Click to view full size

Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath said he plans to work with Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander and Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen to strengthen the responsiveness and capacity of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM).

On May 21, while attending the TT Meteorological Service's (TTMS) National Climate Outlook Forum at the TT Civil Aviation Authority's Piarco headquarters, Padarath said he was dissatisfied with the ODPM’s and other state agencies' response time during emergencies.

Speaking to Newsday by phone on May 26, Padarath said he plans to meet this week with Alexander, who is OPDM’s line minister. He said in preliminary discussions with Alexander, two main issues had been raised.