Locations and type of traffic signs were identified in consultations with the community members, Guyana Police Force (in Lethem) and the Ministry of Public Works – Road Safety Dept. Other stakeholders include the Lethem NDC, Ministries of Home Affairs, and Local Government; and the Road Safety Council. Although five micro-projects were identified, the community indicated that the need for traffic signs were a top priority. The Guyana Red Cross Society was able to facilitate this micro-project with funding from the USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, through the American Red Cross.

This micro-project forms one of the many activities that are part of a ‘Readiness to Respond – Increased Disaster Preparedness Capacity through Enhanced Coordination and Community Awareness’ programme, which was piloted in four communities in Guyana (identified in consultations with the Civil Defence Commission and other stakeholders). Other activities included promoting community participation and the vulnerability and capacity assessment (VCA) methodology; training of local response teams; development of contingency plans; formation of local disaster preparedness/response committees and identification and implementation of micro-projects.

A certification ceremony was held at the end of the exercise, when participants at the various trainings received their certificates, and Community Disaster Response Team members received equipment intended for use in responding to any emergency/disasters. The Chairman of the local disaster preparedness and response committee indicated that the community was happy to see the micro-project and other preparedness and response trainings come to fruition; and that they were aware of the responsibilities that they have undertaken in working with their communities and the Region in preparing for and responding to disasters.