Biden floats mask mandate amid concerns of fourth COVID surge
With health officials and infectious disease experts warning that a possible fourth COVID-19 surge is on the horizon as states start loosening health restrictions and mask mandates, President Joe Biden says he is looking into executive action.
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky warned of "impending doom" as the rate of new COVID-19 cases rose by 10 percent. Because of this, she urged the nation to avoid a false sense of security amid an increasing rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.
"We have so much to look forward to, so much promise and potential of where we are, and so much reason for hope. But right now, I'm scared," Walensky said Monday at a press briefing, doubling down on her prediction that the nation will experience an avoidable fourth surge in COVID-19 cases.
The way to avoid a fourth surge, she says, is to keep wearing masks, maintain social distancing and to avoid unnecessary travel until more Americans are fully vaccinated.
President Biden, on the heels of Walensky's speech, called for more action from state governors.
"I'm reiterating my call for every governor, mayor, and local leader to maintain and reinstate the mask mandate – please," he said. "The failure to take this virus seriously -- precisely what got us in this mess in the first place."
Adding that the nation is still in the midst of a "life-and-death race" against the virus, which is now aided by new variants that make the virus more infectious, President Biden called for Americans to stop with the "reckless behavior" -- as seen by the spring breakers in Miami Beach, Florida over the past month.
Says Walensky, normalcy will return once the grand majority of Americans are fully vaccinated -- saying, until then "hold on for a little while longer."
COVID-19 has infected over 30.3 million Americans and has killed nearly 555,000 people in the U.S., according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Source-ABC
Dua Lipa to headline the 2021 Brit Awards
After making a splash at the Grammys earlier this month, Dua Lipa is set to headline the U.K. equivalent: The Brits.
She's one of the first performers to be announced for this year's ceremony, which will take place May 11 at London's O2 arena. The nominations -- in which Dua is expected to feature heavily -- will be announced tomorrow.
The star's history with the Brit Awards includes two performances and three wins. In 2018, she became the first female artist ever to receive five nominations in one year.
In a statement, Dua says, "I am so excited to be returning to perform for you all at The BRITs this year. It's going to be truly special to be back on stage in the U.K."
At the Grammys, the "Levitating" singer won the Best Pop Vocal Album trophy for Future Nostalgia, and also performed a showstopping medley during the telecast.
Source-ABC
T&T was held by Puerto Rico; Montserrat snatch late point
A brilliant second half strike forced Trinidad and Tobago to share the points in a 1-1 draw with minnows Puerto Rico while lowly ranked Montserrat stunned Central American giants El Salvador with a late goal to earn a point in another 1-1 stalemate, in the opening round of Concacaf qualifiers for the 2022 Fifa World Cup on Sunday.
Playing in Group F at the Mayagüez Athletics Stadium, T&T were lucky to escape to the half-time break without conceding after Puerto Rico missed a plethora of chances to get on the scoresheet.
However, things changed quickly in the second half as Joevin Jones put the visitors ahead in the 54th minute from close range.
Canada-born Ryan Telfer swung a left-sided cross into the box where Levi Garcia won a headed challenge for Jones to slot in from six yards.
Garcia came close to doubling his side's advantage soon after when his curling corner hit the far post but Puerto Rico, ranked 76 spots below T&T in the Fifa rankings at 179th, then hit back in the 72nd minute through substitute Ricardo Rivera.
On the field for only 10 minutes, the 23-year-old wrapped his head around Raul Gonzales's pinpoint cross into the box to beat goalkeeper Nicklas Frenderup from close range.
The result left T&T second in the group on four points behind St Kitts and Nevis who have won their opening two matches.
Source-CMC
PAHO encourages countries to maintain COVID-19 safeguards
PAN American Health Organization (PAHO) director Dr Carissa Etienne is urging member countries to maintain coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols and safeguards, even as vaccinations get under way in a number of territories.
Speaking during PAHO's recent COVID-19 digital briefing, Dr Etienne said that maintaining the measures is imperative, particularly against the background of increases in infections and deaths in several countries and especially in light of the upcoming Easter holidays, traditionally marked by heightened activities.
While acknowledging that cases were plateauing and declining in some regional states, Dr Etienne voiced concern that they were spiralling in others.
