The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) conducted an After-Action Review (AAR) of Hurricane Joaquin’s impact on The Bahamas at NEMA’s headquarters, Gladstone Road, January 15, 2016.

Hurricane Joaquin hit The Bahamas during the month of October 2015 affecting Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador.

The After Action Review (AAR) was conducted with the purpose of improving preparedness and response following the impact of a hazard, by examining the actions taken before, during and after the impact (in this case) Hurricane Joaquin on The Bahamas, which resulted in damage to infrastructure and homes from severe flooding, storm surge and hurricane-force winds.

Objectives of the After Action Review (ARR) were to:

·      Examine the operations, coordination and communications of the National Disaster Management System (NDMS).

·      Identify needed improvements in the NDMS.

·      Identify operational equipment, training and staff needs.

·      Identify what happened.

·      Identify what went well and why.

·      Identify what went wrong and why.

·      Identify what areas need improvement.

·      Provide recommendations.

Stakeholders participating in the review were Administrators from the islands impacted by Hurricane Joaquin and representatives from the Disaster Management Committee, composed of representatives from relevant Government Ministries and Departments and from the private sector.

By Llonella Gilbert | Bahamas Information Services

Crooked Island, Administrator, Francita Neely talks about what went right and wrong when Hurricane Joaquin hit Crooked Island. Mrs. Neely also presented recommendations during the After-Action Review (AAR) on Hurricane Joaquin’s impact on The Bahamas in 2015 at NEMA’s headquarters, Gladstone Road.  The session was held on January 15, 2016. Also pictured from left: Contract Training Officer, NEMA, Luke Bethel and Brigadier General (retired) Earl Arthurs, Operations Specialist from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

Lieutenant Commander Michael Saunders of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) reviewed the actions undertaken by the RBDF when Hurricane Joaquin impacted The Bahamas.

Participants listen to presenters during the After-Action Review (AAR), January 15, on Hurricane Joaquin’s impact on The Bahamas at NEMA’s headquarters, Gladstone Road. (BIS photos/Raymond Bethel)