(Antigua Observer) Local disaster officials have confirmed that the necessary arrangements are in place for Antigua and Barbuda to welcome at least 250 nationals of St Vincent and the Grenadines, thousands of whom were forced to evacuate their homes when the La Soufriere volcano first erupted on Friday.
Most parts of the island are blanketed in a layer of ash and emergency officials have described the landscape as a “battle zone” and that more damage and destruction was likely.
Director of the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) Philmore Mullin said the evacuees, if they arrive, will be housed at the Jolly Beach Resort and Spa which currently serves as the government’s quarantine center.
He said an inspection was conducted on Saturday and he is pleased with the efforts thus far.
“The Ministry of Health will be responsible for all of the Covid-19 protocols. Additionally, they will conduct the regular screenings on arrival and will be seeking to determine whether or not any of the evacuees are on medication and what type of medication so that they can be integrated into the health system,” Mullin said.
“The Ministry of Education have been asked to look at the existing situation so that they can accept school children, so while they are here, they will be able to go to school after the initial quarantine period”.
