ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada – The National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) announces the staging of Disaster Awareness Week from June 1st to the 8th.
Over the years, the agency has been using the week as a way of boosting the awareness of the population to the possibility of a natural disaster.
This year, NaDMA has taken a decision to increase the number of open house activities to two (2), after last year’s successful event on the Esplanade Mall.
Open House involves public exhibitions in which various stakeholders in the likes of GRENLEC, Grenada Red Cross, NAWASA and the Point Salines Met. Office, showcase their Disaster Management capabilities.
They are planned for the Grenville Car Park on Friday, June 1st and the Carenage Pedestrian Plaza on Friday June 8th.
A new feature of Disaster Awareness week this year will be a number of simulation exercises by the District Disaster Committees, to test the level of preparedness at the community level.
Two other major events planned for Disaster Awareness week are, a round the island Motorcade and the traditional Primary School Quiz.
This year, there are reports of an increase in the number of schools taking part in the event.
About 49 Primary schools have so far confirmed their intention to participate compared to 36 schools last year.
A Public Education and Awareness Motorcade, staged for the first time last year, is again scheduled for Sunday June 3rd.
Also, for the first time a fun day has been planned for Thursday June 7th at Tanteen Playing field, in which a major highlight will be a Windball Cricket Competition featuring teams representing 15 District Disaster Committees.
The week will be observed under the theme – “Disaster Preparedness- Engaging Our Communities, Impacting our Nation”.
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, the Chairman of the National Emergency Advisory Council (NEAC) will declare the week open with an address to the nation on June 1st.
