ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada: Deepening the level of cooperation between the Government of Grenada and the Federative Republic of Brazil was the focus of attention during a meeting on Wednesday, October 19, chaired by Mr. Richardson Andrews, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Agency for Reconstruction and Development Inc. (ARD). A five-member delegation from Brazil, headed by Counsellor Igor Kipman, met with Minister of Social Development Yolande Bain Joseph and representatives of the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, Finance and Foreign Affairs, the ARD, the Housing Authority of Grenada (HAG) and the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) at the ARD Board Room. Noting that Brazil wishes to strengthen relations with its Caribbean neighbours, Counsellor Kipman said the time is right to deepen bilateral relations. This is an exploratory mission to define some priorities, he said, adding that since Brazil is also a Developing Nation the areas of cooperation must be realistic. Mr. Andrews outlined the extent of damage to Grenada from Hurricanes Ivan and Emily and the progress in the reconstruction process. Dr. Daniele Lopes, Disaster Specialist in Brazil’s Ministry of Civil Defence, outlined the areas in which civil society is involved in disaster management planning. She explained that community mobilisation is an important component of prevention, preparation, response and reconstruction. Brazil has experience coping with a range of natural disasters from hurricanes, droughts, floods to forest fires. Training for communities utilises simple, user friendly material in the classroom, as well as sessions in the field. Citizens are trained in shelter management, risk management, casualty management and rescue operations. Secretary Wladimir Valler, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Agency for Brazilian Cooperation, extended an invitation for a Grenadian to attend a two-week training course in Brazil in early 2006, which would include classroom sessions and field visits. In other developments, the delegations discussed a proposed Technical Cooperation Agreement between the two countries. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com