Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management

4A Orange Grove Road,

Trincity, Tacarigua
Phone: 1 (868) 640-1285
Fax: 1 (868) 640-8988

MEDIA RELEASE
Friday April 01, 2011 – 10:00 a.m.

ODPM welcomes new Chief Executive Officer

After months of recruitment and selection, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and
Management (ODPM) is pleased to inform all media and external stakeholders that Dr
Stephen Ramroop has officially assumed duties as our new Chief Executive Officer
effective today, Friday April 01.

Dr. Ramroop is a certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with over 24 years experience in public
and private practice. Prior to assuming duties at the ODPM, Dr. Ramroop was previously
attached to the San Fernando General Hospital as Head of the Emergency Department .
He is also a former Medical Director at that institution.

An active Rotarian and known resident of South Trinidad, Dr. Ramroop brings to the
ODPM a wide experience in the field of emergency and disaster preparedness and
management; experience which was tested during his participation in the ICC World Cup
2007, Fifth Summit of the Americas (VSOA) and the Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting (CHOGM). Dr. Ramroop is also an active member of the Trinidad
and Tobago Red Cross and other non governmental organisations (NGOs).

In addition to his experience, Dr. Ramroop has been recognised for his strong
management skills along with his commitment, foresight and vision. Moreover, given Dr.
Ramroop’s linkages with the public and private sector, it is expected that he will be able
to garner support from individuals and organisations throughout Trinidad and Tobago in
order to further develop Trinidad and Tobago into a safer and more resilient society. Dr.
Ramroop affirmed to staff during an orientation session “As an Orthopaedic Surgeon, one
can save a life sporadically. However, as the head of a national disaster management
office, one has the ability to save the lives of our 1,300,000 citizens.”

Simultaneously, the ODPM extends sincerest appreciation to Colonel Rodney Smart who
was appointed the Interim CEO in September 2010. Colonel Smart willingly embraced
the challenge of heading the organisation during the very active 2010 Hurricane Season
and in light of this, the ODPM thanks him for his leadership and commitment to the
organisation and by extension the country.

A Division of the Ministry of National Security

The entire team at the ODPM congratulates Dr Ramroop on his appointment and wishes
him a successful tenure.

Issued by:-

Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit

868 640 1285 ext 14240/ publicinformation@odpm.gov.tt

For further information, please contact:-

Dike Noel, Public Information Specialist

868 640 1285 ext 14240

A Division of the Ministry of National Security