Wednesday, July 21 – Financial Secretary, Mr. Neil Smith chaired the second meeting of the project board of the OCT Regional Risk Reduction Initiative held on Tuesday 20th July, 2010 at UN House in Barbados.
In his opening remarks Mr. Smith said, “I am pleased with the level of cooperation among the OCTs and I expect that we will have an efficient implementation phase of the project to address the gaps that have been identified within each Territory.”
The Regional Risk Reduction Initiative (R3i) is a three year, 4.9 million Euro European Union funded project being implemented by the United National Development Programme Barbados and the OECS. The Project focuses on enhancing disaster management capacities in Dutch and UK Caribbean OCTs through the use of tools and information and sharing of knowledge and expertise.
The main outputs of the project are hazard mapping, early warning systems, and improvements in rescue, response and recovery systems. There is also emphasis on regional cooperation and learning, improving coordination between the OCTs and sharing good practices and lessons from pilot activities.
The management structure of the project has been highlighted as one that may serve as a model for other regional projects. Four Technical Management Teams (TMT) have been developed to ensure implementation of the project within the Territories and to provide technical guidance and support to the Project Coordinator.
The Virgin Islands through the Director of the Department of Disaster Management Ms. Sharleen DaBreo is currently heading the first TMT which covers the area of hazard mapping and vulnerability. The BVI also serves as a member on two of the other three TMTs which focus on early warning systems; response, rescue and recovery; and support and coordination.
