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Tropical Shipping showed its commitment to the communities it serves on Wednesday by hosting a disaster management workshop. More than 70 representatives from emergency service agencies, businesses, and tourism organizations took part in the half-day session. The goal was simple: build private-public partnerships now to enhance Guyana’s resiliency after a disaster strikes.
“As a shipping company, we recognize the essential role that strong private-public partnerships play in effective disaster management,” said Tropical Shipping Country Manager Glenis Hodge. “Prior to a natural disaster, close coordination with government agencies enables us to anticipate disruptions, strategically position resources, and support preparedness efforts. In the aftermath, this collaboration becomes even more critical, facilitating the swift reopening of ports, restoring supply chain operations, and ensuring the timely delivery of essential goods such as food, water, and medical supplies to affected communities.”
Major Lakhaman Persaud, Preparedness Manager, Civil Defence Commission of Guyana
“Partnerships are critical for effective disaster preparedness and response,” said Major Lakshman Persaud, Preparedness & Response Manager of the Guyana Civil Defense Commission. “In pre-disaster preparedness, useful networks can be identified or built with key persons trained for specialist roles in disaster management. In response to a disaster, the private sector can mobilize resources and finances for the response, including specialists such as medical, aviation, technology, etc., who will aid the response
actions in the affected areas.”
Partners and organizations that attended the workshop included:
• Ms. Kathy Smith, President, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI)
• Mr. Komal Singh, Chairman, Shipping Assoc. of Guyana
• Mr. Rafeek Khan, President, Guyana Manufacturing & Services Assoc. (GMSA)
• Ms. Dee George, President, Tourism & Hospitality Assoc. of Guyana
• Major Lakshman Persaud, Preparedness & Response Manager, Civil Defense Commission of Guyana
• Mr. Chandrada_ Chintamani, General Manager, Muneshwers Ltd.
Mr. Shane Ram, CEO, Shane Ram Coaching & Consulting
• Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, Deputy Executive Director of
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA)
• Professor Roy Watlington (retired), University of the Virgin Islands
Tropical has held annual disaster preparedness workshops throughout the Caribbean for more than 25 years. The sessions focus on how communities can develop recovery plans so businesses, schools, and governments can resume operations after a major hurricane or event.
“This powerful partnership ensures more effective preparedness, rapid response, and resilient recovery efforts, ultimately saving lives and speeding up rehabilitation and reconstruction for sustainable development,” said Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, Deputy Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
Rick Murrell, Retired President, Advisor and CEO, Tropical Shipping
Tropical was recently exempted from new port fees imposed by the Trump Administration, a huge relief to the Caribbean market it serves. The workshops are important to strengthening the region, so a natural disaster does not devastate its economy. Tropical has additional disaster management seminars scheduled on other islands this year.
“Part of our company’s mission is to support the health and well-being of the Caribbean, and Central and South America before, during, and after a natural disaster,” said Tropical Shipping President Tim Martin.
“Our commitment to the communities we serve is to strengthen them, and these workshops are tools for resilience.”
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