News Releases

ODPM Enhances UWI’s Emergency Readiness with Donation of Essential 'Grab-&-Go Bags'

For Release Upon Receipt - December 7, 2023

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, December 7, 2023 - The University of the West Indies (The UWI), St. Augustine Campus, received a significant safety boost with the generous donation of essential safety equipment from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM). The official handover of these items took place at the ODPM headquarters in Orange Grove, Tacarigua on 20th September 2023.

 The 50 "Grab-&-Go Bags," donated by the ODPM encompassed a range of items indispensable in crisis situations, including ropes, flashlights, high visibility vests, hard hats and gloves. Notably, responders were encouraged to personalize and supplement the kits with additional resources they deemed necessary for effective emergency responses, such as water, canned foods, first aid kits, and other crucial supplies. The collaborative effort between the ODPM and The UWI St. Augustine Campus represents a key step in reinforcing safety and emergency preparedness within the university community. Mr. Rajesh Kandhai, Manager of Occupational Health, Safety, and the Environment at The UWI, St. Augustine Campus, expressed gratitude for the support received from the ODPM, highlighting the importance of such partnerships in expanding emergency response capabilities. Additionally, he stated, "As UWI expands its emergency response activities to include staff and students in their communities, we are grateful for the support of the ODPM and look forward to a sustained collaboration on this and other matters."

 This initiative on the part of the ODPM was greatly appreciated and underscores a proactive approach to crisis management, ensuring that The UWI responders are equipped with both standard and customizable resources for effective and swift action during emergencies.

 Please find some photos at the ceremony and corresponding captions below:

 Photo 1:

 

L-R: Mr. Critchlow Lorde (ODPM Outreach Officer), Mr. Rakesh Kandhai (UWI St. Augustine OHSE Manager), Mr. Dave Samsundar (UWI Emergency Volunteer Group Leader), Major General (Retired) Rodney Smart (CEO of the ODPM) and Lt. Commander (Retired) Kirk Jean Baptiste (ODPM Training and Education Specialist)

 Photo 2:

 

L-R- Mr. Rakesh Kandhai (UWI St. Augustine OHSE Manager), Mr. Dave Samsundar (UWI Emergency Volunteer Group Leader), Major General (Retired) Rodney Smart (CEO of the ODPM)

 END

 About The University of the West Indies

 The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years.

 From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

 The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

 2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional University.

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu  

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