On Wednesday 17th January 2024, the National Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Multi-sectoral Committee (NDPPMC), held its 1st planning meeting for this year’s National Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Month (NDPPM). The meeting was hosted by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) at its Alternative National Emergency Operations Centre in Mausica.
The month of activities is held annually throughout May and was established by Cabinet in 2020 to place greater emphasis on disaster prevention and readiness, prior to the commencement of the Atlantic Hurricane Season on June 1st. The meeting, chaired by the CEO of the ODPM, Major General (Retired) Rodney Smart, first reviewed the 2023 activities before examining this year’s activities, which once again aim to engage all segments of society. Some of the proposed events include intensification of drills and exercises, emergency communications, community outreaches, seminars and webinars all designed to further educate the public of Trinidad and Tobago.
The NDPPMC comprise representatives from several Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, whose mandate, in addition to planning the month of activities, is to maintain national focus throughout the year on disaster prevention, readiness and resilience building. Wednesday, however, saw the inclusion for the first time at the national planning level, representatives from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the Private Sector. These two (2) groups were officially established as clusters to the committee in 2023.
The Chairman of the CSOs Cluster and President of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society (TTRCS), Ms. Jill De Bourg, presented on the work being undertaken by her sub-committee. This committee comprises the top local organisations that provide relief to citizens after a disaster event, but are also involved in the other aspects of disaster management. Similarly, Mr. Nixon Gangoo of ANSA McAL, presented on the work being undertaken by the Private Sector Cluster. This includes establishment of needs-analysis databases to aid disaster response and the provision of relief to best deliver assistance to affected citizens. This cluster is led by the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM-TT) and comprises other business chambers and independent businesses.
Attendees were also briefed about an upcoming project that they would become involved in as representatives of national sectors. The project seeks to upgrade the National Adaptation Plan, which would see a more integrated approach being taken to address Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives. The project is being led by Ms. Renelle Sargeant, who is the local National Consultant for the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), which is sponsoring the project.
In attendance at the meeting were representatives from various Divisions of the Ministry of National Security, the Disaster Management Units (DMUs) of the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, Ministry of Planning and Development, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Digital Transformation, Ministry of Youth Development and National Service, Ministry of Public Administration, Ministry of Works and Transport, Ministry of Sport and Community Development, Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), and the representatives of the CSOs and the Private Sector.
Title
CEO of the ODPM, Major General (retired) Rodney Smart leading the discussion of National Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Month (NDPPM).
Title
Training and Education Specialist, Lieutenant Commander (retired) Kirk Jean-Baptiste, providing an overview of the roles and responsibilities of committee members.
Title
Chairman of the CSOs Cluster and President of the TTRCS, Ms. Jill De Bourg, presenting on the work being undertaken by civil society organisations.
Title
Mr. Nixon Gangoo, representing the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM-TT), discussing needs-analysis databases to aid disaster response and the provision of relief.
Title
Ms. Renelle Sargeant presenting on the integration of Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction.
Title
Representatives reviewing the events of 2023’s National Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Month (NDPPM).
Title
Representatives proposing activities for this year’s NDPPM.
Lt Cdr (Ret’d) Kirk Jean-Baptiste M.A.
Training and Education Specialist
ODPM