Georgetown, Guyana – (September 7, 2015) The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) today commenced a five-day workshop on disaster risk management at the CDC’s headquarters, Thomas Lands. It is being held under the theme, “Climate Smarting and Enhancement of the Comprehensive Disaster Management Country Work Programme Workshop”.
At the end of the workshop, participants will produce a national work programme that will be used to guide and inform disaster risk management efforts here in Guyana.
CDC’s Director General, Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup in his remarks described the forum as timely and said that it comes at a time when disasters are increasing the loss of lives and damage to property. He explained that over the last six years the CDC has developed plans and strategies to cope with two major hazards – drought and floods.
Delivering the feature address, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said that climate change has been a harsh reality for Guyanese and as such, there can be no delay in putting measures in place to deal with disastrous effects.
He said that disaster preparedness management has now taken on a more scientific approach that requires clearly defined objectives and careful planning; noting that, “It is basically trying to pre-empt what is going to happen and to prepare a plan for it.”
He Minister pledged the full support of the Government and reminded the gathering that disaster preparedness is key for the survival of Guyana’s population. He also urged the CDC to continue engage citizens at the community levels. He believes that if the communities are more organised, response efforts in times of disaster will be easier for the Commission.
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