The once popular saying that ‘God is a Grenadian’, is slowly becoming a thing of the past among Grenadians, since the passage of Hurricane Ivan in September 2004.

For over a decade, prior to Ivan’s ravage through the island, Grenadians were somewhat complacent despite numerous warnings during the hurricane season which commences 1 June and ends 30 November. Prior to Ivan, the most devastating hurricane to pass through Grenada was Hurricane Janet in September of 1955, which resulted in the death of over 120 persons and extensive damage to the island.

For approximately 49 years, Grenada managed to be spared from the wraths of many hurricanes and storms. However, the small island did experience minor flooding and storm surges throughout the years.

In 2017 neighbouring islands, Dominica, Barbuda and Puerto Rico were among those that were left battered and plowed by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Grenadians were among the first to rush to the assistance of some of these ravaged islands, sending human resources as well as first aid, monies and goods. As a result of being spared for yet another year, some Grenadians started becoming a bit complacent and laid back especially coming to the end of the season. However, this mode of complacency soon ended when the “Dry Season” commenced with some heavy downpours of rains, resulting in flooding in south and east of the island, where farmers lost thousands of dollars’ worth of produce, and others lost their properties from cars to houses.

The worry in the atmosphere created a denseness that was so thick that it could have been cut with a knife. Grenadians were worried and panicking once again and creating a sense of uneasiness among themselves. Supermarkets and gas stations were overcrowded as persons did their last-minute shopping for non-perishable items, and other emergency items.

Since the disintegration of the torrential rains sometime in March, it appears that people are becoming more aware of climate change and how weather patterns are changing around the world.

Recent reports from weather experts indicate that the 2018 Hurricane Season will be another overly active one, similar to that of 2017.

So, are Grenadians really prepared? Or do they still believe that ‘God is a Grenadian?’

The Barnacle News Team took to the streets last week Friday find out persons from different areas, age groups and sects whether or not they are prepared, what they are expecting and what safety measures they have in place for the upcoming season.

Most of the elderly persons who spoke to the Barnacle News Team indicated that they were not taking chances this year. One man, who said he is a farmer, said he lives on the north-western side of the island, and has experienced Hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Emily (2005), and he is just thankful that Grenada didn’t get hit last year. But he strongly believes that there is something in the brewing for Grenada in 2018.

Another woman, who said she was in her early 40s, told the Barnacle News Team that she is as ready as she can be. “How ready can you be for what God sending?” she asked rhetorically. She went on to describe her experiences during Ivan, saying how devastated she and her family were at that time. Having never experiencing such massive destruction and disruption before, she cringed as she relayed her experiences. As a staunch Christian, she said she cannot only thank God for seeing her through Ivan’s wrath, and even though she is not sure what’s in store for 2018, she and her family are continuing to make preparations for the season as best as they can.

Speaking to a group of construction workers, they stated that they were very aware that climate change is playing a big part in the weather patterns and a lot of what is happening worldwide. With reference to their level of preparation for the upcoming Hurricane Season, one gentleman said, “It’s something you can’t really prepare to manage. It’s just the basics that you have to get.”

Similar sentiments were shared by his fellow colleagues, one of whom said he doesn’t think it necessary to wait until the last minute to flock supermarkets to purchase items such as batteries and food items. “To be honest with you, how I’m seeing [things] here, I don’t think we are ready, and we don’t really know what to expect,” he said.  “No one is every ready for mother nature,” he added.

Some persons are of the belief that climate change is inevitable, as they look at the number of earthquakes and other natural disasters happening about the world today. But, they are seeing the importance of preparations.

Interestingly enough, another group of persons indicated that although they personally are prepared, they don’t think the general population, including the authorities are fully prepared for the upcoming season. One man suggested that the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) host pocket meetings throughout the islands to assist with the dissemination of information on preparedness and how to keep the environment clean and litter-free to prevent or reduce flooding. When probed more, he added that NaDMA should partner with other stakeholders such as the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authorities and the National Sewerage and Water Authority (NAWASA) to put better plans in place.

He then went on to speak about the heavy rainfalls which were experienced earlier this year, saying that he is sure litter and lots of blocked drains had a lot to do with what happened.

NaDMA is the organization on the island responsible for disaster preparedness and management, and the Barnacle News Team reached out to their Public Relation Officer (PRO), Ms Oslyn Crosby. According to her, NaDMA has taken on a number of initiatives which includes a project with NAWASA installing a 1000-gallon water tank in 21 schools, upgrading of shelters, among other things. Additionally, they will be holding media sessions, a cleanup campaign on 30 June, and having presentations to ministerial and sectoral groups.

Although Ms Crosby confirmed that the experts indicated that the 2018 will be an overly active season, she reminded persons that there is no need to get overly panicked, as “disaster management is something we do every day,” it is not just about the hurricane season. According to her, persons should not wait until the last minute to get prepared, but they can do that leading up to the season.

Additionally, NaDMA recognizes the need for accurate information to be shared in a timely manner, and they are encouraging persons who have access to the internet and other sources to be mindful of how and what they share.

The memories of Hurricane Ivan will remain etched in the minds of those who experienced it. And for those who haven’t and are yet to experience the wrath of a hurricane of such force, it may remain a mystery or a part of their imagination. However, persons are still encouraged to remain vigilant and mindful that the 2018 Hurricane Season will be as active as 2017 or maybe more.