Multihazard Early Warning Systems Launched in Antigua and Barbuda Through UN-Backed Initiative

A two-day workshop was recently held at the St James’s Club to launch the Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) initiative.

The event was a collaborative effort between the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), the Met Office, and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

The initiative is driven by the UN and supported by local agencies dedicated to reducing disaster risks.

The workshop had the active participation of numerous representatives from various agencies, including the Department of the Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture’s Veterinary Division, the Immigration Department, and the DCA, among others.

The workshop’s focus was to fortify Antigua and Barbuda’s Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems, which aim to enhance the nation’s resilience in the face of a spectrum of hazards.

Mr. Sherrod James, Director of NODS, expressed his excitement for the initiative’s official launch, highlighting its timeliness in light of the anticipated surge in severe weather events attributed to climate change.

He emphasized the importance of “building back better” in the face of evolving threats and the need for a more robust system to disseminate timely information to vulnerable populations.

Dr. Jair Torres, Programme Manager at UNDRR, was responsible for implementing the initiative across several CARICOM countries.

He expressed his satisfaction with the workshop and highlighted the diverse participation of local ministries and agencies. He also expressed excitement about the forthcoming collaborative efforts over the next few months.

Mali Barnes, the National Technical Consultant behind the initiative, said that this inaugural workshop marks the beginning of a comprehensive series of activities.

These activities aim to lay the groundwork for a more proactive and effective response to potential threats, enhancing the nation’s resilience in the face of natural disasters.

Head Table left to right: Dr. Jair Torres, UNDRR, Dr. Rodney Martinez, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Mr. Orvin Paige, Met Office, Mrs. Andrea Andrew, UN Regional Coordinator’s Office.