She described the latter scenario as an “active public health emergency” which indicates that “the COVID-19 virus is not receding, nor is the pandemic starting to go away”.
The director said that while the deployment of vaccines through the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) facility is under way, and all participating countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are expected to receive their first shipments by early April, those allocations are not adequate to protect the vulnerable groups being initially targeted.
“Some countries… have received zero doses of vaccines through COVAX, thus far [while] other countries are getting enough to vaccinate a mere 20 per cent of their populations,” the director pointed out.
As such, Dr Etienne said the region remains “a very long way” from achieving the 70 per cent of countries' populations being targeted for vaccination to control transmissions and attain herd immunity.
“Until we get more than 70 per cent of our populations vaccinated, we must endeavour to continue and practise the smart, effective and targeted public health measures and do what works … like the wearing of masks, frequent handwashing and sanitising, avoiding crowded places, physical distancing, and covering of our sneeze or coughs,” she emphasised.
The director urged member countries' governments to ensure that these measures are effected and to be “cautious about lifting restrictions” as this could spur new increases and hospitalisations.
“Vaccines are coming, but they are still several months away for most people in our region. Until they arrive, we need to continue the course, not let our guards down, and follow the guidance of [our] local health authorities,” Dr Etienne added.
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT HONOURABLE AKIERRA MARY DEANNE MISSICK, LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
A pleasant morning to you Mr. Speaker, Members of this Honourable House, Strangers in the gallery, my good people of Leeward and Long Bay, those listening via Radio Turks and Caicos and the streaming live on www.gov.tc/hoa.
Mr. Speaker, this morning I stand here, a proud Member of this Progressive National Party Government; and I would like to take a minute to commend the Honourable Premier and his team at the Ministry of Finance for all their hard work which resulted in a number of persons collecting their stimulus cheques over the weekend.
Mr. Speaker, there was much energy and enthusiasm in the air over the week and I am grateful to our Government for taking the bold step to provide tangible financial relief to the people of these Islands during these very difficult times.
Mr. Speaker, I urge our people to ensure that their stimulus packages are used in a meaningful way, but also remind us who are members of the Christain Faith, do not for your tithe and offering for your house of worship.
Mr. Speaker, I now turn my attention to giving a few brief updates from my Ministry and advise on some important upcoming activities.
Planning Department – National Physical Development Plan
Mr. Speaker, having participated in the consultation process for the Plan, I was quite knowledgeable about ongoing work.
Mr. Speaker, members of the Consultation team were in country last week, March 22-26 and met with a number of essential agencies before the implementation of the Plan. My Ministerial colleagues and I had an opportunity to meet with the team Mr. Speaker and heard first-hand some of the recommendations for land use development in these islands over the next ten years, building upon five key principles.
Mr. Speaker, those principles are:
Equity
Resilience, sustainability & multi-functionality
Island Linkages
Nature as beauty
TCI Culture
Mr. Speaker, another important recommendation I would like to share: it has been common practice over the years that most development proposals are initiated by developers first contacting various TCIG departments/statutory bodies such as Invest TCI, Crown Land Unit, then the Planning Department, further Mr. Speaker, agreements are often reached prior to the involvement of the Planning Department.
The NPDP recommends that the Department of Planning be the focal point/the logical nexus for coordination of all future development. The Department already follows an established development plan approval process via the Development Manual and Physical Planning Ordinance, so the Plan recommends TCIG and the Planning Department follow to streamline the development process and continually make development and preservation decisions that fall in line with the NPDP.
Mr. Speaker, as we work towards, development of our implementation priorities, we will keep members abreast.
Public Works Department
Mr. Speaker, my team and I participated in the First National Hurricane Preparedness meeting on March 9, 2021, and as a result of that meeting Mr. Speaker, Public Works Department has already begun to prepare the required checklist of works to be carried out for this year’s Hurricane Season, which is again predicted to be very active.
Mr. Speaker, as a part of that checklist, our team has already completed the inspection of all shelters. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to inform this Honourable House that a number of Government owned shelters have recently been refurbished and outfitted with standby generators, with the assistance of a generous donation from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
Mr. Speaker, the remainder of Government Approved and Private Shelters require minor repair works, which are being scoped and prepared to be sent our through the Public Procurement Process (PPP for quotations.
