Civil Defence Commission - CDC

02/09/2026

Civil Defence Commission Convened El Niño Consultation to Strengthen National Preparedness

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) today convened an El Niño Consultation with key stakeholder agencies to strengthen national preparedness and coordination ahead of anticipated El Niño conditions.

The consultation brought together representatives from relevant government agencies, emergency response organisations and other key stakeholders to discuss potential impacts associated with El Niño, including reduced rainfall, drought, increased temperatures, water shortages, agricultural impacts and heightened wildfire risk.

The engagement provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review preparedness measures, identify potential vulnerabilities and strengthen coordination mechanisms to ensure a timely and effective response to the anticipated conditions.

Discussions also focused on early warning, information sharing, public awareness, resource mobilisation, water management, agricultural preparedness, wildfire prevention and community-level resilience.

The CDC emphasised the importance of a coordinated, multi-agency approach to disaster risk management, noting that proactive preparedness is critical to reducing the potential impacts of El Niño on communities, livelihoods, infrastructure and essential services.

The Commission will continue to work closely with stakeholder agencies to monitor conditions, strengthen preparedness measures and support public education and awareness as the country prepares for the potential impacts of El Niño.

The consultation forms part of the CDC’s ongoing commitment to anticipatory action, disaster risk reduction and building a more resilient Guyana.

17/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE

RSS, GDF and CDC Commence Week-Long OSR/SCAT Training
Georgetown, Guyana — August 17, 2026: The Regional Security System (RSS), in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), today commenced a week-long Oil Spill Response and Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Technique (ORS/SCAT) training programme at the CDC Headquarters.

The training is being facilitated by the Operational Readiness and Support Logistics (ORSL) team and is designed to strengthen the knowledge, skills and operational capacity of participating agencies in the use of ORS/SCAT methodologies.

A total of 50 participants from various agencies across the region are attending the course. This includes 14 participants representing the seven RSS Member States, further demonstrating the importance of regional cooperation and coordination in strengthening disaster response and operational readiness.

The training forms part of ongoing efforts by the RSS Training Institute and its partners to enhance regional capabilities, promote interoperability among agencies, and ensure that personnel are better prepared to respond effectively to emergencies and other operational requirements.

The week-long programme will include a range of theoretical and practical sessions aimed at equipping participants with the competencies required to support effective assessment, coordination and response operations.

The RSS, GDF and CDC remain committed to strengthening regional partnerships and building resilient, capable and coordinated response mechanisms across the Caribbean.

13/08/2026

CDC Distributes 300 Sanitation Hampers to Region 3 Following Koker Breach

​GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — August 13, 2026 — The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) this morning handed over 300 janitorial and sanitation hampers to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 3 (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) to support households impacted by yesterday afternoon’s koker breach.

​The hampers, containing essential cleaning agents, disinfectants, and sanitising supplies, are intended to assist affected residents in carrying out immediate cleanup and hygiene operations.
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The CDC remains in close coordination with the RDC and local authorities to monitor the situation, conduct ongoing impact assessments, and determine if further relief measures are required.
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The Commission reaffirms its commitment to coordinating swift, effective humanitarian response efforts for communities affected by natural and man-made emergencies across Guyana.

12/08/2026

07/08/2026

August 5, 2026

Fujian Association of Guyana Donates GYD 3.26 Million to Support MV Barima Tragedy Relief Efforts
Georgetown, Guyana – The Fujian Association of Guyana today donated GYD 3,260,000 to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) during a simple handover ceremony held at the Commission's Headquarters in Thomas Lands.

The funds were raised in support of those affected by the MV Barima tragedy and were contributed primarily by Fujian entrepreneurs in Guyana in both their personal and corporate capacities. The donation reflects the strong spirit of unity and social responsibility within the Chinese community and demonstrates the care and commitment of the Chinese people in Guyana. It also serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between the peoples of China and Guyana.

The official handover ceremony was attended by Counselor Li Hanqing and Director Wang Kaojie of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Guyana, as well as Lieutenant Colonel Mark Thomas, Deputy Director General of the Civil Defence Commission.

During the ceremony, representatives discussed the allocation of the donated funds and opportunities for continued cooperation in humanitarian assistance. On behalf of the Director General of the Civil Defence Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas expressed sincere appreciation to the Fujian Association of Guyana and the wider Chinese community for their generous contribution, noting that the donation reflects a meaningful display of solidarity with the people of Guyana during a time of national grief.

The Fujian Association of Guyana extended its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy and expressed heartfelt sympathy to all those affected. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the values of unity, mutual support, and social responsibility, and pledged to continue standing alongside the people of Guyana during times of need.

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27/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

03/06/2026