Civil Defence Commission - CDC

El Niño Stakeholder Consultation and Training – Region 4

Today, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) kicked off a two-day El Niño Stakeholder Consultation and Training for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

This crucial session brings together government agencies, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), and private sector representatives to enhance multi-agency coordination, preparedness, and response to potential El Niño impacts.

The workshop saw participation from the CDC, Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Ministry of Health (MOH), National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), and Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL). RDC representatives covering East Coast Demerara communities from Beterverwagting (BV) to Mahaica, also participated alongside key private sector partners.

Over the two-day engagement, participants will share local experiences, map out areas of vulnerability, clarify agency responsibilities, and streamline response efforts.

Proactive collaboration remains essential to mitigating the risks of extended drought, water shortages, agricultural stress, wildfires, and power/infrastructure challenges across Region Four.

CDC Leads Region Three Stakeholders in El Niño Preparedness Sensitisation

Vreed-en-Hoop, Region Three – September 10, 2026: The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) today commenced its El Niño sensitisation programme in Region Three, bringing together key regional stakeholders to strengthen preparedness, coordination, and resilience ahead of potential El Niño-related impacts.

The sensitisation session, held at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Region Three in Vreed-en-Hoop, forms part of the CDC’s national initiative to raise awareness and enhance the preparedness of agencies, communities, and other stakeholders for the potential effects of El Niño conditions and discussed potential risks, preparedness measures, early warning, and coordinated response actions. The programme featured presentations from a wide range of agencies, including the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Ministry of Health (MOH), Hydrometeorological Service (Hydromet), Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Regional Democratic Council Region Three (RDC 3), Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), and Water Users Associations (WUA).

The presentations focused on the potential impacts of El Niño, including prolonged dry conditions, drought, increased temperatures, water scarcity, agricultural and livestock challenges, heightened wildfire risks, and potential public health concerns. Participants in a breakout session also examined early warning mechanisms, water management, fire prevention, agricultural preparedness, and coordinated emergency response in Region 3.
The engagement aims to ensure stakeholders are adequately informed and equipped to implement appropriate preparedness and mitigation measures within their respective areas of responsibility.

CDC Director General Col. Nazrul Hussain emphasised the importance of collective action in preparing for El Niño's potential impacts.“Preparedness is most effective when we work together. The CDC recognises that no single agency can address the impacts of a disaster alone, and therefore, these regional engagements are critical to strengthening coordination, sharing information, and ensuring that communities are better prepared to respond to changing conditions.” Meanwhile, Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council Region Three, Mr Inshan Ayube, welcomed the initiative and underscored the importance of regional preparedness.
“Region Three has an important role to play in ensuring that our communities, farmers, businesses and institutions are prepared for the possible effects of El Niño. We welcome the CDC’s engagement and are committed to working with all stakeholders to strengthen preparedness, protect livelihoods and ensure the availability and efficient management of critical resources.”

The CDC highlighted that preparedness measures must extend beyond government agencies and involve communities, farmers, businesses, local authorities and other partners. Stakeholders were encouraged to strengthen their internal preparedness plans, identify vulnerabilities, maintain communication mechanisms, and take early action where risks are identified.

The Commission will continue its El Niño sensitisation programme in other regions as part of its broader mandate to strengthen national disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and resilience.
Through sustained stakeholder engagement and coordinated planning, the CDC continues to work to ensure Guyana is better prepared to manage the potential impacts of El Niño and other climate-related hazards.

CDC and Bureau of Western Hemisphere Commence Shelters and Shelter Management Training

Georgetown, Guyana – September 8, 2026: The Civil Defence Commission (CDC), in collaboration with the U.S. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, today commenced a Shelters and Shelter Management Training Programme at the CDC Headquarters in Georgetown.

The training is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Guyana’s national disaster preparedness and response capacity, particularly in managing and coordinating emergency shelters during disasters and other emergencies.

The programme brings together representatives from relevant government agencies, emergency response organisations and other key stakeholders who play critical roles in shelter operations. Participants are being equipped with practical knowledge and skills in shelter establishment, management, coordination, registration of displaced persons, protection and safeguarding, logistics, health and safety, and providing essential services to people seeking refuge.

In delivering the training, facilitators also emphasised the importance of effective coordination among agencies to ensure shelters are safe, accessible, inclusive, and adequately managed before, during, and after emergencies.

The collaboration between the CDC and the U.S. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs underscores the importance of international partnerships in strengthening Guyana’s disaster risk management and emergency response capabilities.

The CDC remains committed to building national resilience and strengthening stakeholders' capacity to respond to and manage disasters, while ensuring the needs, safety, and dignity of affected populations remain a priority.

