Tortola, Feb 7, 2006 (DDM) – The BVI and much of the Caribbean is located in an area, which is pre-disposed to many hazards.  The Caribbean Hazard Mitigation Capacity Building Program (CHAMP), an initiative of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA), seeks to enhance regional capacity to reduce vulnerability to the effects of these hazards.  This initiative is being done through the development of national hazard mitigation policies and the strengthening of safer building practices.  As one of four pilot states, the BVI Government is charged with the responsibility for the implementation of the various components of the project

This morning representatives from the Mitigation Task Force along with a CDERA representative and a facilitating consultant met at the Department of Disaster Management to participate in a sustainability workshop to address challenges to implementation for the CHAMP activities in the BVI

The objective of the workshop was to review background information on the CHAMP activities and to obtain inputs form the national stakeholders on priority areas to be sustained.  Working groups were then formed to devise possible strategies that would allow for sustainability of particular activities.  The strategies proposed will be used to develop a plan that addresses national actions needed, and to integrate risk reduction.

Consultant Yolanda Alleyne, PhD, a Physical and Environmental Planner for Ecoisle Consulting Agency commented, “The workshop was a success and useful strategies for incorporation of information to the sustainability plan for CHAMP were obtained”.  Once the workshop has been carried out in all the pilot states, the plan development processes for individual states will begin.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Natasha Lettsome,
Information Training Manager
Telephone: (284) 494-4499
E-Mail:  nlettsome@gov.vg