The drive to attract 1,200 role players for Exercise TRADEWINDS 2017 will move into high gear tomorrow, Saturday, May 6, when four national volunteer drives are staged across Barbados.
Persons interested in becoming volunteers may visit sign-up booths at Independence Square, The City; and the Speightstown Esplanade, between 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; and at Emerald City Supermarket, Six Roads, St. Philip and Massy Supermarket, Oistins, Christ Church, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.
They will also have an opportunity to interact with members of the Exercise TRADEWINDS Secretariat and learn more about the exercise and their role as volunteers.
Co-Director for Exercise TRADEWINDS 2017, Kerry Hinds, urged persons to volunteer to work with the exercise, noting that they would benefit significantly from the experience.
She explained that volunteers would be exposed to “inside knowledge” of how the emergency services operated and would also be exposed to how it feels to be a victim of a disaster. “By becoming a volunteer, there will also be opportunities for training in the long term,” she stated.
Volunteers being treated for ‘injuries’ during a Exercise Tradewinds simulation. (Photo credit: Excercise Tradewinds 2017 )
Ms. Hinds, who is also Director of the Department of Emergency Management, said it was hoped that persons participating in the exercise would be encouraged to volunteer to work with District Emergency Organisations and other disaster emergency agencies over time.
All persons applying to be volunteers will be screened before selection, and later briefed on their expected roles and where they would be stationed on the day.
Application forms are available from Exercise TRADEWINDS 2017 Secretariat, located at the Department of Emergency Management, No. 30 Warrens Industrial Park, Warrens, St. Michael; the Barbados Government Information Service at the Old Town Hall Building, Cheapside, St. Michael; and the Barbados Defence Force’s Garrison, Paragon, and HMBS Pelican bases.
Alternatively, persons may visit the Exercise TRADEWINDS 2017 website to sign up.