CBDRM critical in mitigating possible disasters
─ CBDRM key component in VERT programme
─ volunteers begin introductory training
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, March 30, 2019
The Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) training has been described as key to alleviating the effects of possible disasters in Guyana.
To this end, the Civil Defence Commission is hosting the first session of a 2-day Community Based Disaster Risk Management training programme at its headquarters.
In an invited comment, acting Project Manager of CDC Anita Wilson-Layne stated that Saturday’s session was an introduction to CBDRM framework. She explained that the session will introduce participants to the necessary procedures to be executed in community disaster response.
“Over the two days, we would be looking at the tools they would be using when they go out in the communities to assess risks, do the planning and to build the community disaster risk management teams,” the acting Project Manager related.
She further emphasised that CBDRM is a key component in the Volunteer Emergency Response Team (VERT) programme.
Speaking to the Department of Public Information (DPI) Dr. Kwasi Sinclair a participant in the Civil Defence Commission’s (CDC) Volunteer Emergency Response Team (VERT) programme said CBDRM provides the opportunity for the development of a customised early warning system for communities.
“At the end of the day, what you really want is to minimize the risk of lives being lost, changes to livelihoods and maximize the safety and security of persons in that area,” Dr. Sinclair stated.
He noted that the CBDRM can enhance the capabilities of the early warning system by putting in place measures for persons collecting metrological data. This, he explained would assist preparations to reduce the impact of possible disasters as the requisite information would be available.
In keeping with their objective to build capacity for disaster risk management, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) collaborated with ExxonMobil to roll out the Voluntary Emergency Response Team (VERT) programme which commenced on March 17 2019.
The VERT programme will be executed over one year and will see volunteers being trained in a number of areas. Some of these include Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis; Community Based Disaster Risk Management; First Aid Emergency Medical Response; Oil Spill Response, Natural Hazards and Disaster Risk Management among others.
After completing the one-year programme, the participates would become fully certificated as a VERT.
Anara Khan
Images: Jules Gibson