36 Graduate from Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Training

On, Friday 6th October, 2023 the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), in collaboration with the CDEMA – Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency and the World Hope International (WHI), hosted a closing ceremony for 36 members of the Defence Force and Protective Services, who participated in the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) training which began on Monday 2nd October, 2023.

The USAR training is invaluable for first responders and communities alike. It equips teams with the skills needed to swiftly and safely rescue individuals in complex urban disaster scenarios, such as building collapses or natural calamities.

This week-long programme enhanced the teamwork and coordination among agencies, with the goal of ensuring a seamless response. This training reinforces our multi-agency approach in support of Comprehensive Disaster Management, simultaneously developing in-country and regional capacity and capabilities. Such programmes are essential to building strong deployment teams to enhance the Regional Response Mechanism for effective response after a disaster and fosters international collaboration during crises. Overall, USAR training is a vital asset for disaster preparedness and effective response.

Delivering the feature address at the closing ceremony was the Permanent Secretary (Ag.) of the Ministry of National Security Trinidad & Tobago, Mrs. Nataki Atiba-Dilchan, and also bringing remarks were the WHI Lead Instructor, Mr. Larry Mullins; Management Consular Officer of Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Ms. Audrey Veronneau; Disaster Risk Management Specialist of USAID, Ms. Tamara Lovell; CEO of the ODPM, Major General (Retired) Rodney Smart; President of the Caribbean Association of Fire Chiefs, Chief Fire Officer of the Barbados Fire Service, Chief Errol Maynard; and, Programme Manager Preparedness and Response within CDEMA, Mr. Mandela Christian.

Congratulations to all the officers who participated and successfully completed the USAR Training.

#ODPMTT #DisasterResilience