Disaster management officials to gather in St Kitts in December

his year’s edition of the Caribbean’s largest gathering of disaster management professionals will be held in St Kitts and Nevis in December, and will be held in its original format since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Terrence Drew said on Tuesday that the 13th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM13), scheduled for December 2-6, will be held in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and St Kitts and Nevis’ National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA) under the theme, CDM Road to Resilience: Checkpoint 2024 – Levelling Up for Dynamic Aging.

Speaking during the annual CDEMA press briefing and the soft launch of the upcoming conference, Drew noted the significance of the theme in the current global context.

“In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, evolving geopolitical landscapes, and shifting socio-economic paradigms, the imperative to level up has never been more essential. It calls upon us to adapt, innovate, and to embrace change as a catalyst for growth and development,” he said.

CDM13 will provide a comprehensive framework for strategic planning and action in the Caribbean region, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovation to enhance disaster resilience and pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.

“This year, we anticipate a successful undertaking as it will be the first time the event is held in its original format since COVID-19. An estimated 300 delegates and scores of participants from across the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and beyond are expected to attend,” Drew said, as he reflected on the conference’s anticipated success.

Giving a preview of what attendees can expect for CDM13, CDEMA Executive Director Elizabeth Riley said the conference will feature panel discussions and a professional development series that will allow disaster risk management practitioners to enhance their skill sets.

She added: “This year, we’re also launching a Resilience Village, a new and exciting interactive showcase featuring exhibits and demonstrations and a display of innovative products, technologies and services. We plan to have a comprehensive disaster management concert because we are committed to integrating the arts in what we do, because it is an important way of culturally transiting messages.” (SM)