Antigua and Barbuda took significant strides in community preparedness as the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) hosted its inaugural Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Exhibition on Sunday. The event, staged at St. Johnston’s Village Playing Field, featured District Disaster Coordinators and volunteer teams demonstrating critical life-saving techniques to enhance public emergency readiness.
The exhibition created an interactive platform where emergency responders engaged directly with community members through practical demonstrations focused on disaster management protocols. The program emphasized building operational capabilities at the grassroots level, with experts showcasing response techniques designed to bolster community resilience during crises.
Financial backing for this initiative was provided through the National Disaster Facility under the 11th European Development Fund, with additional support from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). This international cooperation highlights the regional commitment to strengthening disaster response mechanisms across the Caribbean.
Organizers extended recognition to multiple local agencies that contributed to the event’s success, including the Central Board of Health, Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, Red Cross, Emergency Medical Services, Police Force, Fire Department, Ministry of Works and Housing, APUA, and various public and private sector partners. Their collaborative efforts demonstrated a unified approach to emergency preparedness, showcasing how coordinated action between government entities and civil society can create more resilient communities.