Is the MET Service Understaffed?

Minister of Disaster Risk Management, Andre Perez emphasizes the importance of the National Meteorological Service which provides essential information to the public throughout the course of the day. Meteorologists are tasked with managing multiple stations, working odd hours and even holidays. This raises the question of whether the MET Service is adequately staffed to manage the duties or not. Here’s Perez’s response. 

 

Andre Perez, Minister of Disaster Risk Management

“We have done a lot of changes right now. Since the service came on disasters management has passed with us. We have already increased the staff more needs to be done. Of course, we need, we understand that we have meetings with our C.E.O. and with the chief met and of course creating a department where they are the financial officer, the accounting officer, which they did not have. It was only one ministry at the time. So eventually this is becoming more efficient. And what the chief mentioned about increase of staff, certainly we’re looking at that as well, no? But of course, we always have to watch our budget as well. But I think right now what we’re doing is sensitizing and showing to the public the importance of the MET service, the valuable information is being shared. That is very critical. And I want to recognize that the staff here, that they do the work. It’s as the chief mentioned, even on Christmas Day, they’re working as well. You have a lot of different people, doctors and so working. The MET service also is at work, even during the holidays.”