CDERA TO CDEMA: THE TRANSITION YEARS

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1 CDERA TO CDEMA: THE TRANSITION YEARS VOLUME

2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Report was prepared by the CDEMA Coordinating Unit Staff. Special appreciation is extended to the Agency s Information Sub Group of the Information and Communications Focus Group for assistance in the editing of the Report. The design and layout of the Report have been made possible through financial support by UKaid from the Department for International Development and the Canadian International Development Agency, the donor agencies of the Comprehensive Disaster Management armonisation and Implementation Programme (CDM-HIP) Phase 1. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the agencies referenced or supporting the publishing of the Report. E-edition 2010 Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency Building #1 Manor Lodge Complex Lodge Hill, St. Michael Barbados, West Indies Tel : TeleFax: cdema@cdema.org Website: Design and Layout by COT

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Executive Director 1. INTRODUCTION THE AGENCY IN BRIEF COMPREHENSIVE DISASTER MANAGEMENT PROGRESS REPORT PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE REVIEW OF EMERGENCY EVENTS PROJECT ACTIVITIES AGENCY SNAPSHOTS COUNTRY HIGHLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS OF THE COORDINATING UNIT...36 List of Tables Table 1: Sub-Regional Focal Points...7 Table 2: Summary of 2008 Tropical Weather Systems...20 Table 3: Project Interventions Implemented/Targeted for Participating States of CDERA during the Triennium Work Programme for CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to

4 LIST OF ACRONYMS ACP-EU African Caribbean Pacific States-European Union ACS Association of Caribbean States B-Tool Benchmarking Tool CADM Caribbean Disaster Management Programme CAP Country Assistance Capacity Building Programme CARICOM Caribbean Community CARIFORUM Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States CCCCC Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre CCRIF Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) CDB Caribbean Development Bank CDEMA Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency CDERA Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency CDM Comprehensive Disaster Management CDRU CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit CEPREDENAC Central American Coordination Center for the Prevention of Natural Disaster CERF Central Emergency Response Fund CHC Coordination and Harmonization Council CIDA Canadian International Development Agency CIMH Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology COTED Council for Trade and Economic Development COTS Caribbean Open Trade Support CPM Caribbean Platform Mechanism CROSQ CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality CTO Caribbean Tourism Organisation CU Coordinating Unit CWC Cricket World Cup CZMU Coastal Zone Management Unit DDM Department of Disaster Management DEM Department of Emergency Management DFID Department for International Development DRM Disaster Risk Management DRR Disaster Risk Reduction EC European Commission EDF European Development Fund ERCB Earthquake Readiness and Capacity Building EU European Union FAC Finance and Administration Committee GDP Gross Domestic Product GOA Government of Austria HFA Hyogo Framework for Action IDB Inter-American Development Bank IADMN Inter American Disaster Mitigation Network ICC International Cricket Council 2 CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to 2008

5 ICG/CARIBE-EWS ICSAC ICT IDRC IFRCRCS INSARAG ISDR JICA MACC MOU NDC NDO NEOC NEMO NEMO NGO NOAA OAS OECS ODPEM OFDA PAHO PS RBM RRM RSS SAR SICA SPF SRD SRFP SWOT TAOS TCHWS UNDAF UNDP UNICEF UN OCHA USAID USAR US/SOUTHCOM UWI WEBEOC Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Tsunami & Other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean & Adjacent Regions Information and Communications System Advisory Committee Information and Communications Technology International Development Research Centre International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies International Search and Rescue Advisory Group International Strategy on Disaster Reduction Japan International Cooperation Agency Mainstreaming Adaptation to Climate Change Memorandum of Understanding National Disaster Coordinator National Disaster Office National Emergency Operations Centre National Emergency Management Office National Emergency Management Organisation Non Governmental Organisation National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Organization of American States Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance Pan American Health Organisation Participating States Results-Based Management Regional Response Mechanism Regional Security System Search and Rescue Central American Integration System Strategy and Programming Framework Sub-regional Programme Document Sub-regional Focal Points Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats The Arbiter of Storms Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System United Nations Development Assistance Framework United Nations Development Programme United Nations Children s Fund United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs United States Agency for International Development Urban Search and Rescue United States Southern Command University of the West Indies Web Based Emergency Operations Centre CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to

