Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: NEMA conducts community emergency response training exercises
#Nassau, July 18, 2019 – Bahamas – Bahamas – In a continued effort to build disaster resilient communities throughout the country, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, facilitated a number of training exercises toward this end.
Over the past two months NEMA has ensured that core group of residents become certified in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programmes aimed at managing crises in their respective communities.
The CERT is a programme which educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their immediate surroundings and trains them in basis disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
For these types of training, NEMA has partnered with the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security.
Captain Stephen Russell, Director of NEMA underscored the importance of such a partnership for The Bahamas, through NEMA.
“NEMA is extremely pleased of the partnership with the USNORTHCOM, and now FEMA in the planning and executing of the basic community emergency response training as well as the training of trainers programmes,” Capt Russell said.
The CERT teams are to augment the volunteer of fire fighting teams and swift water rescue teams that have been trained and established on a number of Family Islands.
“This is in keeping with our ongoing pursuit to ensure that our communities are prepared to response to natural or man-made, and technological hazards or disasters,” Capt Russell said.
Two separate training exercises were held at NEMA on Gladstone Road. The first, held May 27 – June 1, 2019 involved 24 participants from Social Services, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Police Fire Services, University of The Bahamas, Bahamas Red Cross, Public Hospital’s Authority/National Emergency Medical Services, Cabinet Office and NEMA staff.
The second training session was held July 1 – 5 and 15 personnel from the mentioned areas were selected to become instructors. This particular training seeks to develop individuals to become CERT programme managers and provide support training for residents in the local community.
“It is NEMA’s aim over the course of the next 3 years, to ensure that teams are developed in all of our islands that can act as first responders in support of the authorized authorities, to deal with emergencies in the local district of the islands,” Capt Russell said
He explained: “The CERT teams are to augment the volunteer of fire fighting teams and swift water rescue teams that have been trained and established on a number of islands in our ongoing pursuit to ensure that our communities are prepared to response to natural or man-made and technological hazards or disasters.”
The instructors were: Andy Burrows, Brian Kennedy and Tyler Krska from FEMA, Jena Dagett from USNORTHCOM and Gayle Outten-Moncur, NEMA.
The participants underwent up to 30 hours of training in seven CERT Basic Course covering:
- Disaster Preparedness: Addressed hazards specific to the community.
- Fire Suppression: Covered fire chemistry, hazardous materials, fire hazards and fire suppression strategies
- Medical Operations Part I: Participants practiced diagnosing and treating airway obstruction, bleeding and shock by using simple triage and rapid treatment techniques.
- Medical Operations Part II: Covered evaluating patients by doing a head to toe assessment, establishing a medical treatment area and performing basic first aid.
- Light Search and Rescue Operations: Participants learn about search and rescue planning, size-up, search techniques, rescue techniques and rescuer safety.
- Psychology and Team Organization: Covered signs and symptoms that might be experienced by the disaster victim and workers, and addresses CERT organization and management.
- Course Review and Disaster Simulation: Participants reviewed and practiced the skills that they have learned during the previous six sessions in a disaster activity.
By: Lindsay Thompson
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: The National Emergency Management Agency facilitates Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training exercises aimed at managing crises in respective communities. The training was conducted by the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and The Federal Emergency Management Agency during the months of May, June and July 2019 at NEMA on Gladstone Road. Pictured is an assimilated crash scene.
First insert: Participants learn to fight fire during Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training exercises facilitated by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and The Federal Emergency Management Agency during the months of May, June and July 2019 at NEMA on Gladstone Road.
Second insert: An injured victim being removed from a scene during Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training exercises facilitated by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and The Federal Emergency Management Agency during the months of May, June and July 2019 at NEMA on Gladstone Road.
(PHOTO/NEMA)
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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