25 From community-led hurricane shelters to a modern all-hazard agency Written by Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Ryan BEM, ED, CCM, Director, DMCA, Montserrat B Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Ryan, BEM, ED, CCM, Director, DMCA, Montserrat. (Photo from the Government of Montserrat’s official website) efore 1989, Montserrat had no formal Disaster Management department — preparedness relied primarily on volunteers and community organisations. Hurricane Hugo’s devastation, the Soufrière Hills volcanic crisis, and other disasters highlighted the need for a comprehensive, structured, transformational approach. Today, 35 years later, the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) stands as a modern, multi-hazard organization equipped with advanced tools, trained personnel, robust systems and appropriate Legislation to keep Montserrat safe. Before 1989: Community-Led Preparedness Prior to 1989, Montserrat lacked a formal disaster management department. Government issued warnings and community initiatives guided preparations for tropical storms and hurricanes — the main natural threats as they were • Continues on next page
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