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6  Continued from previous page Key Governance Questions Shelter Governance by ensuring that:  Is there comprehensive legislation in place for both short and long-term occupancy  Does the National Emergency Shelter Policy clearly identify expectations, procedures and processes to deal with dignity, diversity, discipline and gender sensitivity  Are stakeholders’ engagement and involvement included among the priorities for managing shelters  Is there a difference in portfolio responsibility for short and long-term shelters  Is there a Cabinet-approved Board or Committee that has direct oversight for long-term shelters  Are short and long-term shelters overseen by the same personnel  How will mental health matters be addressed at long-term shelters Some of the damage in Dominica from Hurricane Maria. (Photo by Yuri Jones)  How are human and material resources to be sourced and deployed in long-term shelters  How are persons designated as essential for shelter management to be treated in relation to public officers in the long-term  How will “normal” procurement procedures be adjusted to cater to urgency in long-term shelters  What are the policy safeguards against potential conflict of interest among shelter officials – selling products or providing services to shelters  Are there “Good Samaritan” clauses in legislation to protect shelter officials  What are the liability limits under the constitution and relevant laws for government with regard to damage or losses or injuries among shelterees I have deliberately stated these issues in the form of questions not only to stimulate thought and ideas but hopefully to generate the necessary action for implementation where gaps exist. This means that I am hoping that in addition to building capacity in Shelter Management that we will also focus on  A comprehensive Emergency Shelter Policy is developed in every CARICAD member state  Legislation is reviewed for relevance and modernised if necessary  Terms of Reference for a Shelter Oversight Board including terms of service are developed and used  Do policies and procedures treat with the particular needs of senior citizens and persons with special needs  Codes of Conduct in relation to Shelter Governance are developed not only for shelterees but shelter employees and other officials, especially volunteers  Clear processes are promulgated for areas of Shelter Governance that could produce conflict beyond the immediate confines of the shelter such as: complaints, physical abuse, theft, sexual abuse, abuse of alcohol or use of illicit drugs, mediation, redress, restitution END THOUGHT People who require shelter in emergencies are vulnerable physically, emotionally and psychologically. Let us remind ourselves of some of the words found in the Vision of the Sphere project. “People affected…..have the right to prompt, effective and quality humanitarian assistance which enables them to survive crises, rebuild their lives and recover their livelihoods with respect and dignity” If you have questions or comments on this article, send an email to fmichael@caricad.net (Franklyn Michael is a former Programme Specialist at CARICAD who has lived through, worked through and also observed the effects of many major storms and hurricanes in the Caribbean.)

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