Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Elizabeth Riley, on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Minister of Social and Urban Transformation and Local Government, Rawdon Turner, and Junior Minister Kiz Johnson as discussions continued to strengthen disaster management and regional cooperation.
The meeting focused on matters relating to CDEMA, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), and Antigua and Barbuda’s role within the regional disaster management framework.
During the discussions, Riley highlighted the importance of strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s position as a sub-regional focal point within the Caribbean’s Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) system. She also outlined several plans and initiatives pursued by CDEMA to improve regional preparedness, coordination, and resilience in the face of natural disasters and emergencies.
Permanent Secretary Sarah Stuart, Craig Cole, Deputy Director of NODS, and Naomi Williams-Carvalho, Executive Assistant to NODS, were also present at the meeting
Riley encouraged both ministers and their teams to actively participate in regional and international initiatives aimed at strengthening the Caribbean’s disaster management systems and improving collaboration among member states.
The CDEMA Executive Director also provided an overview of the agency’s regional mechanisms, along with the various agreements and legislative frameworks that support the organization’s operations throughout the Caribbean.
She was accompanied by her Executive Assistant, Nanyamka Burnett, during the courtesy visit.
The engagement forms part of a broader series of meetings and activities taking place this week involving CDEMA officials in Antigua and Barbuda. The delegation is expected to participate in meetings with NODS and receive updates on projects supported by the agency locally.
Officials are also scheduled to conduct field visits across Antigua and Barbuda on Friday to assess ongoing initiatives and disaster preparedness efforts.
A key highlight of the visit will be the signing of the Country Work Programme for the next five years, aimed at strengthening disaster resilience, preparedness, and emergency response coordination within Antigua and Barbuda.
Shouldn’t all this have been done prior to the start of the hurricane season? Just asking