KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – The Government is to embark on a programme to train young people as disaster first responders, as part of its mitigation efforts.

This was disclosed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness while addressing a meeting of the National Disaster Risk Management Council at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston, yesterday.

He said they could be a youth corps attached to the fire services and to the army, “who would be trained and equipped right across Jamaica to help in disaster response and recovery”.

The prime minister further recommended that a database be established to determine the skill sets required in the various entities involved in disaster preparedness.

In the meantime, Holness suggested that a nationwide simulation exercise be undertaken where all members of the Council are mobilised “maybe one day out of the year”.

“That could be used as part of your public information exercise and building national awareness in this regard,” he told the members.

The Council met to discuss disaster policy matters, including the country’s readiness to respond to such eventualities.

Some of the areas addressed included communications, health, the meteorological service, coastal issues, cyberattacks, climate change issues, and protecting the nation’s borders.

Formerly the National Disaster Committee (NDC), the Council manages Jamaica’s disaster management programme which encompasses all aspects of planning for and responding to disasters, including before, during and after such occurrences.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is the main body within the Council responsible for coordinating the management of the various types of disasters that affect the nation.

Several agencies are members of the Council, which works alongside the ODPEM to fulfil its mandate.  They include all government ministries; all utility companies; international donor agencies, such as the Salvation Army and the Red Cross; search and rescue organisations, such as the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB).

As chairman of the Council, the prime minister is the overall manager of the nation’s preparedness, mitigation, recovery and rehabilitation efforts.