ODPM received delegation from the Federative Republic of Brazil

On Monday 22nd January 2024, the ODPM received a delegation from the Federative Republic of Brazil as part of an effort to explore potential areas to increase humanitarian cooperation with the Caribbean. The delegation consisted of Mr. José Solla Vásqúez Junior, General Coordinator for Humanitarian Cooperation, Brazilian Cooperation Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil; Mr. Wolnei Wolff Barreiros, National Secretary for Civilian Protection and Defense, Ministry of Integration and Regional Development; and Mr. Andre Rosa Bueno, Counsellor, Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Port of Spain.

Fruitful discussions on Trinidad and Tobago’s situation and capabilities in the management of risks and disasters, including those associated with climate change, along with Brazil’s approach to the integrated management of natural disasters, were led by the CEO of the ODPM, Major General (Retired) Rodney Smart. The Brazilian delegation expressed interest in sharing knowledge and providing humanitarian assistance to Trinidad and Tobago.

The session also led to dialogue on numerous potential areas for collaboration between the two nations, including, but not limited to, reinforcing current mechanisms and ongoing initiatives is disaster management, which can bolster local capacities in technology utilisation, such as the incorporation of artificial intelligence and employment of drones and Real Time Kinematics (RTK) devices, as well as adopting best practice for the integrated management of disasters at a strategic level.

The meeting has provided a first-hand introduction to current disaster management capabilities for these representatives, and will evolve into the ODPM establishing a productive working relationship with the Federative Republic of Brazil, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and partnerships. Further discussions are expected to stem from today’s session, which will be of mutual benefit.

This meeting forms part of a broader visit to Trinidad and Tobago being coordinated by the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Port of Spain.