Kiran Maharaj, President of the Media Institute of the Caribbean (photo by Caribbean National Weekly)
The Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC), with support from UNESCO, has released a landmark report examining disaster communication and media resilience across seven Caribbean islands.
The report, titled “Disasters and Crises in the Caribbean Region: A Review of Experiences in Seven Islands,” focuses on Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The study emphasizes the region’s vulnerability to hurricanes, flooding, volcanic activity, drought, and health emergencies, underscoring the importance of timely, accurate, and culturally sensitive communication in mitigating disaster impacts. It highlights the vital role local media play in saving lives, countering misinformation, coordinating aid, and amplifying community voices, even when operating under hazardous conditions and limited resources.
The report also identifies key gaps in disaster preparedness and communication, calling for stronger investment in newsroom infrastructure, safety equipment for field reporters, and redundant communication channels. It urges closer collaboration between media, government authorities, and humanitarian organizations to ensure coordinated and effective messaging during crises.
“This report is a call to action for governments, media leaders, and international partners. Strengthening the communicative infrastructure of the Caribbean is not optional in the era of climate and health emergencies. It is essential to saving lives, preserving development gains, and sustaining democracy,” said Kiran Maharaj, President of the Media Institute of the Caribbean.
Dr. Paul Hector of UNESCO’s Regional Office for the Caribbean noted that the findings underscore the need for policy reforms, institutional investment, and community engagement to build a safer and more resilient Caribbean.
The report is now available online at the Media Institute of the Caribbean’s website: www.mediainstituteofthecaribbean.com and can be accessed via FlippingBook: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/970074714/
When you call some government agencies or people for comments or statements on certain matter they behave like is their personal business you asking them. So I believe the media can do a whole lot better job if the information is readily available