Staff at the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) and emergency responders will benefit from a donation of supplies and equipment to be used in the event of an emergency.
Assistant Sales and Marketing Manager for the Caribbean, McBride Caribbean Limited, Shaneal Bynoe, presented the items to Director of the DEM, Kerry Hinds, recently at the Department’s Warrens, St. Michael office.
Ms. Hinds said the donation would go a long way in enhancing the department’s state of readiness and add value to the DEM, community volunteers and the emergency personnel who are a part of the emergency response or humanitarian operation during a disaster.
The Director also issued the reminder that traditionally September and October formed the more active part of the hurricane season. She warned that while Barbados did not have any major impacts, thus far for the year, the country was not yet out of the woods.
“It is important for us as a department, and it is important for us as the public at large, first responders, to ensure that we are always in a constant state of readiness. The donation will go a long way to enhance our response,” she said, noting the DEM saw McBride as a partner and their efforts added tremendous value to the system.
Meanwhile, Ms. Bynoe thanked the management and staff of the DEM for their continued selfless efforts amid the potential risks they were exposed to during disasters.
She added that they were happy to make the donation to the DEM in support of disaster preparedness and relief efforts in Barbados during the hurricane season.
“With the additional rainfall and inclement weather that the island has been experiencing over the last few weeks, McBride is playing its part to ensure that the Department of Emergency Management is well equipped to effectively respond to any natural disasters that affect our island,” Ms. Bynoe stated.
The donations included two chain saws, first aid kits, helmets, and safety vests.