NIA CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS (August 24, 2026)– Minister responsible for Disaster Management and the Environment in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), the Honourable Spencer Brand, has encouraged participants of the Nevis Disaster Management Department’s (NDMD) Summer Safety Camp to share the knowledge and skills they acquired with their families, schools and communities to help build a safer and more resilient Nevis.
The Minister made the call during the camp’s closing ceremony on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Malcolm Guishard Recreation Park, where he addressed the 75 children who participated in the two-week programme.
“Do not keep what you have learned over the past two weeks to yourselves. I want you to be ambassadors in your household, in your classroom, in your church, in your place of play, and in your community, and be sure that all that you have learned can be transferred and transmitted to everyone whom you come into contact with.
“At the NDMD there are things that we keep training and preparing ourselves for that we hope we will never, ever have to use, but I’m hoping that if the time comes when you have to put your training into action that you will have the confidence and assurance that you can make a difference.”
The Summer Safety Camp, held from August 10 to 21 under the theme “Be Safe. Be Smart. Be Ready,” provided children between the ages of five and 15 with practical knowledge and hands-on experiences designed to strengthen their awareness of safety, disaster preparedness and healthy living.
Over the two weeks, participants learned about road safety, disaster management, food and nutrition, first aid and CPR, fire safety, fire drills and radio communications. The programme also included hiking, arts and crafts, community tours and heritage field trips.
Minister Brand highlighted the camp’s broad-based programme and its role in contributing to the overall development of the participants.
“Over the last two weeks you have been engaged in a number of activities that go towards protecting the environment and protecting your safety and the safety of your family and the entire community. You learned about agriculture, fire prevention, how to use a VHF radio, etcetera, and you visited a number of historical sites.
“The NDMD sought to expose you to these experiences in order to ensure that you grow up in an environment that is not only wholesome but one that uplifts you, your family, and the entire island.”
The Minister commended the staff of the Nevis Disaster Management Department for their continued commitment to hosting the annual camp and equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to respond appropriately to disasters and other safety threats.
“I want to place on record my deep thanks and support to the entire staff. I was very happy to see that we had up to 75 children over the past two weeks. I want to thank the parents as well for trusting the NDMD with your children because I believe what they were exposed to will bring additional benefit to the household.”
Minister Brand also expressed appreciation to the Bank of Nevis Ltd. for partnering with the NDMD to sponsor the Summer Safety Camp and contribute to the success of the programme.
The Summer Safety Camp forms part of the NDMD’s ongoing efforts to promote disaster preparedness and safety awareness among young people and foster a culture of resilience from an early age.
