The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) in partnership with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and the National Emergency Management Agency hosted a 3 ½ day workshop on August 9 to August 12 at HMBS Coral Harbour. Captain Coral Harbour, Captain Glenn McPhee brought opening remarks where he welcomed participants and praised the collaborative efforts of participating agencies. Also in attendance was Captain Steven Russell, Director of NEMA, Commander Sonia Miller, Commanding Officer Disaster & Risk Management Unit, Lisa Bowleg, NEMA Training Coordinator, Major Damain Bromley, WFP Training Officer and Kristin Pristupa of World Food Program.Participating in the workshop were members of NEMA and RBDF personnel from the Planned Maintenance, Supply, Disaster Management, Engineering and Base Civil Construction Maintenance Unit. Attendees were instructed on the use and deployment of emergency response equipment available in country during times of disaster. The intended purpose of the training is to support hurricane preparedness and aligns with the CDEMA Logistics Program and regional preparedness strategies.Delivering presentations during the workshop on the overview of CDEMA, Regional Response Mechanism and role of NEMA in terms of mitigation, response and recovery was Captain Steven Russell, Director of NEMA. The purpose of NEMA’s establishment is to promote good social, economic, and environmental best practices towards building disaster resilience.Kristin Pristupa presented on the World Food Program, the world’s largest humanitarian organization which uses food assistance to create peace, stability, and prosperity for those recovering from varied circumstances associated with disasters and conflict. The program is found throughout 123 countries globally and in 22 Caribbean countries (English and Dutch speaking).Major Damain Bromley led the training aspect of the workshop where participants were introduced to key elements such as Safety Procedures and Introduction to Equipment. Manual and visual instruction was given on Equipment Checking, Accountability and Construction, Connecting Generators, Dismantling and Securing Equipment, and Accounting and Reporting methods. Participants were split into groups where they networked to complete tasks and were graded on performance. During the practical assessment, participants were required to properly construct and dismantle a Mobile Storage Unit.The workshop concluded with a debrief training evaluation where course participants gave feedback on overall workshop and made recommendations on improvements for future training purposes. Each participant was awarded a certificate of completion which indicated the synopsis of their training. Presentation of certificates were made by Captain Steven Russell, Director NEMA, Commander Sonia Miller, Commanding Officer Disaster & Risk Management Unit and Kristin Pristupa of the World Food Program.It is intended that the information shared during this collaborated training excercise, will be effective in the execution of response efforts in a national disaster, should the need arise. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force continues to be the frontline of assitance for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, performing humanitarian task in conjunction with local and international partners. (Photos by Petty Officer Tancia Russell)

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