The success of regional countries and their various disaster management agencies in mitigating the effects of future disasters such as hurricanes while simultaneously building stronger, more resilient Caribbean countries, will largely depend upon continued regional cooperation and partnerships, Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe said recently.
Addressing the Gala Awards Dinner of the 10th Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Conference at Melia Nassau Beach resort, held as the final event of the weeklong conference in New Providence, Mrs. Parker-Edgecombe cited the partnership between The Bahamas’ National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) as one such partnership that has yielded “great results.”
“The efforts of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency continue to positively impact the region in the way we prepare for, and respond to disasters most notably hurricanes. Here on our shores, the National Emergency Management Agency likewise has demonstrated that it is capable of weathering many storms and that as a result of partnerships with relevant stakeholders, much can be accomplished,” Mrs. Parker-Edgecombe said.
“Only through strong partnerships will we all succeed as we continue to witness Mother Nature’s wrath at strength levels stronger than yesteryear’s. The partnership between CDEMA and NEMA is no different and throughout the years, has also yielded great results.”
Parliamentary Secretary Parker-Edgecombe said the importance of regional conferences such as the 10th CDM cannot be emphasized enough.
“They are a must for our region if we are to remain abreast of the latest in disaster management inclusive of, but not limited to areas such as technology, infrastructure, communications and most importantly, human resources.
“This conference comes at a time in which we continue to rebuild following several storms which devastated our region this year, namely Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Rebuild we must. Resilient we are.”
The Awards Dinner was used to recognize the contributions of the many hardworking and dedicated disaster managers in the region “who have toiled in some of the most dangerous weather conditions to ensure the safety of others and property.”
“To all of you receiving an award tonight, you must continue with your good works, nation by nation, community by community, we are all pursuing the same goal – a stronger and more resilient Caribbean,” Parliamentary Secretary Parker-Edgecombe said.
“It cannot go without saying that all of you present here tonight are indeed the unsung heroes of our region and very much deserving of such recognition,” Mrs. Parker-Edgecombe added.
Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Responsible for Information and Communications, Mrs. Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe (at left) addressed the Gala Awards Dinner of the 10th Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Conference at Melia Nassau Beach resort, December 8, 2017. (BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham)
By Matt Maura
Bahamas Information Services
