Perception problems for DEM

THE?DIRECTOR?of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Judy Thomas says there is a perception that the department?is ranked low among the emergency services even though it is the agency responsible for planning and co-ordination.
This has created problems for her department when it came to co-ordination during emergency situations, she said.
Thomas highlighted the problem while giving evidence yesterday at the coroner’s investigation into the 2007 collapse of an apartment building at Arch Cot Terrace, Brittons Hill, St Michael, which resulted in the deaths of a family of five.
Making specific reference to that incident, Thomas said that when she called the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) to have them respond to the scene she was told that the DEM?had no authority to activate the BDF. (MB)
 
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