Entities team up to boost disaster communication capacity

The Climate Change Resilience Network (CCRN) in collaboration with the Youlou Radio Movement (YRM) recently embarked on a disaster preparedness initiative aimed at strengthening the communication capacity in the face of increasing climate change challenges.

Chairman of CCRN, Laura Denise Stephens, said the initiative was in the form of a five-day amateur radio training programme which was hosted by CCRN in collaboration with the YRM.

The training, held from August 11 to 15 was successfully completed by 20 people.

Stephens said of the 20 participants, 11 achieved scores ranging from 80% to 100%. She said this is the required pass mark and noted that two participants aced the exam with perfect scores.

As a reward for their outstanding performance, the top candidates each received a 2m radio.

The training was done at the Venezuelan Embassy and was also supported by the Embassy of Taiwan in St Vincent and the Grenadines, the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) and the SVG Coast Guard Services.

Stephens said the training was more than just learning how to operate a radio; it focussed on equipping people with the skills to stay connected and resilient during disasters. She also pointed out that climate change is everybody’s business, and disaster preparedness, including radio communication, must be taken seriously.

Through the initiative, participants gained knowledge on radio communication systems, their boundaries, and their benefits, particularly in disaster scenarios when traditional communication networks may fail.

Stephens said they are hoping that more Vincentians will take advantage of similar opportunities in the future to strengthen national resilience.