Director of the National Emergency Management Organization Michelle Forbes, has said that women, children, the elderly, or differently abled persons are most affected by disasters.

Ms. Forbes made the comment while delivering remarks during the first ever training and consultation in early warning systems – for the gender and vulnerable, which was held on the  10th 11th September, 2019 at the Sunset Shores Beach Hotel conference room.

She said the Gender and Vulnerable Groups in EWS consultation builds on efforts by NEMO with local partners: the Central Water and Sewage Authority (CWSA), Meteorological Services and SVG Red Cross, with support from regional agencies: CDEMA, UNDP Barbados and the OECS.

Minister with Responsibility for Gender Affairs, Hon. Frederick Stephenson, applauded the Gender Affairs Division for agreeing to partner with NEMO and the UNDRR to host the consultation.

The Minister said a concerted effort is being made to include and to hear from those who are often marginalized during emergencies – but are also the most severely affected following the impact of a disaster”.

UNDRR Caribbean Advisor in Disaster Risk Reduction, Maria Kontro stated that disaster risk reduction is a central part of sustainable development.  Kontro noted that every “ dollar invested in risk reduction and prevention can save anywhere up to fifteen dollars in post disaster recovery” and that is why emphasis on disaster risk reduction is important.

Hosted by the Ministry of National Mobilization in collaboration NEMO the consultation had participation from public service employees and NGOs.

Taiwan National Day Celebration

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