Thomas wants home for DEM, CDEMA

THE LOCAL disaster management organisation is making a strong lobby for “dedicated” quarters.
Judy Thomas, director of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), hopes that the facility will serve as home for both the DEM and the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
She said the agencies would be better able to share their resources.
“I want to assure Jeremy (Collymore) that we are committed to providing a dedicated disaster management facility where CDEMA and the Department of Emergency Management can be accommodated.”
Thomas made the remarks at CDEMA’s20th anniversary Press conference at Accra Beach Hotel yesterday.
Speaking to the changes in the approach to disaster management over the past 20 years, CDEMA executive director Jeremy Collymore said there had been a high level of policy awareness over the years.
A full-time staff complement, dedicated facilities and more private sector involvement were among the advancements highlighted by Collymore.
In addition to the DEM, congratulations on the 20-year milestone came from the Department for International Development, the Canadian International Development Agency and the Brazilian Embassy.
Brazil is one of CDEMA’s newest partners. Ambassador Appio Claudio Acquarone and Collymore signed an agreement during the Press conference.
Longstanding CDEMA staffers Bonita Archer and Adrian Haynes were presented with stars.