ODM hosts first disaster preparedness relay in Dominica, engaging six district teams in hands-on emergency activities to boost resilience ahead of hurricane sea
Dominica: The Office of Disaster Management, in an effort to promote disaster preparedness in the country, hosted its first District Disaster Preparedness Relay Competition which took place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Castle Bruce Playing Field. The Office of Disaster Management has described the initiative as a major success, with the East District Team securing the first position.
Held under the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs, this new community initiative is aimed at building resilience and practical emergency response skills ahead of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season which began on June 1.
“With the Atlantic hurricane season currently underway, this event serves as a timely reminder of the importance of staying prepared, alert, and resilient,” explained the Office of Disaster Management.
The District Disaster Preparedness Relay 2026 was attended by Senator Austelle Lockhart and different Government officials such as the Minister of National Security and Legal Affairs, Rayburn Blackmoore, Minister of Education and Parliamentary Representative for the Castle Bruce constituency, Octavia Alfred, etc.
In his address during the opening ceremony, Senator Lockhart reiterated the importance of disaster preparedness, stating that it is everyone’s responsibility.
“Today we converge on the Castle Bruce Playing Field for a very important mission, one that has been proving our readiness and to remind us that disaster preparedness is everyone’s responsibility,” stated Senator Lockhart.
He further added, “As residents of Dominica, we understand all too well the realities of natural hazards. We have experienced hurricanes, landslides, floodings and other disasters that have tested our strength and our resilience. But if there is one lesson that we continue to learn; it is preparation saves lives.”
The competition was participated by six district teams, including North, West, Southwest, South, East, and Kalinago who engaged in different hands-on preparedness activities, with the East District Team emerging as the overall winner, the West District Team coming in second and the Kalinago District Team winning third place.
The ODM has extended its gratitude to all participants, facilitators, partner agencies and sponsors for making the first event a success. It further shared that it looks forward to next year’s event.
“As we reflect on this successful event, ODM looks forward to hosting the second annual relay next year in another district, continuing to build stronger, safer, and more prepared communities across the island,” shared the Office.