A five-member delegation from Brazil, headed by Counsellor Igor
Kipman, met with Minister of Social Development Yolande Bain Joseph and
representatives of the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, Finance and
Foreign Affairs, the ARD, the Housing Authority of Grenada (HAG) and
the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) at the ARD Board Room.
Noting that Brazil wishes to strengthen relations with its Caribbean
neighbours, Counsellor Kipman said the time is right to deepen
bilateral relations.
“This is an exploratory mission to define some priorities,” he said,
adding that since Brazil is also a Developing Nation the areas of
cooperation must be realistic.
Mr. Andrews outlined the extent of damage to Grenada from Hurricanes
Ivan and Emily and the progress in the reconstruction process.
Dr. Daniele Lopes, Disaster Specialist in Brazil’s Ministry of Civil
Defence, outlined the areas in which civil society is involved in
disaster management planning. She explained that community mobilisation
is an important component of prevention, preparation, response and
reconstruction.
Brazil has experience coping with a range of natural disasters from
hurricanes, droughts, floods to forest fires. Training for communities
utilises simple, user friendly material in the classroom, as well as
sessions in the field. Citizens are trained in shelter management, risk
management, casualty management and rescue operations.
Secretary Wladimir Valler, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Agency
for Brazilian Cooperation, extended an invitation for a Grenadian to
attend a two-week training course in Brazil in early 2006, which would
include classroom sessions and field visits.
In other developments, the delegations discussed a proposed Technical Cooperation Agreement between the two countries.
The delegations comprised the following:
Brazil
- Head of Delegation Counsellor Igor Kipman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Secretary Wladimir Valler, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Agency for Brazilian Cooperation
- Dr. Daniele Lopes, Disaster Specialist in the Ministry of Civil Defence
- Ms. Camila Vargas, Ministry of Health
- Mr. Marcelo Moura, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Technical Cooperation Division
Grenada
- Minister of Social Development Yolande Bain Joseph
- ARD CEO Mr. Richardson Andrews
- Mr. Raphael Joseph, Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Mr. Ricky Morain, ARD Aid Coordinator
- Ms. Jocelyn Paul, Project Officer, Ministry of Finance
- Mr. Cecil Winsborrow, Chief Agronomist, Ministry of Agriculture
- Mr. Aaron Francois, Planning Officer, Ministry of Agriculture
- Ms. Tessa Stroude, Planning Officer, Ministry of Health
- Mr. Sylvan McIntyre, NaDMA
- Mr. Simeon Collins, HAG