U.S, Guyana collaborate on national disaster preparedness

The United States Southern Command and the Guyana Civil Defence Commission (CDC), in partnership with Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) on Wednesday facilitated a National Disaster Preparedness workshop culminating with a baseline assessment on Guyana’s disaster risk and readiness.

This partnership augments an already strong bilateral cooperation on disaster response between the two countries and sets the stage for the regional Tradewinds exercise scheduled for July 2023, a press statement from the United States Embassy, Georgetown noted.

Using a collaborative, stakeholder-driven approach, PDC’s National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment utilizes scientific data and evidence-based practices, integrating the national priorities of Guyana with stakeholder feedback to effectively reduce disaster risks, the statement said.

The discussions on key risk reduction recommendations and procedures emanating from the baseline assessment is expected to improve Guyana’s preparedness and response capabilities in the event of a disaster and aid planning for future climate-driven disaster impacts.

These activities are part of continued U.S. support to Guyana in the areas of energy governance, regional security, and enhanced disaster response capabilities.