As the worst of the hurricane season approaches, teams from Palmiste, Debe and Barrackpore took part in a Hurricane and Flood Disaster Simulation, organised by the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). This hands-on training, led by CERT trainers from the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation and the Sustainable Climate Resilience Initiative, involved over 70 volunteers and took place at the Francis Seepaul Recreation Ground in Debe on Thursday.
The simulation featured downed trees, flooding, fires, and medical emergencies, with volunteers from Palmiste, Debe, Barrackpore, and other nearby areas responding. Speaking to Guardian Media during the exercise, Edward Moodie, president of Sustainable Climate Resilience, said the training prepares citizens for disasters not only at home, but also in their community. “Participants were trained in fire suppression, search and rescue, and handling looting. We want to prevent disasters before they happen. But when they do happen, people must know what to do,” Moodie said.
