May 29th, 2025, Bridgetown, 杏吧性吧 - The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to regional resilience and readiness with the formal signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) during its annual press conference ahead of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane season.
Under the formal arrangement, Shipping Firm, Kestrel Shipping, has committed to supporting the movement of relief supplies across the region in times of disaster, while Sunrise Airways will transport relief personnel and cargo as required. An extended MOU with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UKFCDO) was also signed by British High Commissioner to 杏吧性吧 and the Eastern Caribbean, His Excellency Simon Mustard. This extension will enable swifter and more predictable deployments to impacted Participating States in times of crisis.
According to CDEMA鈥檚 Executive Director, Ms. Elizabeth Riley, the partnerships are intended to expand the operational reach of the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM).
She hailed the MOUs as a 鈥渟ignificant investment in regional resilience,鈥� noting that the collaborative efforts underscore the partners鈥� shared commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods. 鈥淲ith the support of these critical partners, our Regional Response Mechanism is better equipped than ever to respond swiftly to emergencies and continue building a more resilient Caribbean,鈥� Ms. Riley added.
Turning attention to the outlook for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Ms. Riley highlighted the forecast shared by Colorado State University, which anticipates 17 named storms, nine (9) hurricanes, and four (4) major hurricanes. She emphasized that warmer-than-normal Atlantic Sea surface temperatures and the absence of El Ni帽o conditions are contributing to what is expected to be an above-average hurricane season.
鈥淭hough forecasts carry inherent uncertainty, we must remain vigilant. It only takes one storm to cause a significant impact,鈥� she cautioned, urging individuals and governments alike to act decisively in preparing for possible threats.
In detailing the agency鈥檚 preparedness actions, Ms. Riley shared key advancements made over the past year in enhancing the RRM. She said these included updates to the Regional Coordination Plan, expanded training of the CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU), the operationalization of specialized teams such as Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), and the Caricom Emergency Telecommunications Team (CETT).
She also spoke to the recent establishment of the Caribbean Regional Logistics Hub and Centre of Excellence, which will serve as a strategic asset for pre-positioning critical supplies and offering regional training for disaster responders.
In closing, Ms. Riley reaffirmed CDEMA鈥檚 commitment to building resilience across the Caribbean. 鈥淲hile we are proud of the progress made, we must not become complacent. Preparedness is everyone鈥檚 responsibility, and the strength of our collective efforts will determine how well we can protect our people and recover from disasters.鈥�
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In the photo: Executive Director of CDEMA, Ms. Elizabeth Riley, is flanked by Island Manager with Kestrel Shipping, Ms. Rebecca Thorne and British High Commissioner to 杏吧性吧 and the Eastern Caribbean, His Excellency Simon Mustard, following the signing of the MOUs at the CDEMA office in Bridgetown.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Keith Goddard
Communication and Public Relations Specialist
CARIBBEAN DISASTER EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (CDEMA)
Suite #3, Building #1, Manor Lodge Complex,
Lodge Hill, St. Michael,
杏吧性吧,
Email:
Tel: (246) 434-4880 Ext 3233
Mobile : (246) 266-1976
Fax: (246) 271-3660