Opposition Spokesperson on Local Government Natalie Neita Garvey
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Opposition Spokesperson on Local Government Natalie Neita Garvey
Opposition Spokesperson on Local Government Natalie Neita Garvey is proposing a reorganisation of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).
Mrs. Neita Garvey says ODPEM must be returned as the primary source of disaster protection and response management within the government.
She argues that the agency must have a central year-round relationship with every sector of national life.
"An effective communication strategy must be designed and implemented around the roles and functions of the ODPEM without the political, executive overreach which now impedes organisation's effectiveness. We have become exposed to various risks that could spawn disasters outside of weather-based hazards," she said.
One such example, Mrs. Neita Garvey outlined, relates to recurrent pollution incidents affecting the Rio Cobre, which have resulted in several fish kills.
"To this end, I will charge ODPEM to review the sources and causes of possible disasters that could impede Jamaica's development and to design preemptive plans and actions to minimise risks and cauterise hazards," she urged.
Mrs. Neita Garvey was delivering her Sectoral Debate presentation in the Lower House on Tuesday.
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