MEDIA RELEASE

IDB provides funding to improve the delivery of Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM)

“This project is indeed another step in the right direction for Trinidad and Tobago as, through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), we are continuously working to develop our capacities in the areas of disaster risk reduction, resilience and disaster management.” These were the words of Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Honourable Collin Partap as he addressed attendees at the launch of a project titled Improving the delivery of Comprehensive Disaster Management in Trinidad and Tobago. This timely and much-needed project, which was launched on Thursday October 27 at the Cascadia Hotel in St. Ann’s, Trinidad, will span two years and will cost an estimated USD$650,000.00. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will contribute USD $500,000.00 with the Ministry of National Security providing the remaining USD $150,000.00.

The aims of this project are as follows: to: (i) prepare a country disaster risk evaluation; and (ii) strengthen institutional capacity for disaster risk management, emphasizing risk reduction and incorporating climate change adaptation and (iii)the development of community-based response teams to address recurrent flooding in vulnerable areas.

In his opening remarks, Dr Stephen Ramroop, ODPM CEO indicated that this project is based on the simple tenet that when we know and understand the risks that we face, we are able to treat with these risks more effectively and efficiently. He also affirmed that this project “is the enhancement of a number of programmes and initiatives which have already begun and which aim to reduce risk and build the resilience of our twin-island Republic.”

Mr. Iwan Sewberath-Messer, Representative of IDB in Trinidad and Tobago, informed attendees that based on a 2009 study of disaster risk reduction indicators, the areas of lowest performance were in the areas or prevention and mitigation and it is in this vein that the IDB was pleased to provide non-reimbursable technical support to the ODPM and by extension, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

In his feature address, Honourable Collin Partap, Minister in the Ministry of National Security affirmed that “the Government of Trinidad and Tobago recognises the need for an integrated and comprehensive approach to disaster risk reduction and management. To this end, we have been working with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management to create a more streamlined and incorporated approach to implementing disaster management policies and disaster risk reduction strategies. ” Additionally, he reminded attendees that “disaster risk reduction must become a priority for each and every one of us. Together as citizens and stakeholders, let us commit our efforts to creating a safer, stronger and resilient Trinidad and Tobago.”

Following the launch, representatives from various key ministries and agencies such as Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Planning and the Economy, Ministry of Housing and the Environment, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs, Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development, Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service, Habitat for Humanity, Water and Sewage Authority, American Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AMCHAM) and Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society, participated in the first Technical Advisory Committee meeting which will oversee the implementation of the project with further supervision by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries.

For further information on this project, please contact us via telephone at 640 1285 ext 14240, via email at publicinfo.odpm@gmail.com, visit our website at www.odpm.gov.ttor follow us on Facebook at ODPMTT.

ENDS

Issued by:

Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit