Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Response

First, the department focuses on disaster risk reduction by conducting assessments, identifying vulnerabilities and implementing mitigation measures. The DM/HA department works closely with various stakeholders, such as local and regional Security Forces, emergency service personnel and other local, regional and international organisations who work in the disaster management and response field. In response to the COVID 19 pandemic, the department developed the Headquarters’ COVID 19 Policy, as well as the Business Continuity Plan, and made sure that all requisite procedures were enacted and followed. Secondly, the department is responsible for preparedness and planning. This involves ensuring all staff at the Headquarters are made aware of all potential hazards and the correct way to respond to each hazard. This awareness is usually done by conducting drills and simulations, as well as distributing the information via in-session awareness classes and presentations. To this end, emergency response drills, such as fire, earthquake, hurricane and bomb threats, are conducted, and attended, by staff at the Headquarters. Thirdly, during disaster events, the Department coordinates the immediate response efforts by mobilizing and deploying the CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU). This Unit is made up of personnel from the regional uniformed forces (Military, Police and Fire), and they respond to any affected Caribbean Member State to coordinate the humanitarian relief efforts. This particular Unit would work closely with other disaster management and response officials to facilitate the distribution of relief supplies and restore critical infrastructure. The DM/HA Department and the CDRU have responded to crises such as: Hurricane ERIKA – Dominica, 2015 Hurricane MATTHEW – Haiti, 2016 Hurricane IRMA – BVI, 2017 Hurricane MARIA – Dominica, 2017 La Soufriere Volcanic Eruption – St. Vincent, 2021 In summary, the DM/HA Department serves as a crucial entity tasked with enhancing preparedness, ensuring seamless coordination and communication during emergencies and facilitating recovery efforts, whether at the HQ, locally or regionally. The Department’s proactive approach towards disaster risk preparedness and reduction reflects its commitment to ensuring staff are protected, and the requisite training is gained to create safer and more resilient societies.