6 MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years reviews the major achievements and challenges of the Agency, including the Coordinating Unit (CU) and the Participating States (PS), during its transition from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). This first volume of the report focuses on the period 2007 to In September 1991, CDERA was established by the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as the lead regional inter-governmental agency with responsibility for disaster management. This is no small task, as the Caribbean region is well known to be the second most disaster prone region in the world, being particularly vulnerable to a range of natural hazards including tropical Jeremy Collymore, 2008 storms and hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides. The region is also vulnerable to human-induced hazards like fires and chemical spills. Further, global climate change is projected to compound the impact of hydro-meteorological hazards on the region. For example, this decade has seen an increase in the number and frequency of major hurricanes in the Caribbean. Up to the end of the 2008 hurricane season, there have been at least twenty-nine (29) such events in the North Atlantic, almost doubling those experienced in the decades of the 80 s and 90 s. These trends emphasize the importance of a change in the philosophy and practice of disaster management, from merely responsive to a more proactive approach to identifying and reducing risks. The region has already embarked on that journey as elaborated in the CDERA led Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Strategy and the associated enhanced programme for the period The Enhanced CDM Strategy and Framework is designed to support the advancement of several regional and international mandates, including the Hyogo Framework for Action ; the CARICOM Regional Programming Framework; the St. George s Declaration of Principles for Environmental Sustainability; and the objectives of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy. In July 2008, the Heads of the Government of CARICOM signed the Agreement Establishing CDEMA. The formal inception date of the new agency will be September 1, The transition will not only represent a change in the name and mandate of the organization but also represents the formalization of the revolution in the policy and practice of disaster risk management in the region. The expanded mandate which speaks to promoting a culture of safety portends the pervasive nature of the change to be embraced. Disaster risk reduction in the Caribbean region must be seen as a foundation for resilient development; it is not an option. Risk management considerations need to be more fully embraced in core decision-making at all levels. It is our hope that this report, and those that follow, will be one of the mechanisms for fostering greater understanding and commitment to partnership among regional disaster management stakeholders to CDERA s, soon to be CDEMA s, progress in implementation of Comprehensive Disaster Management within the region. 4 CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to 2008

7 1. INTRODUCTION The 2007 marked the beginning of the second cycle of triennium work programming for the Agency for the period The Work Programme ( ) is anchored within a programmatic, results-based framework and articulated within the context of the revised Strategic Plan of the CDERA CU and the Priority Outcome areas of the revised CDM Strategy. The Work Programme for the triennium focuses on building the capacity, instruments, systems and networks that facilitate the empowering of Participating States for CDM implementation, improved information sharing and strengthening of the service capacity of the Coordinating Unit and the brokering of CDM. In the 2007/2008 review period, the work programme of CDERA was driven by the continued desire to build and advance the disaster management capacity in the Caribbean region. Investment in a consultative review process of CDM over the five (5) year period resulted in the revision of the Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy and Framework which was the driving force for disaster management initiatives in the region. The Enhanced CDM Strategy and Framework provided an opportunity for disaster management in the region to move from its infancy into adolescence. For the CDERA Coordinating Unit (CU) this meant preparing for the challenges that come with adolescence, including framing the future, revisiting financial and administrative systems, creating new relationships and preparing for those who are ready to move on. For the Participating States, this required deeper commitment to and ownership of the CDM process. For CDERA s partners, this suggested a shift in approach from controlling to a more cooperative one. The Enhanced CDM Strategy and Framework and its four (4) Priority Outcomes also provided a common platform on which the region could define and defend its interests in light of the increasing threat posed by trans-boundary hazards, such as climate change, pandemics and terrorism that are bringing intense and accelerated changes to disaster management policy and practice. In this regard, the CU made significant progress in the review period with respect to advancing a framework for more effective programming, resource allocation and monitoring. CDERA also continued to receive the strong support of its partners for the CDM process as reflected through participation in the CDM review process, as well as through technical and financial support. Additionally, most of the major programming partners began to address the issue of mainstreaming CDM. In the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) this was supported through the Disaster Mitigation Facility for the Caribbean (DMFC) and the appointment of a Sector Specialist, Disaster Risk Management (SS/ DRM). The University of the West Indies established a Disaster Risk Reduction Centre (DRRC). The UN system through its United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) mechanism also embraced Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) as did the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR), Organisation of America States (OAS) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) through articulating their regional support for disaster management around CDM. Other development partners who committed support to the process of CDM implementation in the review period were the European Union (EU, the United States International Development Agency/Office for Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/ OFDA), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Government of Turkey, and the Government of Austria. The contents of the remainder of this document review: The Agency s mandate; A progress report on the implementation of CDM in the region; Preparedness and response activities of the Agency over the review period; Emergency events; Project activities implemented in the review period; Highlights of country achievements; Administrative operations of the CU; and International and regional perspectives. CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to

8 2. THE AGENCY IN BRIEF Vision Statement A leading, innovative centre of excellence, dedicated to building linkages for the promotion of a culture of reducing disaster losses in the region. Mission Statement We, the premier disaster management agency, exist to empower our Participating States in achieving sustainable loss reduction. To this end we will cultivate strategic partnerships for the development, enhancement, delivery and maintenance of policies and programmes which build regional and national capacity for loss reduction. CDERA was established by an Intergovernmental Agreement signed in Grenada, September 1991 at the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, as the body with primary responsibility for disaster management in the Caribbean Community. Since its inception, CDERA has advocated a move away from the traditional response and relief mode to a comprehensive approach to include all hazards, all phases of the disaster management continuum (mitigation, prevention, preparedness, response and recovery) and all sectors of society. This is now fully realized with the adoption of the CDM Strategy in 2001 and the Enhanced Strategy and Framework by the CARICOM Heads of Government. As a result of the move towards CDM, the Heads of Government of CARICOM signed an Agreement in July 2008 that addresses a mandate to incorporate CDM, establish a new governance structure, and make provision for wider stakeholder involvement. The transition process to a new entity has begun. The new name will be the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and this body is expected to be fully operational by September 1, The Agency is presently comprised of: The Coordinating Unit, which is the Agency s Secretariat, currently headquartered in Barbados; and National Disaster Organisations in each of the Participating States (PS) - Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Republic of Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, and the Turks & Caicos Islands. All states within the Caribbean region will be eligible for CDEMA membership. Haiti and Suriname, two (2) non-english-speaking states, have already indicated their intent to join the new Agency. The CU is responsible for the implementation and management of project activities undertaken within the PS in alignment with the priority outcome areas of the Enhanced CDM Strategy and Framework. The CU is also responsible for the coordination of disaster preparedness, response and relief efforts, primarily through the Preparedness and Response Department. 6 CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to 2008

9 The Agency s functions are: Making an immediate and coordinated response by means of emergency disaster relief to an affected Participating States once the State requests such assistance. Securing, collating and channelling to interested governmental and non-governmental organizations, comprehensive and reliable information on disasters affecting the region. Mitigating or eliminating as far as possible, the consequences of disasters affecting Participating States. Establishing and maintaining on a sustainable basis adequate disaster response capabilities among Participating States. Mobilizing and coordinating disaster relief from governmental and non-governmental organizations for affected Participating States. With the transition to CDEMA, the Agency s mandate will be expanded to include: Encouraging: i. The adoption of disaster loss reduction and mitigation policies and practices at the national and regional level; ii. Cooperative arrangements and mechanisms to facilitate the development of a culture of disaster loss reduction; and Coordinating the establishment, enhancement and maintenance of adequate emergency response capabilities among the Participating States. To better manage an efficient response, the PS are grouped into four sub-regions, each of which is headed by an operation unit known as a Sub-Regional Focal Point (SRFP). The SRFPs and the subregional groups that they lead are shown below in Table 1. Table 1: Sub-Regional Focal Points Sub-Regional Focal Point Responsible for Antigua Anguilla Virgin Islands Montserrat St. Kitts/Nevis Barbados Dominica Saint Lucia St. Vincent & the Grenadines Jamaica Bahamas Belize Turks & Caicos Trinidad & Tobago Grenada Guyana CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to

10 3. COMPREHENSIVE DISASTER MANAGEMENT PROGRESS REPORT CDERA COUNCIL APPROVES ENHANCED CDM STRATEGY AND FRAMEWORK The Enhanced CDM Strategy and Framework was approved at the 16th Meeting of the CDERA Council of Ministers in June This revised strategy is expected to accelerate initiatives in building resilience of the Caribbean region to disasters. It has come six years after the embracing of CDM by the region and against a background of recent catastrophes, most notably the devastation of Grenada by Hurricane Ivan in It is designed to support the advancement of several regional and international mandates: the global and regional disaster management agenda including the Hyogo Framework for Action ; the CARICOM Regional Programming Framework; the St. George s Declaration of Principles for Environmental Sustainability; and the objectives of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy. In addition, the framework recognizes and provides the mechanism for CDERA Participating States to support the regional and hemispheric initiatives of the Association of Caribbean States through its Saint Marc, Haiti Resolution and Plan of Action for Disaster Reduction and the Organization of American States Inter-American Network for Disaster Mitigation. The revised CDM Framework has been developed using a results based management approach which allows for better measuring of results and progress and provides plenty latitude for cooperative financing and cooperative programming in support of disaster management in the region. In effect, it sets a benchmark for the minimization of duplication of effort and can promote the efficiency of use of scarce resources. IMPLEMENTATION MILESTONES The enhanced CDM strategy and framework is proving to be a catalyst for harnessing support and moving forward with the implementation process. Since the finalizing of the revised CDM Strategy, there have been several noteworthy outcomes at the national, regional and international levels. These include the following: a) CDM Governance Mechanism The CDM Coordination and Harmonization Council (CDM CHC) was formally established on December 10, This body provides policy and technical guidance on matters related to the programme implementation to foster sustainable governance of the enhanced CDM Strategy. This is an outcome of the Partner Programming Consultation, held on July 31, 2007, which endorsed the need for the establishment of a CDM Governance Mechanism to address governance of the process within the context of stakeholder management. That Consultation also agreed on sector leaders and supporting collaborators for the following: Tourism: Caribbean Tourism Organization; Education: University of the West Indies; Agriculture: Food and Agriculture Organization and Health: Pan American Health Organization. The inaugural meeting was held in Barbados and the sixteen (16) agencies attending comprised development partner representatives, agreed upon sector leads for CDM implementation, participating states, representatives of the private sector and nongovernmental organizations. The meeting discussed in some detail the mechanisms they will use to increase CDM awareness and implementation in the Caribbean. The discussions also focused on opportunities for synergies between development partners, regional governments, the private sector, The overarching Goal of the enhanced Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Strategy and Framework is Regional Sustainable Development enhanced through Comprehensive Disaster Management. The Purpose of the enhanced CDM Strategy and Framework is To strengthen, regional, national and community capacity for the mitigation, management, and coordinated response to natural and technological hazards, and the effects of climate change. 8 CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to 2008

11 civil society and other CDM stakeholders. b) Organisation Audit of CDERA In April 2008, an Organisational Audit of CDERA, was completed with financial support provided by the European Union. The main objectives were: to identify the key functional requirements for CDERA; Make recommendations for specific institutional arrangements necessary to accelerate CDERA s primary role as a disaster management agency, with an associated budget; In the course of the Audit, the Consultant reviewed Agency reports, met with CDERA CU management and staff, and representatives of Donor Agencies, namely, European Commission delegation in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, CIDA and DFID, the National Authorising Office (Barbados), National Disaster Office Barbados, International NGO and PAHO. A SWOT Workshop was also held with CDERA CU management and staff and the results analysed. The Audit report recognized that the expansion of the CDERA goal and mission to incorporate disaster management into the sustainable development of the economies, societies and communities of the Participating States is logical and coherent. The study found that the transition of the Agency also indicates the deepening of the understanding of the complexity and ramifications of disaster emergency and disaster management in the Caribbean, the increasing awareness in the PS, and the increasing and spreading commitment to CDM by PS, development partners and other stakeholders. The CU has been the prime mover in this development. The Audit also recognized that to pragmatically, operationally and institutionally effect the implementation of CDM in the region, and the transition from CDERA to CDEMA, implementation must lead to 1) Action on the ground, identified, selected and implemented in accordance with the Enhanced CDM framework, and 2) Effective monitoring and, occasionally, evaluation of such action for the Council to take note of progress and re-visit elements of the Enhanced CDM framework if deemed desirable. Some salient issues identified in this regard are: The effective cohesion of the institutional, governance and organizational structure of the CDERA/CDEMA Upper Structure, and The strategic and operational positioning of the Coordinating Unit. Implementation of the recommendations and outcomes of the audit are ongoing. c) Mobilizing Resources Discussions are currently underway to mobilize resources through the support of the CIDA and the DFID to specifically support institutional strengthening in CDERA s sixteen Participating States. These funds anticipated will be utilized inter alia to deepen national level capacity in Resultsbased Management, support Participating States in the development of multi-year CDM Based work programming, support the development of a model approach to national CDM baselines and monitoring frameworks as well as their adaptation and institutional capacity assessments and support for coordination mechanisms. Countries are also expected to benefit through direct allocation of funds annually over a three year period to undertake national capacity building efforts. In addition, through the European Development Fund initiative, US$993,870 was allocated to enhance the information and communications technology infrastructure for information sharing in CDERA Participating States. d) Political Sensitization The CDERA Coordinating Unit has strategically planned and utilized the opportunity of missions to CDERA Participating States to sensitize the regional political leadership on the CDM Strategy and implementation process. Missions were planned and executed and sought to include Participating States which have undergone a change in political leadership. Country missions were undertaken to Participating States including the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Turks and Caicos and Belize. e) Capacity Building for Participating States CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to

