The Public Entity of Bonaire (OLB) has a disaster response team that addresses the consequences of a crisis or disaster. It coordinates with various agencies and services to determine what actions are needed in the event of danger during or after a disaster. The OLB sets up shelters for people who are not safe in their own homes. In addition, it provides the Bonairean community with the necessary information. In the event of a hurricane, tropical storm, or other disaster, the OLB alerts the public to the severity of the situation.
The main structure of the disaster response team consists of:
1. Incident Command Post (CoPI)
2. Coordination Meeting of ESF Group Coordinators
3. Island Policy Team (EBT)
Incident Command Post (CoPI)
A CoPI is responsible for on-site operational command at the incident. They coordinate with the other parties involved and advise the EBT.
The CoPI consists of:
1. CoPI Leader
2. Fire Department Officer on Duty (red column)
3. Medical Officer on Duty (white column)
4. Police and/or Royal Military Police Officer on Duty (blue column)
5. Civil Protection Officer on Duty (orange column)
6. CoPI Communications Advisor
7. Information Manager
8. Reporter/Minute-Taker
Coordination Meeting of ESF Group Coordinators
ESF stands for Emergency Support Functions and consists of various organizations that work together to mitigate the effects of a crisis or disaster. The coordination committee oversees the various ESF groups.
ESFs can be classified as follows:
ESF 1: Water & Energy
ESF 2: Telecommunications
ESF 3: Public Works & Transportation
ESF 4: Safety, Rescue, and Hazardous Materials (red column)
ESF 5: Public Order (blue column)
ESF 6: Medical Assistance and Healthcare (white column)
ESF 7: Evacuation and Shelter
ESF 8: Public Information
ESF 9: Administrative Affairs and Support
As needed, the chair may expand the coordinators’ meeting to include internal and/or external crisis partners.
Island Policy Team (EBT)
The EBT supports the governor in exercising the supreme command authority vested in the governor in the event of a disaster. The team members act as advisors to the governor. The EBT focuses on administrative aspects. Operational aspects are handled by the CoPI and the ESF groups.
The Island Policy Team consists of:
1. Governor, Chair of the Island Policy Team
2. Technical Chair (optional)
3. Administrative Advisor
4. Strategic Advisor for Fire Services (red column)
5. Strategic Advisor for Healthcare (orange column)
6. Strategic Advisor for Medical Affairs (white column)
7. Strategic Advisor for Police and/or Royal Military Police (blue column)
8. Strategic Advisor for Communications
9. Information Coordinator
10. Reporter/Minute-Taker
As needed, the Governor may expand the Island Policy Team to include internal and/or external crisis partners.
