The International Affairs Committee Meet With The Disaster Risk Management Division

The International Affairs Committee (IAC), led by its Chairperson Hon. Waven William, met with the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) on Thursday 2nd February at the DRMD headquarters for the presentation of the Sendai Framework Mid-Term Review Report. As part of the IAC’s oversight work, a briefing took place prior to the final document being released to the National Disaster and Risk Management Committee. Accompanying Hon. William was the Vice-Chairperson Hon. Wavel Woodcock, Hon. Philip Arissol, Hon. Kelly Samynadin, Hon. Johan Loze, and Hon. Philip Monthy. The DRMD team included the Principal Disaster Management Officer Mr. Daniel Cetoupe, and Senior Disaster Management Officers Ms. Veronique Philoe, Mr. Cliff Alissop and Ms. Aisha Rachel.

 

 

The meeting began with a presentation of the Mid-Term Review Report which encompassed the results of the review data gathered from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) thematically, gaps identified, and various recommendations proposed for the future. The presentation was followed by pertinent enquiries from the committee members. The series of enquiries reflected on the capacity of DRMD to play a vital role in matters of national risk reduction management.

 

 

The identified challenges were found to be the poor participation of MDAs on the National Committee on Risk Reduction, a lack of understanding of risk reduction management and its importance nationally, a lack of synergy among MDAs, as well as poor salaries for current staff members. Fortunately, DRMD has strategies and projects in the pipeline to tackle these issues despite their small workforce.

 

 

The IAC was satisfied with their resilience and looks forward to seeing their upward progression in the future. The Chair requested that DRMD keep the committee informed and up-to-date with the final document report that the Minister is due to report to the United Nations in 2-3 months’ time. The meeting ended with a brief visit of the DRMD’s facilities which demonstrated the limited space and resources, however a new office development project is set to be unveiled in 2024.