Essential services during an emergency

Under the revised Policy Framework and Standard Operating Procedures for the Systematic Shutdown and Reactivation of Barbados, a number of public and private sector agencies have been identified as being a part of the essential services.

In the public service, the essential services are: the Department of Emergency Management; the Barbados Meteorological Service; the Barbados Fire Service; the Royal Barbados Police Force; the Barbados Defence Force; the Ministry of Health and associated medical facilities; transportation network agencies involved in telecommunication, electricity, water and natural gas; and other services that are essential to life.

Those in the private sector are: utility companies; supermarkets; mini-marts; shops; pharmacies; general stores, including hardware stores and lumberyards; companies that provide public transportation; and telecommunication providers.

All statements on the emergency situation will be made by government officials with support from the Chief Information Officer, and if necessary, through the National Emergency Broadcast System. (BGIS)