Mr. Speaker, it is our intention to procure fire extinguishers (which are a requirement) for all of our shelters in the new Financial Year. As a result of the protocols put in place by the Ministry of Health Mr. Speaker, additional washing stations and automatic hand sanitising machines are being procured for the all shelters to assist with the mitigation of the spread of COVID-19.
Mr. Speaker, also by way of information, the Ministry of Infrastructure is in the process of procuring new Satellite Phones and Handheld Radios for our offices throughout the islands, these would ensure that we are able to be in contact with staff during and following the passage of a storm.
Mr. Speaker, the final update I would like to give by way of purchases that we have made to assist us in our Disaster Preparedness efforts, is to advise that the Public Works Department has procured several pieces of heavy equipment, inclusive of a tractor with attachments, portable fuel tanks, verge cutters and mulching machines.
Mr. Speaker, this equipment should be in country by July and would not only assist us in times of disaster Mr. Speaker, but would be a welcomed addition for our Maintenance team.
Mr. Speaker, the team is also in the process of finalizing some additional works for a number of schools around the islands; however, we anticipate that those works would be completed for the re-opening of schools following the Easter Break.
Mr. Speaker, my teams at the Estates Management and Public Works Department collaborated with colleagues at the Ministry of Education for the successful reopening of schools and I would again like to express my thanks and appreciation to them as we work together to ensure the safety of our children. We conducted a site visit with our Colleagues yesterday, and have chart a way forward at ECPS.
Mr. Speaker, before I take my seat, I would like to advise the General Public and in particular Petty, Small and Medium Contractors and TCIG Vendors of the Ministry’s intention to host a Contractors & Vendors Summit in Grand Turk and Providenciales, with virtual capacity for Middle/North Caicos, South Caicos and Salt Cay.
Mr. Speaker, the Grand Turk & South and Salt Cay Summit has is scheduled for Tuesday, April 20, 2021 and Provo & Middle & North Caicos for Thursday, April 22, 2021. More details of both events would be communicated shortly, contractors and vendors in those categories are asked to look out for additional information and registration details. This summit was brought forward as the bulk of one-on-one meetings requested since being appointed as Minister, this is the main discussion point and concern. Further, Mr. Speaker we are reviewing the larger contract process as it fits within the Public Procurement Process and relevant ordinances.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, the team at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing, Planning and Development will be participating in a Staff Retreat on Friday, April 9, 2021 we chart the course for the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing, Planning and Development towards being a well-oiled machine tasked with supporting planning policy, infrastructural development & plant management within these islands.
Mr. Speaker, thank you again for allowing me to update this Honourable House on the continued work of my Ministry and I look forward to giving further updates on our upcoming activities.
Mr. Speaker, I thank you, and wish everyone a blessed Holy Week as we pause and reflect on the ultimate servant’s final days, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May God bless and keep each of us all the days of our lives.
Minister of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation - Ministerial Statement
Mr. Speaker, I rise to give this honourable house a statement on the Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation, where I am humbled by the awesome opportunity to serve as Minister.
Mr. Speaker, the late, great Dr. Martin Luther King noted, “there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor political, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.” These words, Mr. Speaker, could never be more relevant than today as I recall my recent visit to Her Majesty’s Prison here in Grand Turk.
Mr. Speaker, I want to first thank the amazing Superintendent and staff of the Prison for the incredible work that they do on a daily basis to maintain stability and control of the prison, and for their care for the inmates. I wish to also acknowledge His Excellency the Governor, the Premier, the Deputy Speaker and my ministerial colleagues for their support and interest shown in the prison. But Mr. Speaker, having visited the prison twice now, I must also commend the prisoners themselves, for the efforts that they too are making to help ensure that the institution is a safe and calm environment, which would allow for the eventual and successful rehabilitation and resettlement of offenders.
I am aware Mr. Speaker, that the prison has recently emerged from a period of grave instability, and it is certainly now in a much better place, but Mr. Speaker, this sense of stability remains fragile, not least of all because of the very nature of the business, but also due to the absolutely critical need for the immediate rehabilitation of the facilities, and the urgent improvement to the state of living of those we have responsibility and care for.
