In December, the Center for Nuclear Security Science and Policy Initiatives (NSSPI) conducted a weeklong Train-the-Trainer workshop for Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States in coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The weeklong training brought twelve radiation protection professionals from nine Caribbean Member States to College Station for hands-on training in radiation detection led by NSSPI Deputy Director Dr Craig Marianno.
According to IAEA representative Ryan Bolt, who accompanied the group for the training, “The Caribbean region has made progress in building its radiation safety capabilities following years of IAEA technical cooperation support through the provision of radiation detection equipment and capacity building for regulators and end-user facilities.”
The purpose of the train-the-trainer workshop was to create a pool of trainers in the region with the skills and experience to create and conduct their own training activities. Instructors received in-depth training in radiation protection principles and the use of radiation detection techniques and equipment through a series of exercises. These culminated in a radiological source search exercise at the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service’s Disaster City, a large-scale emergency response training facility.
After the successful completion of this workshop, said Bolt, “Member State instructors will now be able to transfer the knowledge gained through the course to personnel operating radiation detection equipment in their respective countries.”
