SKN: PM Terrance Drew urges collaborative action to address natural disasters at CDM13

By Rumi Samuel Published on December 06, 2024

Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, has emphasized the need for greater collaboration in addressing natural disasters that frequently impact Caribbean nations.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 13th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM13), held under the theme “Road to Resilience – Checkpoint 2024: Levelling Up for a Dynamic Future,” Dr Drew highlighted the region’s vulnerability to threats such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and rising sea levels.

He urged Caribbean nations to strengthen their collective efforts to build resilience and effectively respond to these growing challenges.

“Even as the Caribbean was most susceptible to such calamities, this does not mean that the governments here were helpless. With a collective determination, we can meet these challenges and convert our weaknesses into strengths,” he said.

Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew reflected on past hurricanes such as Georges, Irma, and Maria, which brought significant challenges to Caribbean nations. He commended the solidarity displayed by neighbouring islands, including Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, during those difficult times.

Dr. Drew highlighted that the government’s national disaster plan has been expanded to address emerging threats such as fires, cybersecurity risks, and pandemics. He emphasized the close coordination between the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and its Nevis counterpart, the Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD), in preparing for and responding to natural disasters.

The Prime Minister also praised the Early Warning System (EWS) for its use of advanced technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and real-time data analysis, to enhance disaster forecasting and preparedness.

Additionally, Dr Drew noted that investments in flood defences, energy-efficient buildings, and disaster-resistant structures are equipping the nation to meet current needs while building resilience against future natural disasters.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of increased regional cooperation among Caribbean nations to address the challenges posed by natural disasters. He commended organizations such as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) for their vital role in disaster response and highlighted the value of information-sharing and public awareness campaigns to enhance disaster preparedness and efficiency.

Dr. Drew also advocated for a unified Caribbean effort to demand greater access to climate financing. He stressed the need for nations responsible for climate change to provide financial support to those bearing the brunt of its impacts, ensuring a fairer response to the global crisis.

In closing, the Prime Minister expressed optimism that CDM13 would pave the way for practical solutions to help Caribbean nations build resilience against natural calamities.

Rumi Samuel

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