To make matters worse, Brown disclosed that the two strong motion machines used by the unit to determine the magnitude and epicentre of earthquakes were not fully operational.
Being connected to the system or having fully operational machines helps to quickly and accurately know the strength and location of an earthquake or a tsunami, Brown explained.
His comments came at an earthquake/tsunami workshop put on by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Kingston on Thursday.
a better position
"This would put us in a better position to assist relief agencies like the Fire Brigade and ODPEM on where they can concentrate their efforts," he said.
Noting that the unit needs three strong motion machines, Brown said the two now in use have been damaged overtime due to continuous use.
He said it would be very expensive for the earthquake unit to set up its own tsunami warning system. Until then, Brown said they would negotiate with the United States Geological Survey to get access to its system.