Mr. Speaker, I am constantly reminded by the Superintendent of the words of the late Honourable Nelson Mandela, who stated that “no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.” Mr. Speaker, based on that rule, and the deplorable state of HMP, we would certainly be judged very harshly as a nation. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, words such as inhumane, cruel and unjust are just some of the labels that would come to mind, and we would be known as a nation that has no heart for the most vulnerable of our citizens. And, Mr. Speaker, while there are those amongst us who would deem this a fitting environment for offenders and those who would seek to terrorize our communities, we must forever be reminded that, these are very own sons and daughters, our siblings, our nieces and our nephews Mr. Speaker, and while we support a system of justice for their actions, we should want that to be in an environment that promotes and supports the opportunities for their full rehabilitation and reform, because the fact is, Mr. Speaker, prisoners will one day re-enter society and when they do, they become our neighbors, our in-laws and our colleagues, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they have the greatest potential for success once they have resettled. Mr. Speaker, this is only possible if we do what is right, and we must do it, if for no other reason than the fact that prisoners too are human beings and should be treated as such.
Therefore, Mr. Speaker, my ministry is immediately seeking to bid in the upcoming budget for the redevelopment of HMP infrastructure to address the collapsing buildings, the dysfunctional sewers and the condemned water cisterns and facilities. With these improvements to the structural security, the management of HMP can fully focus on the rehabilitation and reform programs that are critically needed. These programs, Mr. Speaker, would foster, cement and support a spirit of hope in prisoners and the desire to be better, more productive citizens in our communities. This is possible, Mr. Speaker, and I am confident that two years from now this institution will be an effective institution for reform and change.
Mr. Speaker, I wish that I could stand here today and say to this honourable House that the prison is the only challenge facing my ministry, but sadly Mr. Speaker, that is far from the reality on the ground. Having met with my team at the Ministry, and the Heads of Departments, it is blaringly obvious that the departments are suffering from a consistent lack of investment over the years, and while some might argue that they did not fall within successive governments’ priorities, based on what we faced as a nation over the years, I would argue Mr. Speaker, that this Ministry is the critical and essential network of any safe, functional and productive society, and unlike the other sporadic distractions and crisis that rise and fall over time, which often demand the greatest focus of governments, critical services such as Domestic Fire Service, Water, Energy and Utilities, Postal Services, Communications including radio, Road Safety, the Government’s publishers and supplies stores form the infrastructural support systems that should never be neglected and ignored, due to the profound risk doing so presents to our communities and the very lives of our citizens.
Mr. Speaker, I pause here to recognize the hardworking men and women of this ministry who, despite all, have continued to push forward and work with what they have, while continuously fighting for a better way of working and for the necessary investment to improve their efficiency and the satisfaction of their customers. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, it is apparent that their cries were either falling on deaf ears, or they were being heard but unheeded, I don’t know which it is, but whatever the case, little to nothing has been done in support of this ministry in the past and as a result we are now faced with the following Mr. Speaker:
Two corroded and severely damaged fire engines that have been deemed unfit for operation when carrying a load of 500 gallons.
No fire halls, neither in the nation’s capital of Grand Turk, nor in the nation’s economic capital, Providenciales, which leaves our equipment in the exposure of the elements, and our officers displaced and challenged in their response times in fire-fighting.
An inefficient, incomplete and fragile water network, which leaves many unconnected to our water mains, and those connected with lower performance standards and an expensive operation for the generation of water.
Obsolete and outdated printing equipment in the Government Publishing Department which limits the true potential of the unit which could otherwise be developed to offer a full suite of printing services.
Insecure and exposed postal services which can be a target for the disingenuous amongst us, and thereby opening us up to unimaginable national security risks.
Unstable and limited radio communication services throughout the islands and the inability to respond to technical issues and outages, and to offer an additional suite of services.
Inefficient and cumbersome delivery of services for motor vehicle operations, which continues to frustrate our customers and staff alike.
Mr. Speaker, these are just some of the challenges. These are coupled with the insufficient human and operational resources such as specialized staff, vehicles and information systems and databases that would allow a more effective and timely delivery of our services.
However, Mr. Speaker, while these are indeed some of our greater challenges, my team and I, we, see them as opportunities and ways in which we can improve our departments and our offerings to the public, and towards this end, Mr. Speaker, we are looking forward to the opportunity to have some, if not all, of these initiatives addressed and funded under this great government.
