Bridgetown, 杏吧性吧, March 17th, 2025 鈥� Construction professionals across the Caribbean are being certified to build disaster-resilient homes through training in a revised Caribbean Vocational Qualification - Construction Site Supervision (Level 3). This was developed through a partnership of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Caribbean Association of National Training Authorities (CANTA).
The programme is being done under CDEMA鈥檚 recently launched 鈥淪afer Building Programme鈥� and will ensure that artisans and contractors are able to construct houses that will be resilient to Magnitude Seven Earthquakes and Category Five Hurricanes, such as experienced during Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
The programme is based on a new CARICOM Regional Code of Practice for the Construction of Houses (CRCP10: 2023) developed by CDEMA, under the authority of the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ).
CDEMA in collaboration with CROSQ is actively promoting the CARICOM Regional Code of Practice for the Construction of Houses which provides comprehensive guidelines to improve structural integrity and disaster resilience in home construction.
The training has already been delivered by technical and vocational educational institutions in Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Training in 杏吧性吧 and St. Kitts & Nevis is in progress and The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is expected to complete its training in a subsequent phase.
Executive Director of CDEMA, Elizabeth Riley, emphasized the significance of this rollout, stating: 鈥淲e are delighted to see widespread participation in the training sessions, reinforcing our collective efforts toward a more resilient Caribbean. By equipping our construction workforce with the knowledge and skills outlined in CRCP 10:2023, we are taking a decisive step in safeguarding our communities from the devastating impacts of natural disasters.鈥�
Participants who successfully complete the short course can further their skills by progressing to full Level 3 CVQ certification, solidifying their professional expertise and enhancing employability within the construction sector. Achieving a Level 3 CVQ is important because CVQs are competency-based occupational regional qualifications, that will provide a means for certifying persons practicing in the industry; and facilitate the free movement of skilled certified workers within the Caribbean single market economy.
A dedicated microsite, www.buildsafe.cdema.org, has been launched to ensure widespread awareness and access to training resources. The platform provides valuable information about the Safer Building Programme鈥檚 objectives, the CRCP 10:2023 Code of Practice and its benefits, training opportunities available in each participating country and the pathway to CVQ certification. This programme is funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Government of Norway, and the Building the Resilience of the CARIFORUM States to Disaster Risks and Climate Change Impacts project, financed by the European Development Fund.
As the Safer Building Programme progresses, CDEMA is encouraging stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, financial institutions, and homeowners, to champion the adoption of CRCP 10:2023 by prioritising safe and resilient housing, the region is better positioned to mitigate disaster risks and protect lives.
Interested persons can look out for announcements about upcoming webinars, info sessions, and GIS PSAs. For further information, visit .
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For further information, please contact:
Keith Goddard
Communication and Public Relations Specialist
CARIBBEAN DISASTER EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (CDEMA)
Resilience Way, Lower Estate
St. Michael
BARBADOS
Tel #: (246) 434-4880
Mobile#: (246) 266-1976
Fax #: (246) 271-3660
Email: