Topics & Events

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) partnered with the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) to host a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) seminar. Held on Wednesday, Oct. 19, the event targeted the students and faculty of the Environmental Studies and Sciences programme. The seminar also featured the disaster resilience of the Cul-de-Sac Bridge Reconstruction Project funded by JICA. This was done by Ms Shian Edwin from the Ministry of Infrastructure. The main presenters were JICA Expert, Mr. Hayato Nakamura and JICA Volunteer, Mr. Yuzo Ota. The seminar is part of JICA's effort to mainstream disaster risk reduction as part of its cooperation in the Caribbean.

Mr. Nakamura, who is a DRR policy advisor based at the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) in Barbados, delved into the technical components of disaster risk and management. He shared how Saint Lucia can prepare for and prevent the more destructive impacts of disasters such as flooding. Mr. Nakamura highlighted the superior design of the Cul-de-Sac Bridge to withstand future floods and reduce significant damage to the area.

JICA volunteer and geologist based the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), Mr. Yuzo Ota, presented the topic‘Understanding Geohazard and Geological Thinking'. His presentation included a live demonstration of Geographic Information System (GIS) and its application in DRR. He showed how it could be used for mapping disaster-prone areas to provide an effective response and save lives. Mr. Ota also emphasized how easily students could learn and use GIS via the internet and smartphones. Inspired by the seminar, SALCC is considering establishing a GIS club for students to explore all the advantages and applications of the technology.

Group photo at SALCC

Mr. Hayato NAKAMURA(JICA Expert)

Mr. Yuzo OTA(JICA Volunteer)