, "Be Prepared. We Care!" which took place at the company's headquarters in Clarehall on Thursday 11th August 2005.

Addressing the gathering at the function, Minister Baptiste said that Cable & Wireless' foresight to prepare both its employees and customers for the hurricane season is a worthwhile venture, as this initiative fits right into the Government's mandate to have all citizens fully prepared for the hurricane season.

Baptiste announced that he is pleased to see corporate citizens like Cable & Wireless taking the lead in striving to stimulate the public to get prepared and hope this would lessen the work of the soon to be commissioned, Search & Rescue Team, which has been specially trained to handle all types of disasters. He was proud to add that Antigua & Barbuda would be the first country in the Caribbean with such an organization.

Meantime, Deputy Director of the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), Philmore Mullin, said while C&W's programme is highly exemplary; he would like to extend the campaign from just hurricanes to other disasters, some of which can occur without any warning whatsoever.

Mullin also encouraged C&W not only to prepare for hurricanes, but also have a plan for the recovery process as both preparedness and the recovery plan makes the aftermath easier for everyone.

Cable & Wireless Corporate Communications Manager, Paula Lee, thanked the officials for their kind words and expressed the hope that the venture will help persons to be more prepared.

The C&W Be Prepared We Care hurricane campaign features a 13-episode television series, an 80-page book entitled "Heroes of Ivan", a brochure (Cable & Wireless Spirit) with hurricane tips and a Hurricane Retail Offer of a special bMobile hurricane plan. (ENDS)

Digital photos by Collin Jno-Finn:

For further information contact:
Collin B. Jno-Finn
Communications Officer
Ministry of Housing, Culture & Social Transformation
Dickenson Bay Street
St. John's, Antigua
Tel. (268) 562-5698/771-4006