St Kitts and Nevis hosts 13th edition of Caribbean conference on Disaster Management, welcomes 400 delegates

The 13^th edition of the Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) brought more than 400 delegates from across the Caribbean to St Kitts and Nevis.

This conference is being organized by CDEMA – Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency from December 2nd to 6^th at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. It is being conducted under the theme, “Road to Resilience – Checkpoint 2024: Levelling Up for a Dynamic Future.”

SKN becomes first OECS member state to host CDM 13

St Kitts and Nevis has become the first OECS member state to host the Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM). This conference will play a significant role in bringing regional and international leaders, policymakers, and disaster management professionals together.

All these delegates will come together to share their views on tackling evolving global risks and take significant steps, aiming to lead St Kitts and Nevis towards sustainable resilience.

PM Terrance Drew’s Remarks

Sharing his views on the opening ceremony, PM Terrance Drew noted that this occasion marks a historic milestone for the twin-island Federation of St Kitts and Nevis.

He added that hosting this event in St Kitts and Nevis holds a significant value, aiming to position the country as a regional leader in their commitment to leading the nation towards disaster resilience and sustainable development.

Challenges faced by Caribbean region

Prime Minister Terrance Drew outlined the challenges being faced by the Caribbean region including, severe hurricanes, rising sea levels, and seismic activities.

He added that all these obstacles shed light on the urgent need and steps to be taken by the authorities to transform challenges into opportunities and vulnerabilities into strengths.

St Kitts and Nevis’ efforts in Disaster Preparedness

PM Terrance Drew added that they have been taking significant steps with the vision to address traditional hazards like hurricanes and earthquakes as well as emerging threats such as cybersecurity breaches and pandemics.

The leader highlighted that they are leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and real-time data analysis, with a vision to forecast disasters with greater accuracy.

He added that they are committed to ensure that they are informed and empowered to act to all the unforeseen challenges and situations.

PM Drew advocates for Global Partnership

Prime Minister Terrance Drew also urged international collaborations to come forward and help small island nations in addressing the devastating effects of climate change.

He added that the nations those have contributed most to the climate change should also bear their share of responsibility in addressing its impacts.

PM Drew added that the support by the international regions is not a charity but an investment in a region which is necessary to benefit the world.