NASSAU, Bahamas – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) facilitated a workshop for key personnel in disaster management, to certify them as instructors in the proper presentation of information on disasters when they arise.

 

The workshop, held January 19-23 at the Police College on Thompson Boulevard, was sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. USAID/OFDA also sponsors similar workshops throughout the Caribbean on disaster management. 

 

Director of NEMA, Commander Stephen Russell said the geographical and archipelagic makeup of The Bahamas demands that NEMA is prepared to respond to any form of disaster or emergency event that can disrupt the livelihood of citizens or visitors in any of the islands, districts or communities.

 

Tim Brown, Deputy Chief of Missions at the United States Embassy in Nassau underscored the importance of such training exercise. He said planning is key to effectively respond to natural disasters. Mr. Brown praised NEMA and its partner USAID/OFDA for ensuring that the country is prepared for any event.

 

Representatives from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) in Barbados, St Lucia, Dominica, Grenada and Jamaica also participated in the workshop.

 

Pictured seated among participants and instructors are Superintendent David Deveaux, Commandant, Police College; Tim Brown, Deputy Chief of Missions, United States Embassy, Nassau; Captain Stephen Russell, director, NEMA. (BIS Photo/Kristaan HA Ingraham II)