Public and Private Sector leaders gather to strengthen Guyana’s disaster readiness

More than 70 representatives from Guyana’s emergency services, business community, and tourism sector gathered this week for a disaster management workshop designed to improve the country’s resilience in the face of natural catastrophes. The half-day session, hosted by Tropical Shipping, focused on strengthening public-private partnerships – a vital step, officials said, in preparing for and responding to hurricanes and other large-scale emergencies.
“As a shipping company, we recognise the essential role that strong private-public partnerships play in effective disaster management,” said Glenis Hodge, Country Manager of Tropical Shipping.

“Prior to a natural disaster, close coordination with Government agencies enables us to anticipate disruptions, strategically position resources, and support preparedness efforts. In the aftermath, this collaboration becomes even more critical, facilitating the swift reopening of ports, restoring supply chain operations, and ensuring the timely delivery of essential goods such as food, water, and medical supplies to affected communities.”
But the workshop wasn’t just about logistics, it was about collaboration, planning, and creating a safety net for the communities most vulnerable during disasters.
The event drew participation from several key national associations and agencies, including the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA), the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).
“Partnerships are critical for effective disaster preparedness and response,” noted Major Lakshman Persaud, Preparedness & Response Manager of the CDC.
“In pre-disaster preparedness, useful networks can be identified or built with key persons trained for specialist roles in disaster management. In response to a disaster, the private sector can mobilise resources and finances for the response, including specialists such as medical, aviation, technology, etc., who will aid response actions in the affected areas.”
Stakeholders say that when emergencies strike, minutes matter. The workshop was especially useful for building connections before the crisis moment comes.
Participants included Komal Singh, Chairman of the Shipping Association of Guyana; Kathy Smith, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Rafeek Khan, President of GMSA; Dee George, President of the THAG; Chandradat Chintamani, General Manager of Muneshwers Ltd; Mr Shane Ram, CEO of Shane Ram Coaching & Consulting; and Professor Roy Watlington (Ret’d) of the University of the Virgin Islands.
Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, Deputy Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), described the importance of these partnerships not just for Guyana, but across the region.
“This powerful partnership ensures more effective preparedness, rapid response, and resilient recovery efforts, ultimately saving lives and speeding up rehabilitation and reconstruction for sustainable development,” Craig said.
Tropical Shipping, headquartered in Riviera Beach, Florida, has hosted annual disaster preparedness workshops across the Caribbean for over 25 years. These forums help communities build recovery plans so businesses, schools and Governments can resume operations more swiftly after major events.
“Part of our company’s mission is to support the health and well-being of the Caribbean, and Central and South America before, during and after a natural disaster,” said Tropical Shipping President Tim Martin. “Our commitment to the communities we serve is to strengthen them, and these workshops are tools for resilience.”
With more workshops scheduled across the region this year, the company hopes the growing network of regional partners will lead to faster, more coordinated responses, and ultimately, better outcomes, when disaster strikes.a