NATIONAL OFFICE OF DISASTER SERVICES

Officials of the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) on Friday wrapped a four day mission with CDEMA’s Senior Programme Officer for the Comprehensive Disaster Management- Harmonized Implementation Programme (CDM-HIP) Saudia Rahat.

Rahat met with the Director of NODS Philmore Mullin and staff members to discuss areas to be funded and completed application forms and proposals that will advance NODS request for the utilization of funding.

The group reviewed and updated Antigua’s Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) work programme and identified challenges in its implementation.

“This will help us to understand NODS priorities, challenges and goals and also promote awareness of the CDM Strategy, Governance Mechanism and CDM HIP.” Rahat said.

Director of NODS Philmore Mullin said this was a good time to meet since it took place before the hurricane season and while discussions are ongoing with other stake holder partners, “to implement CDM at their level and creates an environment for greater harmonization at regional, national and community levels.”

Rahat also met with the countries District Disaster Coordinators to share information on the CDM strategy.

It is hoped that the mission will improve relation and understanding of the operations and administration of NODS.

As well as enhance awareness of the CDM Strategy, Governance Mechanism and CDM HIP among stakeholders in Antigua.

The Comprehensive Disaster Management Harmonized Implementation Programme (Phase 1) is a five year programme aimed at enhancing institutional support and community resilience to mitigate and respond to and recover from the adverse affects of climate variability and change and disasters.

The intended beneficiaries of the programme include – vulnerable communities, people of the Caribbean Region, National Disaster Management Organizations and the CDERA CU and OECS Secretariat will benefit from institutional, physical and technical support and also directly through training and skills development.

Photo caption: From left NODS Educator Sherrod James, Director of NODS Philmore Mullin, CDEMA’s Senior Programme Officer for the (CDM-HIP) Saudia Rahat and Secretary Administrator Naomi Cavalho.