The first emotion and the last glance

Landing in Grenada we were looking out from our side window and thinking of which contribution from our experience we might have offered to the local communities. Now,  at take off, looking from the same window, we are more than sure that we gave as much as possible of our commitment without saving energies and that what we, the Team Bravo,  received during the last meeting with Mr. Terence, Ms.  Mauryn, NaDMA Staff, Communities and people met in the last two weeks is extraordinary and priceless.

I take with me, on mission, my notebook where  thoughts, ideas, impressions are reported; every day there are notes and emotions shared in the team, starting with the first meeting with Mr. Terence till the last presentation of the work done, including the data base  and the Disaster Plan.
The notebook contains the preliminary study of the Grenada Disaster Plan structure, including the visit to the shelter, some ideas offered to the Communities stressing the importance of the protection of territory, the need for associationism rather than individualism and the advantages of exchanging ideas so that the community itself is able to respond to emergencies.

Other notes are referring to the creation of the data base, with the suggestions from Marco, districts indications and names, responsible and voluntary people met as well as the indication for data ingestion and processing.  Also Skype conferences with Charlie are reported in order to start immediately the team building including recommendation for recruitment of volunteers and the preliminary training that Charlie can develop.

Here is the day of practice actions at the airport, two hours under the Carribean sun without-a-protective cream sunshine; hard but worthwhile.

We say, in Italy, “ tutto il

The thrill of being able to bring our experience.

The days go by and the work intensifies. Working with Terence Walters, National Disaster Coordinator, NaDMA staff and with the team, it is challenging but also exciting, and although there are few breaks, stress and fatigue are not felt.
 We continue to analyze the existing system, build a database in order to better manage volunteers, implement the District Disaster Plans and evaluate the existing Shelter guidelines.
 Friends of Team Alfa warned us, “when you will make site inspections and meetings with the community, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of these places, its flavors and landscapes, and people’s kindness”. Like when we visited the operations room built by USAID, with the most advanced construction techniques, in one of the safest and inland areas of the island, or when visiting the Marian Shelter Prototype and Multipurpose Center, St. George South East, where we could taste the sweet Caribbean plums that grow normally in the gardens of the island.
The shelter was built after Hurricane Ivan of 2004 following the criteria set for an emergency shelter, which is a good example to be replicated. Our analysis and discussion lasted long in order to get the real picture of what happens during an hurricane such as Ivan was, and how natural events so shocking, have significantly changed habits of this wonderful island.
There is a clear awareness that despite being a little island, they are not alone during disasters. The solidarity of other countries is necessary and important, and in our case, it is important to bring our experience of European Volunteers. As we have experienced in the community of St. Andrews, where we met 20 local volunteers, being a

Missing four days at the start of the Bravo team, the prep work is very intense, but thanks to the reports of the Alpha Team is all easier.