-to boost Guyana’s disaster readiness – PM

-by Celestine Chacon

Two new emergency response facilities in Lethem and Madio are expected to become fully operational as Guyana continues to strengthen its disaster preparedness and response capabilities. This was announced by Prime Minister Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips during today’s opening of the 14th Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Conference at the Pegasus Corporate Center. 

Speaking at the official launch of the conference, Prime Minister Phillips emphasised that strengthening resilience to natural disasters must remain a central responsibility of governance, particularly across the region. He noted that Guyana has intensified its efforts to ensure the country is well-prepared to respond effectively to any potential threats. 

“A gas-to-energy emergency response contingency plan is in development, and new emergency response facilities at Lethem and Mahdia, as well as the multipurpose bonds in Georgetown, will be brought into full operation,” the PM said.

He added that the Civil Defense Commission will also implement the Oil Pollution Act this year and advance new disaster risk management legislation.

Turning his attention to the conference scheduled for December, Prime Minister Phillips explained that the resilience of nations remains fundamental as the region is operating in an increasingly complex environment where climate volatility and economic shocks are placing growing pressure on government’s ability to respond effectively. 

“Resilience now sits at the center of how a country is run and touches various aspects of our economy, infrastructure, security, and long-term development.To govern well in this environment is to govern at the speed of risk,” he said.
 
The conference team CDM Road to Resilience Checkpoint 2026, Resilience Sector, Sustainable Communities, Safer States, will be held from December 7 to 12, 2026.