The Beach Clean-Up activity in observance of International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) scheduled for Saturday, October 30, 2010, has been postponed. The collaborative event which will be hosted by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Portmore Municipal Council will now be held on Saturday, November 13, 2010, at the Port Henderson Beach, Forum.

 The day’s activity will look at targeting approximately 200 volunteers from active community groups including Disaster Zonal Committees and the school community in Portmore.  In addition, the Beach Clean Up is to further emphasize mitigation measures in an effort to protect sections of the coastline in Portmore. Issues related to improper garbage disposal as well as Portmore’s increased vulnerability to storm surges and coastal erosion associated with hurricanes have all significantly impacted the area which is being brought to the fore by community action.

 The Port Henderson Beach was selected based on predetermined selection criteria and it has also received the endorsement of the Portmore Public Health, Disaster and Support Services Committee.  

 IDDR Day was observed on Wednesday, October 13, 2010, under the theme “My City is Getting Ready”. The day is sanctioned by the United Nations Secretariat for the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) and is observed annually to raise global awareness.

 Contact: Kimberley Weller, Information Officer kweller@odpem.org.jm