Caption: Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Jovesa Vocea, Deputy Secretary Mr. Mitieli Cama, Director Fiji NDMO Ms. Vasiti Soko and senior executive members of the Ministry with participants of the week-long National Emergency Response Team (NERT) Induction Training in Lautoka.
LAUTOKA – Representatives from 19 Government agencies currently participating in a week-long induction training for the National Emergency Response Team (NERT) have been urged to openly share their experiences, challenges and recommendations to assist the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in refining Fiji’s NERT mechanism.
The establishment of Fiji’s NERT mechanism was approved by Cabinet in March this year.
The induction training aims to equip first responders with tools and methodology for the deployment of surge capacity for disaster response within and outside the country; and enhance interoperability among first responders from different agencies at all levels.
In opening the training in Lautoka in July this year, Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Jovesa Vocea said following the endorsement of Cabinet, Fiji now had the opportunity to increase its efficiency to adequately respond to disasters and provide aid coordination.
“In light of severe weather events resulting in significant consequences for our nation, the National Disaster Management Office has consistently demonstrated its commitment by deploying composite government teams to extend surge support to Emergency Operation Centres in heavily impacted divisions. These deployments, expertly led by both civilian and military personnel, have exemplified remarkable adaptability and responsiveness. Previously, teams deployed at regional and domestic levels encountered a challenge in the absence of a formal mechanism to govern their deployment. Furthermore, there was a recognised necessity for standardized protocols and methodologies to guarantee that deployed personnel receive essential training and possess the necessary tools for an efficient and effective response,” Hon. Vocea said.
“Through such trainings as this one, you will be equipped with the standards, methodologies and tools to ensure that we are in a better position to cope with the demand for HADR services nationally, regionally and internationally.”
The training is being spearheaded by the NDMO, with funding support from the Government of Australia, the World Food Programme (WFP), the Pacific Community (SPC), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), and UN Women.
Meanwhile, the establishment of Fiji NERT mechanism will be responsible for providing surge capacity for the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and Government at the sub-national levels in managing and conducting emergency relief operations and preparedness activity.
The NERT will also serve as a mechanism for the Government of Fiji in providing humanitarian assistance to other countries.
Caption: Group discussions being mentored by Director NDMO Ms. Vasiti Soko during the National Emergency Response Team (NERT) Induction Training in Lautoka.
Caption: Participants of the National Emergency Response Team (NERT) Induction Training participate in a High Frequency (HF) radio testing activity as part of their training.
Caption: Participants of the National Emergency Response Team (NERT) Induction Training participate in a High Frequency (HF) radio testing activity as part of their training.
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The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management is responsible for implementing development strategies that bring Fijians living in rural and maritime regions the same level of access to essential services and economic opportunities as anywhere else in the country. We coordinate and implement the Fiji Government’s rural and maritime development initiatives with a mission to empower Fiji’s rural sector. We also spearhead disaster risk reduction initiatives at national and sub-national level including disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. We have offices for each of Fiji’s 14 provinces including Rotuma, leading the Fiji Government’s rural development and disaster risk management operations.
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