This is the first in a number of training activities that are designed to establish a cadre of Land Search and Rescue instructors in Suriname who will form the core of instructors for a national Land Search and Rescue Program.
Speaking on the new initiative, Coordinator of NCCR, Col. Jerry Slijngard, remarked that, “this training marks a major step towards establishment of a Land Search and Rescue Training Centre and Program in Suriname. It will be a central agency where SAR teams from all of the relevant agencies can receive standardized training to an international level.”
Twelve participants from five national agencies began the training on Sunday, January 26, 2014. Participants come with various search and rescue skills and knowledge including, medical, land navigation and rappelling. This is a physically demanding training which focuses on collapse structures rescue, land search and rescue, high angle rescue and water rescue among others.
Two CDEMA officers and three instructors from the (Caribbean) Regional Search and Rescue team are currently in Suriname to deliver the program. Course Coordinator, Brigadier General (Retired) Earl Arthurs of the CDEMA Coordinating Unit said, “it is a critical component in enhancing Suriname’s capacity, and eventually the wider Caribbean’s capacity, for responding for disasters and emergencies.”
The Concordia Training Base is also being set to become a centre of excellence for the Caribbean region. This week saw the start of construction of a training simulator which will be used for collapsed structure rescue training, and the erection of a 10 meter rappelling tower to be used for high angle rescue training. Improvements at Concordia also included the refurbishment of accommodation, classrooms and training areas.
The training will culminate on Monday, February 3, 2014 with a final exercise which will test the skills the participants acquired over the last eight (8) days. Minister of Defense, Mr. Lamure Latour, and the Executive Director of CDEMA, Mr. Ronald Jackson, have been invited to both deliver remarks at the closing ceremony at 4:00 p.m. BG (R) Earl Arthurs, and the Coordinator of NCCR, Col. Jerry Slijngard will also address the ceremony.
Upcoming training is expected to result in at least twenty-four (24) SAR technicians by the end of February 2014.