This post is about the efforts of the private sector working with the government to help with the recent flooding on the Caribbean coast of Panama.
The pairing of the private and public sector in times of need:
The Foundacion Desarrollo del Caribe (FDC-Panama) executed supply delivery missions throughout this past weekend along the Caribbean Coast. Unsatisfied with the complete lack of aid reaching the region of the country between San Miguel De La Borda and Guazaro, the FDC-Panama took action to provide much needed supplies, medical care, and logistical support to the stranded villagers. A convoy including a twenty-foot container, a Diablo Rojo, and two pickup trucks were filled with food, medical supplies and gasoline and were driven to San Miguel De La Borda, which was used as a staging point to deliver supplies to the villages beyond the reach of the road. Members of the FDC-Panama including: CrownLand Investments; Archer Group Investments; Donnie Estrada, the Foundations Founder and President; Jesse Levin, logistics coordinator and other members including Cesar Guevara through monetary, time, and equipment contributions coupled with the joint efforts of the Red Cross and the Special Boat Unit of the National Police in Colon Worked together from the 28th of November through the 1st to deliver thousands of pounds of food, fuel, and medical supplies and care.
There is really a complete void of an organized and capable emergency response system in Panama, partially out of a lack of necessity. However when the private sector steps in to coordinate efforts the appropriate governmental agencies and international relief organizations are usually quick to step up to the plate. Under the request and guidance of the FDC-Panama, the National Director of Red Cross, Jorge Aleman, provided foodstuffs and medicine, and the Sub Commissioner of the National Police, Ricardo Cristobal, a high-speed boat, fuel, and commandos to aid in the rescue mission.
Prodded by the private sector, government assets were employed to aid in the relief effort in the aforementioned areas. Under strict instructions and oversight by the logistics team at FDC, the operation, from the collection and delivery of supplies from the city to the staging point, and then into the hands of the rural villagers went as smoothly as possible given the complexity of the operation. The resources in Panama exist to deal with emergency situations, however, it’s the overall lack of a logistics system and appropriate training that throws a wrench into the works. That’s where the private sector can contribute.
FDC-Panama
Phone: 399-3334
Website: www.fdcpanama.com
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