Rest assured, Mr. Speaker, we are not blind to the fact that there is extreme pressure on the financial resources of the government and the competing priorities of our government, but we remain persuaded by our conviction that, as a government, we must ensure that these critical departments of this ministry and our communities remain operationally safe, sound and effective in the delivery of our services.
Despite all Mr. Speaker, there remains some positive movements by my ministry, some of which I would like to highlight:
Postal Service
The introduction of a barcode system for the creation of labels and the trackability of mailbags
The introduction of a stamps contract
The work towards the introduction of a Global Track and Trace (GTT) system
Radio Turks and Caicos
Preparation for IP Broadcast
Water Undertaking
Commissioning of a million-gallon water storage tank for Grand Turk
The repair of critical facilities in Salt Cay
The implementation of a customer billing system
Energy and Utilities
Review of, and proposed, modernization of the Electricity Ordinance to allow for renewable energy generation which will be advancing to the House in coming weeks
Finalization of the TCI Energy Policy
Preparation of the TCI Energy Community Outreach and Communication Strategy
Consultation on the establishment of a Multi-Sector Public Utilities Authority – The reports from which will be presented to Cabinet in coming weeks
And many more
Mr. Speaker, as mentioned, we continue to press on with the work, and in the next twelve months our focus will particularly be aimed at accomplishing the following:
Implementation of a new database for the Road Safety department to enable real-time sharing of data relevant to stakeholder departments such as the Police Force and Immigration departments.
A review of the telecommunication sector to mitigate the real risk of being completely disconnected from the global society and economy; to better regulate the telecommunications sector; to address convergence in the industry and to introduce new ways of utilizing and integrating technology into our everyday activities.
Improving HMP Services by upgrading the infrastructure (building new blocks, upgrading sanitation, plumbing and electrical systems, install lighting and fencing), training staff to ensure their safety and that of those in their care, as well as delivering rehabilitation programmes to improve self-sufficiency and re-settlement.
Providing the islands of Grand Turk, South Caicos, and Salt Cay with efficient, sustainable and environmentally conscious water service through reverse osmosis.
Providing the islands of the Turks and Caicos Islands with an effective response to emergencies and fire suppression along with engaging in active campaigns for fire prevention education and awareness.
Rebranding of Radio Turks and Caicos and providing all radio listeners throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands with captivating, modernized listening along with informative and educational programmes.
Provide the Public Service with high-quality printing services and Gazette Publications in a timely fashion.
Implementation of laws that will facilitate and encourage greater use of alternative energy and improve regulation of public utilities through the establishment of a multi-sector regulatory agency by March 2022.
Do not be misled Mr. Speaker, these are all tall orders, but as I have said repeatedly, I come for this work…and I have a team that is no stranger to work…and we have a people and a country who deserve only the best that we have to offer. It is on this merit Mr. Speaker, that I stand in commitment to this work being done.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to address this honourable House. May God bless you and the members. May He always bless our people and our beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands.
Tokyo Olympics chiefs prepare to resume 'safe' test events
Tokyo Olympics organisers yesterday unveiled virus countermeasures for test events that will resume later this week for the first time since the Games were postponed by the pandemic.
Tokyo 2020 chiefs pledged to hold the remaining 18 test events — which function as dress rehearsals for each sport — in a “safe and secure” manner, to see what they can “learn as we work towards the Games”.
Test events were halted after the sport climbing event was held from March 6 to 8 last year, with Tokyo 2020 staff replacing athletes because of infection concerns.
The first test event since the unprecedented postponement of the Games will be wheelchair rugby April 3-4, with water polo to follow one week later.
Tokyo 2020 Games delivery officer Hidemasa Nakamura said countermeasures would be based on the virus rulebooks unveiled by organisers earlier this year.
“We're trying to limit contact, avoid handshakes and other physical contact, and keep distance between athletes — one metre if two isn't possible,” he said.
Cheering will be banned and rooms and common spaces ventilated every 30 minutes.
Fourteen of the test events will be organised by Tokyo 2020, with the other four run by international federations.
Nakamura said the athletics test event at Tokyo's National Stadium on May 9 will be the only event organised by Tokyo 2020 where overseas athletes will participate and spectators will be present.
He said fans and overseas athletes will likely be involved in the four events organised by international federations — diving, water polo, artistic swimming and the marathon.