12 Participating States have benefitted from increased technical assistance provided under a Technical Assistance Protocol (TASP). In 2007, the CDERA Coordinating Unit identified an in-house resource to directly provide technical support for the CDM implementation process. To support the team leader, a cadre of disaster managers in the region who had the capacity to provide country support was also established. The team was also oriented to a set of tools for programme delivery such as proposal writing, project budgeting, reporting, workshop planning and delivery. To date technical support in the design, implementation and monitoring of multi-year programmes has been provided to staff of national disaster offices in Grenada, Barbados, Turks and Caicos Islands, St. Kitts-Nevis and Anguilla. Fourteen (14) National Disaster Coordinators also received training in results-based approaches to implementation of the enhanced CDM Strategy during the Pre-Board session of the 2007 Board of Directors Meeting. f) Annual Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management The CDM Conference is showing the potential to be the established regional forum for CDM stakeholder consultation. The structure of the conference and exhibition facilitates exchanges on CDM related research, tools, models, products, information and educational materials and provides the opportunity for obtaining commitment for, and promoting the goals of CDM. Notable growth has been seen since it was first staged in December The 2nd Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management has seen a 30% increase in the number of participants over the first year. There has also been an expansion in diversity both in terms of geographic representation and disaster related professionals attending the event. The theme The Changing Landscape of Caribbean Disaster Management Vision Becoming Reality was definitely brought out during the Conference. Efforts were made to highlight the key aspects of the Enhanced CDM Strategy and Framework and garner support for accelerating CDM Exhibition Area at the 2nd Caribbean Conference on CDM in 2007 at the Barbados Hilton Hotel implementation. Recommendations coming out of the Conference included the establishment of an effective mechanism for CDM programme harmonization, a call for building of national capacity for CDM implementation that goes beyond the disaster office and the realignment of country programmes to the CDM framework. Other recommendations pointed to creating a detailed strategic risk management plan for the region that includes essential global partners and infrastructure requirements and reaching gender specific groups to strengthen community resilience. The 3 rd annual Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management was held at The Hilton, Barbados from December 8 12, Billed as CDM A Catalyst for Change, The Conference highlighted the changing face of disaster risk management. Sessions focused 10 CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to 2008

