Wednesday, June 20 2007

According to Acting Director General of The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society Jaluludin Khan, this region (Caribbean) is one of the most disaster prone areas in the world with the risk of being affected by hurricanes, volcanoes, earthquakes and even tsunamis.

He said the most efficient plan of action in dealing with these circumstances is having “a state response with a supporting community based response.”

Speaking at a press conference Monday at the Association of Caribbean States Headquarters in Port-of-Spain, Khan stated that the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society which was founded in 1939, has adopted as its mission “Create Solutions, Provide Leadership.”

With a current membership of some 1,000 members and volunteers as well as 5,000 youth link members, the Society is prepared as part of its “Disaster Prevention and Response Programme” to work not only with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management but to develop a close relationship in working with communities in ensuring health and safety for all during disasters.

He said the Red Cross also provides First Aid Training Courses and is in the process of launching a mobile health unit which would not only give training to community members in first aid but also in disaster preparedness.

Khan also added that as part of the “HIV and AIDS Prevention” the Red Cross has adopted a policy of mobilising young volunteers to go out in schools educating students about prevention methods as well as dealing with the stigma and discrimination associated with AIDS.

He emphasised the Social Welfare aspect of their programme whereby food, goods and services are distributed to affected people in times of disaster.

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society has established three branches and are placed ideally in Port-of-Spain, San Fernando and Scarborough. Coordinator at the Red Cross as well as facilitator in the HIV/AIDS Programmes Tanya Wood also revealed that the bulk of work in the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies is centred upon Disaster Management.

She said that because “we are entering the hurricane season, the Red Cross has decided to hold its press conference in an effort to sensitise and educate all stakeholders and the public of their existence.”