October 13, 2009
Trincity, Trinidad West Indies
In order to continue with its public information and education drive, the ODPM invited representatives from the media and media organisations to its premises on Tuesday October 13. On the agenda were a presentation by the Chief Executive Officer, Col. George Robinson, a tour of the National Emergency Operating Centre and the official launch of the ODPM pages on the social networking sites: Facebook and Twitter.
The CEO’s presentation was focused on the role of the ODPM, the role of the First Responder Agencies and the role of the private sector in the disaster risk management process. The important role that the media play in disaster risk management, public awareness and information dissemination, was dealt with by Mr. Dike Noel, Public Information Specialist.
The tour of the National Emergency Operating Centre (NEOC) was conducted by the Operations (Preparedness and Response) Manager, Donna Pierre. This tour provided the representatives of the media with an opportunity to view first hand all technological equipment that is housed in the centre in the event that the centre is activated if a disaster occurs. At this centre, representatives from First Responder Agencies and the like are stationed in order to perform the role of Emergency Support Functions.
Given the importance that social media has played and continues to play in the communication process, the ODPM found it necessary to launch pages on Facebook and Twitter. This will aid with ensuring that the public is always kept up to date with the regards to hazards and disaster risk management. The Facebook page is “ODPMTT” whereas the Twitter page is “ODPM_TT”.
The ODPM acknowledges that the media in Trinidad and Tobago have an important to play in assisting the ODPM with its mandate and looks forward to more meaningful collaborations and initiatives of this nature. The ODPM affirms that the country needs to plan, prepare and preserve in the wake of natural disaster preparedness and reduction. It is only by planning and preparing, citizens can then ensure that the well being of the community, the region and the country is preserved.
ENDS
Contact:
Dike G. Noel
Public Information Specialist
868 640 1285 ext 240 / 486 8251