106 graduate from climate change training programme

“We cannot stop the change that is happening… but we can reduce the level of the impact… Take the knowledge you have gained over these past few weeks… and put it to work!”

This was what Dr Reynold Murray implored of the 106 participants who graduated from an 18-month training programme designed to help them prepare for and respond to the effects of climate change and natural disasters.{{more}}

Murray, an environmental consultant, delivered his feature address last Tuesday at the ceremony, which took place at the Methodist Church Hall, during which he emphasized how important the issue of climate change is, and the ramifications it is having on St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“The whole of St Vincent is vulnerable,” he explained. “The climate is changing… These changes in climatic condition threaten to change our whole economic development. In fact, it threatens to retard our whole economic development.”

The programme, which was executed under the Resilient Livelihoods Project, comprised a nine-module curriculum that included first aid, fire safety, use of handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, and a one-month work placement, among other modules.

Additionally, the participants were divided into groups and tasked with carrying out hazard mapping exercises and developing community-driven contingency plans. They also identified and executed community-led projects intended to improve infrastructure and ecosystem to make the various communities less vulnerable to disasters.

Also delivering remarks was Minister of National Mobilization, Social Development and Youth Frederick Stephenson.

He thanked the Government of the Republic of China (on Taiwan) and the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) for funding the programme, and for their financial involvement in other such projects across SVG.

“It is important for the young people to understand that the Government cannot do it all; that you sometimes have to take your own risks [and] get involved in activities that can advance yourselves and your communities,” he said.

Stephenson also urged the participants to use the training they have received to not only enhance their career opportunities, but to also improve their communities.

This was also a sentiment echoed by featured speaker Dr Murray.

“I don’t want to tell any of you what you should be or what you could be – you must decide that for yourself,” he beseeched.

“What I am trying to do is inspire you to take the mantle and to move forward to save this country of ours, to make it work, to make this country productive, to put into operation all the skills that you have acquired, [and] to take advantage of all the opportunities that are provided for you!”

In her address, Stina Herberg, head of the Richmond Vale Academy, explained how the institution was instrumental in advising the PADF representatives on how to structure the 18-month training programme.

Herberg congratulated the students on their success, and also commended the PADF and the Taiwanese Embassy for making this venture possible.

“I think that together we… can all do our part to make St Vincent the world’s first climate compliant nation. Climate compliant means healthy food secure, renewable energy secure and that we are ready for climate change. Certainly, this programme has made a big impact in St Vincent!”

Christobelle Ashton, Resilient Livelihoods Project Coordinator (PADF-SVG), also gave remarks at the ceremony, giving an overview of the project, and recounting the positive experiences that many of the participants went through during the programme.

“This training – all the different elements – has been useful… It has been a wonderful experience working on this project; the best part has been working with these young people,” said Ashton.

Also delivering brief remarks were His Excellency Baushaun Ger, Ambassador of the Republic of China (on Taiwan) to SVG, and Liza Mantilla, director of Disaster Management at the PADF. (JSV)