Officers from the police and defence forces along with disaster personnel are joining their regional counterparts in a one-week Caricom Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU) training here on island aimed at strengthening their disaster relief response capabilities.

The training, being hosted by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), in partnership with the Regional Security System (RSS), is targeting approximately 40 participants from Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts/Nevis, Grenada, Montserrat, the British Virgin Islands, St Lucia, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Caricom Disaster Relief Unit serves as a vital first relief mechanism, comprising the military, fire service, and police personnel from CDEMA participating states. This enables the unit to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, facilitate logistics, support emergency telecommunications and coordinate national and regional relief efforts.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop on Monday on behalf of the Executive Director of CDEMA Elizabeth Riley, Programme Director Rasheed Pinder said the training was a critical step in enhancing the region’s preparedness and resilience considering the occurrence of more severe and frequent hazards.

Deputy Director of NODS Craig Cole noted that participants should not just strengthen themselves but the region as well. Lieutenant Colonel Eugene Philip of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force believes camaraderie among participants will enhance teamwork.

Support for the training has also come from the United States Southern Command (US Southcom) represented by Coalition Affairs Director David Greene. US Southcom comprises military and civilian personnel who are responsible for providing contingency planning, operations, and security cooperation in the Caribbean and other regions.

The Caricom Disaster Relief Unit training, being held at Crabbes, will focus on topics such as regional relief and logistics plan, telecommunications, basic safer building and engineering techniques and improved team coordination. – **_the end_** –