ODPM welcomes new Chief Executive Officer

After months of recruitment and selection, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) is pleased to inform all media and external stakeholders that Dr Stephen Ramroop has officially assumed duties as our new Chief Executive Officer effective today, Friday April 01.

Dr. Ramroop is a certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with over 24 years experience in public and private practice. Prior to assuming duties at the ODPM, Dr. Ramroop was previously attached to the San Fernando General Hospital as Head of the Emergency Department. He is also a former Medical Director at that institution.

An active Rotarian and known resident of South Trinidad, Dr. Ramroop brings to the ODPM a wide experience in the field of emergency and disaster preparedness and management; experience which was tested during his participation in the ICC World Cup 2007, Fifth Summit of the Americas (VSOA) and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Dr. Ramroop is also an active member of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross and other non governmental organisations (NGOs).

In addition to his experience, Dr. Ramroop has been recognised for his strong management skills along with his commitment, foresight and vision. Moreover, given Dr. Ramroop’s linkages with the public and private sector, it is expected that he will be able to garner support from individuals and organisations throughout Trinidad and Tobago in order to further develop Trinidad and Tobago into a safer and more resilient society. Dr. Ramroop affirmed to staff during an orientation session “As an Orthopaedic Surgeon, one can save a life sporadically. However, as the head of a national disaster management office, one has the ability to save the lives of our 1,300,000 citizens.”

Simultaneously, the ODPM extends sincerest appreciation to Colonel Rodney Smart who was appointed the Interim CEO in September 2010. Colonel Smart willingly embraced the challenge of heading the organisation during the very active 2010 Hurricane Season and in light of this, the ODPM thanks him for his leadership and commitment to the organisation and by extension the country.

The entire team at the ODPM congratulates Dr Ramroop on his appointment and wishes him a successful tenure.

Issued by:-

Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit

868 640 1285 ext 14240/ publicinfo.odpm@gmail.com

For further information, please contact:-

Dike Noel, Public Information Specialist

868 640 1285 ext 14240