PORT OF SPAIN: 15TH DECEMBER, 2022
Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, met with Mr. Regis Chapman, Representative and Country Director for the United Nations World Food Programme Caribbean Multi-Country Office, virtually on 14th December, 2022.
Mr. Regis Chapman has over 20 years of international development and humanitarian experience, having served with the United Nations World Food Programme in a variety of contexts since 2015. As Representative and Country Director for the United Nations World Food Programme Caribbean Multi-Country Office, Mr. Chapman oversees World Food Programme’s work throughout the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean.
During the meeting, Mr. Chapman outlined the work of the World Food Programme in the region, noting that the work of the organization has evolved to meet the needs of the changing world. He highlighted some of the key areas of support within Trinidad and Tobago, which includes social protection; strengthening of food systems; and logistical support in disaster management. In this regard, Mr. Chapman underscored the exploration of digitizing certain processes to allow easier access to request social assistance, as an example of technical support to be offered to Trinidad and Tobago by the World Food Programme. In the area of disaster preparedness Mr. Chapman noted that a logistical expert would be seconded to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), with a view to strengthening the logistical response and coordination in times of crises and emergencies.
Minister Browne expressed gratitude to Mr. Chapman for the work of the World Food Programme in Trinidad and Tobago, and indicated that he looks forward to discussing further opportunities, initiatives and areas for collaboration, in which the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs can facilitate.
