— as Guyana observes International Day for Disaster Reduction

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon has called for the development of new building codes and specifications for the construction of new structures here, in light of disasters which has not only affected Guyana and the Caribbean but the world.
Harmon was at the time speaking at Guyana’s observance of the International Day for Disaster Reduction 2017, held Friday at the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

“The flooding which takes place on the coast is a clear indication and the damage which takes place is also a clear indication that we have to pay close attention to not only building code, but the way in which we drain our communities, the way we pay attention to health issues — sometimes, we want not to be flooded so we raise our land, bridges and we cause flooding to our neighbours,” said the minister of state.
He suggested that several measures be immediately addressed here and pointed to the intensification of the CDC’s ongoing programme, to inform and educate citizens about safeguarding themselves when disasters occur.
“I want to suggest we continue to improve and expand our communications network such as the establishment of radio stations in our regions, towns and communities to keep our citizens informed about disaster preparedness mitigation, consequences and action to be taken,” he added, while noting that the CDC is continuing to train first responders across the country.

The minister said that in 2018, the training would be intensified and budgetary allocations are likely to be made for the same in the future.
Additionally, he said, President David Granger has charged that the CDC has a bond established in every region, or town so that in the event roads cut off, the regions would be well equipped with equipment and materials to ensure lives and the living are sustained.
“That is a very important feature, we take it very seriously and we have started work in some regions, in particular Region Nine… we have a plan drawn for the building… we believe in 2018- resources would be provided to complete that structure. We don’t want to have everything here at the centre (CDC headquarters),” said Harmon.
The minister of state referenced the massive destruction which occurred as a result of Hurricanes Irma, Jose, and Maria, leaving many dead and others homeless.
In Guyana, there were floods in Regions Seven, Eight, Nine and 10 recently. The minister noted that the International Day for Disaster Reduction themed “Home safe home: Reducing exposure, reducing displacement”, highlights how people and communities around the world have been reducing their exposure to disasters, and to focus on very important aspects of disaster risk management such as the disaster prevention mitigation and preparedness resilience building through education and planning.

This year marks the 28th observance of the day which continues under the “Sendai Seven” campaign, centered on the seven targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (Sendai Framework). The framework is the first major agreement of the post-2015 development agenda, with seven targets and four priorities for action.
It was endorsed by the UN General Assembly following the 2015 Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR).
This year’s focus is Target B: `Reducing the number of affected people by disasters by 2030.’

NEVER SEEN BEFORE
Meanwhile, Director General, CDC Colonel (ret’d) Chabilall Ramsarup said the Caribbean region has experienced devastation never seen before and noted the impact the three hurricanes have had on the region. He, like Minister Harmon, noted that Guyana, though largely unaffected by such levels of devastation, must ensure preparedness.
“It was the first time we experienced the magnitude of flooding in Regions Seven and Eight which resulted in one death and wholesale destruction on homes and livelihood. Just last week, we had storms in the Atlantic that tore down parts of our sea defences… in Regions Five, Six, Seven, Eight and 10,” said Ramsarup.

“We have to consider ourselves lucky so far, but if we don’t prepare I am afraid one day our luck may run out. I am appealing to you to make your homes safe,” he continued.
The CDC director general said the Commission has placed and will continue to place significant focus on community-based, disaster risk management and regional disaster training, with the aim of ensuring persons at the grassroots level have an understanding of disaster risk management.

“Our intention is to build capacity, reduce vulnerability and decentralising disaster risk management to the people who need it. At the same time, we are equipping communities with equipment to respond immediately, and don’t have to wait on regional bodies or CDC or government.
“They can capitalise on time which is essential in disaster management; we refer to this as the golden hour — if you don’t respond during that hour, you are likely to lose lives, livelihood and property,” declared Ramsarup.
Similarly, Shabnam Mallick, Deputy Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) described Guyana as fortunate, for having escaped the massive devastation which struck sister Caribbean territories.
The hurricane season this year, she said, has been the busiest since 1893 with 10 hurricanes in a row wreaking havoc.

“Guyana has been fortunate that it has escaped the devastation that has visited its neighbours and has generously responded to these disasters by sending relief to the affected islands in the true spirit of comradely and the spirit of being a proactive member state of the UN.”

The UNDP Deputy Resident Representative noted that the CDC has thus far done a great job, and has demonstrated much dedication to providing relief to those affected and in need
“Today is to acknowledge the substantial progress being made towards reduction of disaster risks and loses in life, livelihood, and economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of persons, businesses, communities and countries,” she stated, and noted that this year’s theme can only be achieved through coordination, cooperation and collaboration by stakeholders.
“Disasters are gateways to poverty and distress for the many vulnerable,” she stressed, while noting that UNDP Guyana is working with the FAO in collaboration with the Japanese Government for climate change mitigation and building resilience in the agricultural sector here.

Additionally, she disclosed that UNDP is working with the CDC to implement early warning systems targeted to the agricultural communities.
“Reducing the risks which accrue from poverty, environmental degradation is best achieved by avoiding the creation of these risks in the first place,” Mallick stated, while stressing that spreading awareness is critical to disaster risk reduction.
She encouraged stakeholders to actively participate in building societies and nations that are more resilient.
Also present at Friday’s observance was Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is performing the duties of Prime Minister, Carl Greenidge; representatives of the Joint Services; school children and other stakeholders.