CDEMA, DEM, BCA in disaster outreach intiative

By Morissa Lindsay

The Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) for the first time has partnered with the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) for a sensitisation drive for the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane season.

Manager of Marketing and Communications at the BCA, Steven Leslie said during this morning’s press conference held at the DEM office in Warrens, St. Michael that based on what has been taking place globally with the Coronavirus pandemic and more recently the La Soufriere volcanic eruption, it prompted the BCA to reach out to the DEM and CDEMA.

They believe that this partnership can help to sensitize the public about disaster preparedness. Barbados and West Indies cricketers Jason Holder, Kraigg Brathwaite and Shai Hope have joined in the initiative.

“Initially, we have identified young Kraigg Brathwaite, who is the current West Indies Test Captain; Mr. Jason Holder, who you know served very well for a number of years in that capacity, and our star, One Day International batsman in Shai Hope. These young men, in different parts of the globe, clearly are excited to be part of this initial campaign.

“We believe that using young identifiable cricketers – you can use musicians, you can use a number of public figures – but certainly the fact that young people and those in the middle age, men and women can identify with these young people and be able to be part of a very important message, the message is that for 2021, we all want persons to be safe and to be prepared,” Leslie said.

The BCA head of marketing pointed out that this partnership had the potential to grow and emphasized that the sky was the limit.

Former West Indies captain and all-rounder Jason Holder said in his message: “One can never predict when the next hazard or natural disaster may affect us but we can all play our part and be ready for the unknown.

I encourage everyone to be prepared and keep safe as we continue to navigate these uncertain times in the Caribbean. Let us remember that our lives could depend on it.”

Current West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite stated: “Playing international cricket and representing the region has always been a challenge. Hard work and discipline are some key aspects to success.

“As we approach the new hurricane season, it is important to take personal responsibility to safeguard our family and love ones. Be prepared and keep safe.”

Meanwhile Hope added: “It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to enjoy success in life. Before any battle it is important to make smart choices, plan well and remain focused on what matters most.

The upcoming weeks and months with hurricanes may be uncertain but we can do our best to come out on top. Let us all be prepared and keep safe.”

As the Director of DEM, Kerry Hinds gave her welcoming remarks to signal the start of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season, she said: “Who would’ve thought – cricket and hurricane preparedness. May be an unlikely match, I hope it would encourage all persons across the island to get on board.”

While DEM held a successful press conference this morning to announce its partnership with the BCA, CDEMA also held a virtual conference yesterday May 31 to also announce its partnership with the BCA.

During that conference, Leslie said: “The Barbados Cricket Association is truly excited to be part of this initiative.

I would take you back to last March here in Barbados when we as a country were asked to lockdown after the COVID pandemic started to come to our Caribbean shores.

“What the Barbados Cricket Association was very pleased to do, I had a conversation with CDEMA and DEM, in putting together an idea and getting a very good initiative in being able to not just have that outreach but allow people to know they have that avenue to use sport and be able to express themselves in the traditional sense.”

morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb.