Bridgetown, Barbados, December 19th, 2023 – Deputy Executive Director of CDEMA, Lt. Col. Kester Craig has underscored the significance of the assistance received from USAID.

He told attendees at the Caribbean Climate Resilience Initiative (CCRI) Project closing and presentation ceremony on Tuesday, December 12th at the CDEMA Manor Lodge offices, that the US government’s financial support was instrumental in the efforts towards enhancing Comprehensive Disaster Management and resilience in the Caribbean region.

“The impact of the initiative can be felt at the local, sectoral, national and regional levels in all our 19 Participating States with advancements in key flagship programmes, particularly in the Resilient Emergency Operations Centre, Safe Schools, Safer Building and the CDEMA Logistics System. Complementary work has also been undertaken through operational readiness, integration of ICTs for decision-making and community resilience,” Lt. Col Craig explained.

A key highlight created under the CCRI was the CDEMA Young Professionals Programme which was launched in February 2023 and was part of a larger agenda to engage the youth of the region in CDM. Two university graduates, Aleem Mahabir from Trinidad and Tobago and Adiel Beazer from Barbados were part of the first cohort.

“Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the prospect of continued partnership and support from USAID. Your commitment to shared goals of building a more resilient Caribbean region is deeply appreciated.” Lt. Col. Craig added.

During the ceremony, USAID presented over US$140, 000.00 in disaster response equipment, such as computers, GIS software and telecommunications equipment to the Department of Emergency Management and CDEMA, to improve their operational readiness and effectiveness in addressing hazards in the Participating States.

Deputy Chief of Mission of USAID, Joaquin Monserrate, said the gift must be followed up with continuous training, coordination and evaluation.

“Such equipment will bolster the operational capabilities of both organizations, helping their talented staff increase their effectiveness when disaster strikes.” Mr. Monserrate added.

In the photo: USAID’s Regional Representative, Eastern and Southern Caribbean, Mervin Fervoe, CDEMA’s Planning & Business Development Manager, Ms. Andria Grosvenor, Deputy Chief of Mission of USAID, Mr.Joaquin Monserrate, CDEMA’s Deputy Executive Director, Lt. Col. Kester Craig and Programme Officer with the Barbados Department of Emergency Management, Simon Alleyne, viewing some of the Disaster Management equipment provided.

For further information, please contact:

Keith Goddard
Communication and Public Relations Specialist
CARIBBEAN DISASTER EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (CDEMA)                               Suite #3, Building #1, Manor Lodge Complex,                                                                                                          Lodge Hill, St. Michael Barbados                                                                                                                                    Email:[email protected]                                                                                                                              Tel: (246) 434-4880 Ext 3233 Fax: (246) 271-3660