By Stephen Cummings
Caribbean Net News Trinidad and Tobago Correspondent
Email: stephen@caribbeannetnews.com

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad: Trinidad and Tobago, along with the rest of the region has been preparing for the hurricane season.

The Trinidad government has put up TT$50 million as a hurricane fund.

National Security Minister Martin Joseph speaking on Friday during a launch of Disaster Preparedness Month in Port of Spain said the fund is merely to improve on the country's disaster preparedness operations.

The country is also reviewing its National Incident Management Policy. This includes national relief, policy and earthquake response plans to help persons hit by natural disasters.

Trinidad and Tobago's Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) has also been involved in on-going disaster preparedness education.

Last year the ODPM got TT$21 million to fund its annual operations. Its main function is "To coordinate a network of agencies and individuals within the country to direct their efforts to the maximum preservation of life and the protection of property in times of disaster. "

"We are planning for the worst and if the worst comes we are prepared to get the best possible outcome. We are seeking to reduce risks in the most effective way possible and building the necessary capabilities to do so," said Martin Joseph.

This year's hurricane season is predicted to be among the fiercest in years. Like parts of the US the Caribbean has not been spared.

June 1 marked the official start of the hurricane season. 17 named storms have been predicted for this season, nine of which may become hurricanes and five intense hurricanes.