The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross is currently in discussions with the British donor agency Department for International Development (DFID) to financially assist three (3) local communities with special projects.

At present, the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross is trying to finalize a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which will allow the non-profit organization to facilitate various training sessions in health and safety hazards and first aid in the communities.

Antigua and Barbuda lies almost in the centre of the Eastern Caribbean chain of islands and the country has been known to usually lay in the path of hurricane or two every couple of years.

Certain areas in on the island are also prone to flooding not only in hurricane season but if any excess rain takes place for prolonged periods.

In light of the country’s susceptibility to the whim of hurricanes and tropical storms Director General of the Red Cross Jeff Martin says the training sessions are important.

Martin says [health and safety hazards] training will better help communities prepare themselves for disasters. With respect to health hazards training will focus on safety measures to prevent water borne illnesses.

The Director General says the communities of Yorks and Green Bay will be the first recipients for the first phase of the community projects as these two communities are of the worst affected when there is flooding. 

According to Martin, training will be provided for residents and non-profit groups in community-based health. The Red Cross aims to train at least twenty volunteers to assist in the community training programs and volunteers from the Barbuda will also included in the training.

As soon as further funding has been received, the Red Cross will identify the third community to be assisted. It is the organization’s intention to assist other communities across the island as soon as possible.