NICHOLL'S TOWN, Andros - The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) conducted the second phase of its water rescue training exercise on the island, in collaboration with the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), held April 28 to May 1, 2014. Andros is the second island to receive the training, which took place in the settlement of Nicholl's Town at the Nicholl's Town Gospel Chapel Youth Hall.
USNORTHCOM donated the necessary equipment to facilitate the training and additional equipment to assist rescue teams with responding to disasters near the coast or swamplands.
Nineteen participants who hailed from the community were taught how to establish a search-and-rescue program as well as a number of skills such as surface water rescue.
Participants included Charlene Whyms, Carson Lundy, Kelson Colebrook, Kirkwood Dean, Tammy Farrington, Stephen Riley, Shane Miller, Owen Julius Hanna and Natalie Pratt, of the Royal Bahamas Police Force; Natheria D. Pratt and Clorice Taylor-Knowles of the Civil Aviation Department, Colin Ingraham of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force; Omar Miller of the Ministry of Public Works and Urban Development, and Johnathan Fowler Sr., Nathaniel Pratt and Wendell Evans. Volunteers included Malissa Coakley and Andrea Smith, of the Department of Public Service, and Navardo J. Rolle, of Western Air. Thirteen participants received level 2 certification and six received level 1 certification.
The purpose of the training and equipment program is to equip and train a team of individuals on the island to be able to effectively respond to a disaster in nearby waters. However, NEMA's main focus for this particular water rescue training is to ensure that individuals in the community are properly trained to respond if an aircraft or boating mishap happens in waters near the coast. The class instructions were conducted by four certified water and rope rescue technicians from the United States Public Health Services, sponsored by USNORTHCOM. Leading the team was Captain Joseph Hughart and assisting were Captain John Holland, Commander Douglas Ebert and Lieutenant Commander Kiel Fisher. Senior Lieutenant Sonia Miller and Wendell Rigby from NEMA helped with the facilitation of the training.
Captain Stephen Russell, director of NEMA; Chief Councilor Bob Mackay and Jeffrey Smith of USNORTHCOM were all present to hand out certificates to participants. Captain Russell explained to participants the importance of having such a team on the island of Andros. He also encouraged the new rescue team to continue to work together and practice what they were taught to further strengthen their ability to respond to a disaster. Participants were also thanked for having the courage to take part in the training and committing themselves to take on such a meaningful task.
Overall, NEMA dubbed the training and equipment program held on the island a success. The participants were eager to learn and remained motivated during the training sessions. Over the past months water rescue training exercises have taken place in New Bight, Cat Island and in Clarence Town, Long Island. The total value of equipment donated by USNORTHCOM for phase II water rescue Training is $275,548.75.
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