–In Region 5

-by Kyler Rollins

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has taken its El Niño stakeholders’ consultation to Region Five, where residents were sensitized on the effects and Guyana’s preparedness should a n emergency arise.

With El Niño likely to persist until March 2027, the CDC is taking a proactive approach by conducting sensitization exercises across all regions of Guyana.

In Region 5, the consultation brought together farmers, residents, teachers and representatives from various sectors, who were sensitized on the effects of the ongoing dry spell and the measures being implemented by the CDC to ensure preparedness and an effective emergency response.

During the engagement, participants heard presentations from the Hydrometeorological Service, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the Guyana Fire Service and other key stakeholders on preparedness measures and sector readiness in response to the prevailing conditions.

Deputy Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel said, “These consultations are important. You have an opportunity to discuss, ask questions, and clarify any issues that you may have to assist you to prepare for and to plan how you’re going to deal with these issues.”

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Recardo Phillips has committed to reactivating the Regional Disaster Risk Management Committee, which will bring together key stakeholders to strengthen disaster preparedness, coordination and response within Region 5.

“We’re working with the relevant agencies of the Ministry of Agriculture to charter a plan forward. And our Minister Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha has already outlined a very comprehensive plan for his sector agencies as it relates to water management. We will intensify public awareness through our NDCs, our religious bodies, our schools, our health centres on water conservation, health precautions for heat and most importantly prevention of wildfires with the help of the Guyana Fire Service,” he said.