Coordinators from 20 states around the Caribbean as well as key regional hazard experts are currently in the virgin islands for the national disaster management meeting this week which is being held as part of the 17th meeting of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Some of the participants of the national disaster management meeting in the Virgin Islands. Photo: GIS

Mrs Sharleen S. DaBreo-Lettsome MBE, who serves as the committee’s chair from April 2026 to April 2027 said the meeting is expected to strengthen the resilience of the Caribbean as a region. Photo: Facebook

Mrs Sharleen S. DaBreo-Lettsome MBE, who serves as the committee’s chair from April 2026 to April 2027, said the meeting is expected to strengthen the resilience of the Caribbean as a region.

“Caribbean peoples and states rely on each other for comprehensive disaster management support through CDEMA mechanisms such as the TAC. This approach of regional cooperation makes us more self-sufficient because we are in a position to better anticipate and respond to all kinds of risks,” Mrs DaBreo-Lettsome added.

Regional coordination critical

Mrs DaBreo-Lettsome said regional coordination is critical in preserving economies and saving lives, given the rapidly evolving hazard landscape. 

“We have a strong regional strategy and are moving in the right direction, but this year’s meeting will help make adjustments to account for a hazard landscape that is changing by the day,” Mrs DaBreo-Lettsome said. 

Virgin Islands’ Director of Disaster Management, Mr Jasen H. Penn, said in addition to sharing expert advice on the regional comprehensive disaster management plan, national disaster coordinators and key partners will consider CDEMA’s regional and local programs and activities.

Representatives of 20 states participating

“This is an opportunity for all the participating states to advocate for our individual needs, and to share what we have learned from recent incidents and hazard impacts,” Mr Penn said.

CDEMA’s 20 participating states are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Cayman Islands, Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St Maarten, St Kitts & Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, and the Virgin Islands.