“Athletes coming here for the events organised by the international federations will have to go through immigration controls, so of course they're important test events for the organising committee,” said Games official Yasuo Mori.
Earlier this month, Olympic officials announced that overseas fans will be barred from the Games, which open on July 23, to help limit the virus risk.
A decision on how many domestic spectators will be allowed to attend is expected in April.
Source-AFP
Mastercard accelerates deployment of digital first solutions in Latin America and the Caribbean
Mastercard is expanding its Engage platform in Latin America and the Caribbean to offer customers easy access to a growing network of qualified technology and fintech partners that can quickly deploy Mastercard Digital First solutions.
These solutions will enable customers to provide entirely digital payment experiences for consumers, from acquisition and card usage to management and engagement, with a physical card option.
Mastercard Engage is a part of the company's Digital Vendor programme, which is a list of vendors serving issuers around the globe by helping them bring to market their Masterpass digital wallets and tokenise payment credentials hassle-free.
“It's clear that the change we are witnessing in consumer behaviour across our region is here to stay. As consumers become more technologically savvy and mobile, innovation in payments has taken on a new urgency,”said Walter Pimenta, senior vice-president for product and innovation for Latin America and the Caribbean.
“With platforms like Engage, our issuer and merchant partners will be able to tap into the tech resources and integrations they need to elevate their payment options for the 21st-century consumer,” he continued.
The Mastercard Engage network includes companies that provide various components and integration capabilities across the digital first customer journey to deliver a seamless payment experience.
Some of the new partners joining Engage that can help expedite digital first implementation in Latin America and the Caribbean are: Galileo and Tutuka, issuer processors with instant issuance capabilities; G+D, Thales and Verestro, end-to-end digital first enablers; MO Technologies and Juvo, innovative alternative credit scoring models providers; and Provenir, real-time risk decision-making enablers.
Source-JO
APPLICANTS TO SUBMIT OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTS UNDER THE CITIZEN RELIEF STIMULUS PROGRAMME
The Citizen Relief Stimulus Programme processing team has sent a number of email requests to applicants to submit documents required to progress their application. However, many applicants have not responded to the emails sent and the status of their applications remain “under review”.
Applicants are encouraged to check the email address that they provided on application for an email sent by noreply@gov.tc. The requested documents should be uploaded via the link provided in the email.
Please be reminded of the eligibility criteria:
The cash grant is available to a person:
(i) that has Turks and Caicos Islands Status or a British Overseas Territory Citizen, as verified by supporting documentation;
(ii) that is 18 years of age and over; and
(iii) the person should BE LIVING in the country
Additionally, applicants must present a copy of two valid Government Issued IDs, one confirming Turks & Caicos Islands status or British Overseas Territory Citizenship. An expired document is not a valid ID. *****(In the case where a copy of the TCI Status card is used, this would replace the requirement of two valid Government Issued IDs)
Applicants are asked to upload all requested outstanding documentation, via the link, on or before 9am on 29th March 2021. Failure to provided outstanding information will result in the application being declined.
CDEMA concludes Regional Logistics and Relief Workshop with plans for National Policy
The CDEMA Coordinating Unit is moving forward with plans for a National Relief and Logistics Management Plan and Policy following a two-week workshop facilitating the planning process. Workshop discussions formed a critical part of drafting the policy to enhance logistics and humanitarian response across the region.
Programme Manager for Preparedness and Response at CDEMA, Joanne Persad, shared that the workshop was a significant milestone in pushing the agenda of the 3-year Regional Logistics and Relief Management Programme. “The main objective of the workshop, beyond having the documentation, was the facilitation of a collective national think through on the intricacies of relief and logistics. We hope we were successful...and that you see your role in the relief and logistics supply chain and have a better understanding, as well as commitment to the process.”
The workshop virtually brought together key disaster relief personnel the four Sub-Region Focal Points of Barbados, Trinidad, Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda alongside The Bahamas. CDEMA will provide support to the national disaster offices and organizations to ensure the policies are approved at Cabinet level. Participants from Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago were also introduced to the CDEMA Logistics System, which is currently being developed, with the World Food Programme to support the national policy.
Plans from the workshop will be presented to the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and CDEMA Council as samples of the adoption process. The full complement of 19 Participating States will benefit from similar workshops starting at the end of the year.