The Shelters and Shelter Management Training continues over the coming days, with participants expected to apply the knowledge and skills gained to strengthen shelter preparedness and management within their respective agencies and communities.

Civil Defence Commission Convened El Niño Consultation to Strengthen National Preparedness

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) today convened an El Niño Consultation with key stakeholder agencies to strengthen national preparedness and coordination ahead of anticipated El Niño conditions.

The consultation brought together representatives from relevant government agencies, emergency response organisations and other key stakeholders to discuss potential impacts associated with El Niño, including reduced rainfall, drought, increased temperatures, water shortages, agricultural impacts and heightened wildfire risk.

The engagement provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review preparedness measures, identify potential vulnerabilities and strengthen coordination mechanisms to ensure a timely and effective response to the anticipated conditions.

Discussions also focused on early warning, information sharing, public awareness, resource mobilisation, water management, agricultural preparedness, wildfire prevention and community-level resilience.

The CDC emphasised the importance of a coordinated, multi-agency approach to disaster risk management, noting that proactive preparedness is critical to reducing the potential impacts of El Niño on communities, livelihoods, infrastructure and essential services.

The Commission will continue to work closely with stakeholder agencies to monitor conditions, strengthen preparedness measures and support public education and awareness as the country prepares for the potential impacts of El Niño.

The consultation forms part of the CDC’s ongoing commitment to anticipatory action, disaster risk reduction and building a more resilient Guyana.

PRESS RELEASE

RSS, GDF and CDC Commence Week-Long OSR/SCAT Training
Georgetown, Guyana — August 17, 2026: The Regional Security System (RSS), in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), today commenced a week-long Oil Spill Response and Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Technique (ORS/SCAT) training programme at the CDC Headquarters.

The training is being facilitated by the Operational Readiness and Support Logistics (ORSL) team and is designed to strengthen the knowledge, skills and operational capacity of participating agencies in the use of ORS/SCAT methodologies.

A total of 50 participants from various agencies across the region are attending the course. This includes 14 participants representing the seven RSS Member States, further demonstrating the importance of regional cooperation and coordination in strengthening disaster response and operational readiness.

The training forms part of ongoing efforts by the RSS Training Institute and its partners to enhance regional capabilities, promote interoperability among agencies, and ensure that personnel are better prepared to respond effectively to emergencies and other operational requirements.

The week-long programme will include a range of theoretical and practical sessions aimed at equipping participants with the competencies required to support effective assessment, coordination and response operations.

The RSS, GDF and CDC remain committed to strengthening regional partnerships and building resilient, capable and coordinated response mechanisms across the Caribbean.

CDC Distributes 300 Sanitation Hampers to Region 3 Following Koker Breach

​GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — August 13, 2026 — The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) this morning handed over 300 janitorial and sanitation hampers to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 3 (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) to support households impacted by yesterday afternoon’s koker breach.

​The hampers, containing essential cleaning agents, disinfectants, and sanitising supplies, are intended to assist affected residents in carrying out immediate cleanup and hygiene operations.
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The CDC remains in close coordination with the RDC and local authorities to monitor the situation, conduct ongoing impact assessments, and determine if further relief measures are required.
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The Commission reaffirms its commitment to coordinating swift, effective humanitarian response efforts for communities affected by natural and man-made emergencies across Guyana.

August 5, 2026

Fujian Association of Guyana Donates GYD 3.26 Million to Support MV Barima Tragedy Relief Efforts
Georgetown, Guyana – The Fujian Association of Guyana today donated GYD 3,260,000 to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) during a simple handover ceremony held at the Commission's Headquarters in Thomas Lands.

The funds were raised in support of those affected by the MV Barima tragedy and were contributed primarily by Fujian entrepreneurs in Guyana in both their personal and corporate capacities. The donation reflects the strong spirit of unity and social responsibility within the Chinese community and demonstrates the care and commitment of the Chinese people in Guyana. It also serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between the peoples of China and Guyana.

The official handover ceremony was attended by Counselor Li Hanqing and Director Wang Kaojie of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Guyana, as well as Lieutenant Colonel Mark Thomas, Deputy Director General of the Civil Defence Commission.

During the ceremony, representatives discussed the allocation of the donated funds and opportunities for continued cooperation in humanitarian assistance. On behalf of the Director General of the Civil Defence Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas expressed sincere appreciation to the Fujian Association of Guyana and the wider Chinese community for their generous contribution, noting that the donation reflects a meaningful display of solidarity with the people of Guyana during a time of national grief.

The Fujian Association of Guyana extended its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy and expressed heartfelt sympathy to all those affected. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the values of unity, mutual support, and social responsibility, and pledged to continue standing alongside the people of Guyana during times of need.

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