A Christmas Message from the Director
Posted by Director Lewis on December 21, 2011 at 6:00 PM AST

Christmas is not a time, nor it is a season, but it is a state of mind. Christmas is a time to cherish peace and goodwill. It is a time to be plenteous in mercy, and it is a time to have the real spirit of Christmas.

At this time we the people of the United States Virgin Islands ought to be truly grateful that the Season does not meet us with the challenges that are being faced by many of our international and regional brothers and sisters who have been ravaged by disaster. In this regard we ought to give thanks, but most importantly we ought to show empathy by remembering the afflicted in our thoughts and prayers.

For the coming year I send only the best of wishes to you and your families. Although, we hope that the upcoming year reflects the year 2011, we are cognizant that we cannot prevent nor accurately predict when or where a disaster will strike, hence in my capacity as Director of VITEMA, and Homeland Security Advisor, I ask for your continued cooperation and partnership as I try to effectively and efficiently execute the duties of my office, so that VITEMA can better serve you.

I believe that strong partnerships are key in emergency management. This has been my charge since assuming my role at VITEMA. I am aware that by building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies, and with the private sector - individuals, families, nonprofits and businesses that VITEMA would be able to ensure the Territory's ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and building the capacity to recover.

It would be remiss of me not to mention my mantra. My mantra has been and continues to be, that emergency management is a shared responsibility. I firmly believe that government cannot effectively build resilience to disasters by itself. In these fiscally trying times, individuals, families and communities must work to mitigate risks, prepare themselves and their communities for disasters, build local relationships and partnerships that will help government agencies respond to, and care for those impacted by disasters, and develop the capacity for short-term and long-term recovery from disasters.

Let's be reminded that given our geographic disposition which poses additional security and logistical challenges, that it is imperative for us to embrace the Whole Community Approach to Emergency Management. According to Kaufman, Lumpkins & Aniskoff (2011), "The Whole Community concept is a lens through which residents, emergency management practitioners, organizational leaders, and government officials can understand and assess the needs of local residents and the best ways in which to organize and strengthen their assets, capacities, and interests. By doing so, a more effective path to societal security and resilience is built."

Too often, in the course of our busy work days, we forget to say "Thank You" to those who have helped to shoulder our burdens. Let me take this opportunity to thank all of you for being a part of the team and sharing this year with me. May this Holiday Season and the coming New Year bring you and your family all the best that life has to offer. Drive safely ... remember don't drink and drive.

Season's Greetings!

Elton Lewis
Director, VITEMA