Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, July 27, 2023 (Press Secretary, PMO) – The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Claricia Langley-Stevens as the new Chairperson for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Board of Directors. This significant appointment comes as a testament to Ms. Langley Stevens’ exemplary leadership, expertise in disaster management, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our citizens.
Mrs. Langley-Stevens brings a wealth of experience in disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation, having served in various prominent roles within the field of emergency management. Her vast knowledge and dedication to public service make her a valuable asset to lead NEMA in its mission to ensure the resilience of our nation and protect our communities from the adverse effects of natural disasters and emergencies.
Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew expressed his confidence in Ms. Langley Stevens’ appointment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Claricia Langley Stevens as the new Chairperson of NEMA’s Board of Directors. Her wealth of experience, passion for public service, and strong leadership qualities make her an ideal candidate to lead our nation’s efforts in disaster management. We are confident that under her guidance, NEMA will continue to excel in its vital mission of safeguarding our citizens and enhancing our resilience in the face of adversity.”
Ms. Langley Stevens expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “I am deeply honored and humbled to take on the role of Chairperson for the NEMA Board of Directors. Disaster management is not just a profession for me; it is a calling. I look forward to working closely with NEMA’s dedicated team and our partners to ensure that our nation is well-prepared to face any challenge that may come our way. Together, we will build a safer and more resilient Saint Kitts and Nevis.”
Claricia Langley-Stevens, a registered NEMA Volunteer for District #6, worked in the civil service for over twenty-two (22) years. At NEMA Mrs. Stevens worked her way through the ranks office as Junior Clerk and ended her career as the Deputy National Disaster Coordinator for NEMA on Saint Kitts, a position she held for over 10 years. She also served as the Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) focal point for Saint Kitts and Nevis for NEMA at the Regional level.
Mrs. Langley-Stevens was the Chair of the Intergovernmental Coordination Group (ICG) Caribe EWS Tsunami Ready Task Team in 2017. She also had direct oversight of the Humanitarian components of the United States Southcom-based Exercise Tradewinds 2015 and 2018 held in Saint Kitts in partnership with St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force and the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
She served as the NEOC Director when it was activated for Hurricanes Irma and Maria and COVID-19 for Saint Kitts. Mrs. Stevens was also very instrumental in the formation of the St. Kitts and Nevis CDM Youth Ambassadors Initiative launched in November 2017. In 2020 she was awarded Woman of the Year in Disaster Management in Saint Kitts and Nevis by the Ministry of Gender Affairs.
Prior to exiting the service Mrs. Langley-Stevens through her passion and professional positioning as a Disaster Risk Management Specialist, started her own organization ASPIRE Consulting which allowed her to continue working with both local, regional, and international organizations such as Red Cross, USAID-BHA, and CDEMA to continue to provide much-needed support to all Disaster Management and Emergency Response Initiatives to benefit Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Mr. Langley-Stevens is an Honors graduate of Monroe College, with an Associate in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and is currently in the final stages of acquiring a Master’s in Education with a specialization in Advance Teaching at the University of the People. She is currently employed as the Safety and Security Manager of SKELEC.
As Chairperson of the NEMA Board, Mrs. Claricia Langley Stevens will steer the agency towards innovative and strategic approaches to disaster management. Her vision for a safer and more prepared nation will drive NEMA’s efforts to enhance emergency response protocols, coordinate disaster relief operations, and promote community-based resilience initiatives.
With a strong focus on community engagement, Mrs. Langley Stevens aims to empower local communities to become active partners in disaster preparedness and response. Through educational outreach programs and collaborative initiatives, NEMA, under her leadership, will work closely with citizens and stakeholders to build a more resilient and cohesive society.
Recognizing the importance of regional cooperation in disaster management, Mrs. Langley Stevens will actively collaborate with neighboring countries and regional organizations to foster information sharing, resource mobilization, and joint training exercises. This collaborative approach will bolster our collective ability to address cross-border emergencies effectively.
The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis congratulates Ms. Langley Stevens on her appointment and extends its full support as she leads NEMA in its mission to protect our citizens and communities, further strengthening our nation’s ability to face emergencies with resilience and determination.
NEMA is the premier agency responsible for coordinating disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in Saint Kitts and Nevis. With a mission to build a disaster-resilient nation, NEMA works closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners, to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens during times of crisis.
