Antigua and Barbuda has emerged as a key player in the Caribbean’s efforts to bolster disaster preparedness by joining the region’s inaugural Shelter Technical Working Group. This initiative, spearheaded by the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), seeks to revolutionize the management, resourcing, and operation of shelters across the Caribbean. The twin-island nation’s participation ensures that its unique challenges, such as coastal vulnerability and rural community protection, are addressed in regional disaster response strategies. Officials from the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) are actively contributing to weekly meetings, sharing insights from their experiences with hurricanes and tropical storms. These discussions are shaping innovative approaches to shelter design, relief mobilization, and community engagement. Antigua and Barbuda also benefits from pre-positioned emergency supplies stored at CDEMA’s logistics hub in Barbados, including tents, solar lamps, and hygiene kits. The initiative has established a WhatsApp network and an online platform to disseminate training, technical guidance, and emergency updates. Future sessions will focus on preventing gender-based violence, providing cash support to displaced families, and developing sustainable housing solutions. By participating in this groundbreaking effort, Antigua and Barbuda is not only enhancing regional disaster response but also fortifying its own preparedness as hurricane season intensifies.
Antigua and Barbuda joins regional push to improve disaster shelters
