ODPM conducts benchmarking tool (B tool) workshop

Port of Spain, Trinidad W.I.; March 18, 2010 –  On March 18, 2010, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) launched a two (2) day Workshop titled Improving our Disaster Preparedness: An Evaluation of National Actions and Plans. This workshop, which is targeted at senior officers in government agencies, civil society organisations and the private sector, aims to improve the ability of these organisations to proactively plan and implement actions to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters and create greater economic resilience when they eventually occur.

Key speakers at this brief launch were the Chief Executive Officer of the ODPM, Colonel (Ret’d) George Robinson and Professor Jacob Opadeyi, Facilitator of the Workshop and Head of Department of Geomatics Engineering and Land Development in the Faculty of Engineering, University of the West Indies.

In his brief remarks, Colonel (Ret’d) George Robinson affirmed that “it’s not whether or not the ODPM is ready, but whether Trinidad and Tobago is ready. In order to increase our state of readiness, each citizen, community, private entity and government agency ought to review and update its own level of preparedness. This workshop, being launched today, will assist in evaluating plans and closing the gaps that may lie therein. ” Professor Opadeyi, in his remarks, stated that he is excited to embark on this benchmarking tool as it will help to develop the way forward for disaster risk management in Trinidad and Tobago.

This workshop among many others which will be planned in the future is aimed at ensuring that the organisations and citizens of this country have all the necessary plans in place to safeguard themselves, their families/employees, community and country.

Dike G. Noel (Mr.)
Public Information Specialist
Public Education, Information and Community Outreach Unit
publicinformation@odpm.gov.tt