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Hurricane Awareness Week 2025 Begins With Call To “Act Early, Stay Ready”
Dominica has officially launched Hurricane Awareness Week 2025 under the theme “Strengthening Communities, Securing Tomorrow: Act Early, Stay Ready,” urging citizens across the island to embrace preparedness as a national lifestyle ahead of another predicted above-normal hurricane season.
Held at the Office of Disaster Management (ODM), the launch ceremony brought together government officials, emergency responders, international partners, students, and community members in a display of solidarity and shared responsibility for national readiness.
Hon. Rayburn Blackmore, Minister for National Security and Legal Affairs, underscored the collective duty to safeguard lives and infrastructure. “Preparedness must be more than a seasonal buzzword—it must become part of who we are,” he stated.
“The science is clear: this season is shaping up to be more active than usual, and we cannot afford to be passive. Every home, every village, every institution must act,” Hon. Blackmore added.
His remarks echoed growing regional concern as meteorologists forecast 13 to 19 named storms for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, with up to 10 expected to become hurricanes and at least 3 reaching major status. This follows an active 2024 season that saw 18 storms, including the devastating Hurricane Beryl, whose name has since been retired.
Minister Blackmore emphasized the importance of public engagement. “We are not powerless. We have information, we have tools, and most importantly, we have each other. Let’s use this week not just to talk, but to act—early, together, and with purpose,” he urged.
Senior Meteorological Officer Mr. Itoma James explained the conditions contributing to the heightened forecast, citing above-average sea surface temperatures, reduced wind shear, and an enhanced West African monsoon. “These factors create an ideal environment for storm development,” James noted. “But it’s important to remember that predictions do not indicate where storms will land. That uncertainty is exactly why we must prepare early and thoroughly.”
Highlighting Dominica’s ongoing investments in resilience, Programme Officer at the ODM, Mrs. Janelle Macpherson, outlined recent achievements and upcoming initiatives. These include the completion of emergency operations centers in Portsmouth and Castle Bruce, enhanced emergency communication infrastructure in Salisbury, and the training of over 350 individuals in emergency response.
“The work we do is built on collaboration and commitment,” Macpherson stated. “From integrating disaster planning across every government sector to supporting community shelters, such as the refurbished Salybia Primary School, we’re turning policy into real protection.”
The ceremony also recognized “Disaster Heroes”—participants in sector integration sessions—who demonstrated innovation and leadership in disaster risk management. Their contributions serve as examples of how diverse sectors can unite to form a stronger, more coordinated national response.
Citizens are urged to review emergency plans, stock necessary supplies, and stay informed through official channels, including a soon-to-be-launched ODM WhatsApp alert system.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30.