Approximately 30 emergency responders drawn from agencies across Antigua and Barbuda have successfully completed a four-day hazardous materials training programme designed to strengthen the nation's capacity to manage dangerous substance incidents.
According to Antigua News Room, the training was coordinated by the National Office of Disaster Services in partnership with United States Southern Command and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Global Institute for Community Health and Development. Sessions were conducted at the Sir Wright George Police Academy.
Participants received both theoretical instruction and practical training on the handling of hazardous substances, including chemicals and radioactive materials. The programme concluded Thursday with a hands-on field exercise covering hazard identification, the proper use of personal protective equipment, and techniques for the removal, neutralisation, and disposal of dangerous materials.
Attendees represented a broad cross-section of national response agencies, including NODS, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, Emergency Medical Services, the Royal Police Force, and the Fire Department. Personnel from Barbuda were also among those who took part.
The initiative forms part of the country's wider preparations for the upcoming Tradewinds Exercise, an annual regional security and disaster response exercise sponsored by U.S. Southern Command. That exercise is scheduled to take place in Antigua from June 3 to 17.