13 on mainstreaming disaster risk management efforts into key sectors such as agriculture, finance and education, pandemic threats, planning for earthquakes and tsunamis, climate change and climate variability, humanitarian reform in response operations and emergency management of vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly and the differently abled. Support for planning and staging of the CDM Conferences was received from development partners, regional institutions and the public and private sectors. Major contributors included the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF), the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), the United States Agency for International Development/Office for Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA), United States of America Southern Command (US/SOUTHCOM). PRIORITY AREAS OF THE CDM PROGRAMME i. Building national and regional capacity; ii. Improving knowledge management; iii. Mainstreaming risk reduction in key economic sectors; and iv. Strengthening community resilience. PARTNERS INTERVENTIONS IN THE REGION European Union Disaster preparedness and prevention is part of the European Commission s (EC) core mandate. The Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM) secured a 3.4 million grant under the 9th European Development Fund (EDF) to support the region s disaster preparedness programme. The EC s contribution is aimed at increasing the region s capacity in the management of natural and man-made disasters, with an emphasis on risk reduction, preparedness, early warning, prevention and mitigation. The Grant will support the development and implementation of the region s strategy for Comprehensive Disaster Management. Emphasis will be placed on institutional strengthening, local capacity building, regional dissemination of best practices, training and awareness raising, and the incorporation of hazard information into development planning and decision-making. United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) Strengthening regional capacities to address vulnerabilities has been identified under DFID s Regional Assistance Plan (RAP) for the Caribbean DFID Caribbean has committed to strengthening the Caribbean Disaster Management Framework (that is, the CDM Framework) by supporting, i) its implementation at regional and national levels, ii) an effective knowledge management mechanism, iii) national mainstreaming of DRR into key sectors and iv) sharing and building community resilience to mitigate and respond to the adverse effects of climate change and disasters. Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) CIDA has a five year Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Program The goal of this program is to enhance regional capacity to mitigate, manage and coordinate gender and environmentally-sensitive responses to disasters in the Caribbean. The purpose of the program is to support the implementation of the CARICOM regional CDM Framework in order to reduce the impact of natural disasters on men, women and children in the region. The intended outcomes of this program are consistent with the CDM Strategy outcomes. CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to

14 Tourism Sector The Caribbean Tourism Sector has embraced the integration of the underlying concept of building resilience into the sector. CDERA and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) are partnering to develop a Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Strategy for the Tourism Sector which is informed by the Caribbean Regional Sustainable Tourism Policy which is currently under development by the CTO. Other Development Partners including the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for Barbados and the OECS, The United States Agency for International Development/ Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) and The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) are also articulating support for disaster management interventions around CDM. International Support for CDM The Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy and Framework was presented at the first Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Reduction in Geneva, June 2007 and accepted as the Caribbean Platform Mechanism (CPM) for implementing the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA). The Global Platform serves as a mechanism through which national practitioners and other stakeholders can exchange their experiences in disaster risk reduction and access information on how other countries address particular challenges in the implementation of the Hyogo Framework. The Global Platform is expected to become the main global forum for all parties involved in disaster risk reduction, namely governments, United Nations agencies, international financial institutions, regional bodies, civil society, the private sector, and the scientific and academic communities. CONCLUSION Japanese Ambassador visit to CU, October 11, 2007 Significant steps have been taken by CDM partners in the process towards realizing the implementation of the CDM Strategy. In this regard, specific emphasis has been given to a participatory approach where ownership is promoted at the national and sector levels and it is clearly recognized that the strengthening of capacities at the level of the CDERA Participating States remains central to success of the process. Participating States need to remain actively engaged in the design, roll out and implementation of the process. The CDERA Coordinating Unit remains committed to supporting Participating States in the Strategy implementation and views mutually beneficial working relationships with partners as critical to the success of CDM Implementation. 12 CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to 2008

15 PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE 4. Capacity Building Aligned to CDM Strategy Preparedness and response remain a critical aspect of the CDERA operations and is emphasized in the CDERA triennium programme for US$1.9 million has been budgeted ( ) towards improving coordination at national and regional levels for disaster management, and enhancing capacity among local level entities for managing preparedness and response and mitigation. Of this amount, more than 75% of the resources are being directed at national capacity building. Financial support for the preparedness and response programme is being mobilized through the European Development Fund Institutional Support and Capacity Building for Disaster Management in the Caribbean Project, CIDA, UK DFID, USAID/OFDA, IDRC, Government of Austria, and the Government of Turkey. At the CDERA Coordinating Unit fifty percent (50%) of the ten (10) additional staff hired during the last year (2007/2008) were in support of the CU preparedness and response programme A Preparedness Audit was completed in February Twelve of CDEMA sixteen PS participated in the Audit which helps to identify gaps and priorities for action and programme development. One major area identified is the establishment and /or upgrade of Emergency Operating Centres. The Audit also revealed that the development and improvement of national contingency plans through training, familiarization, plan writing, testing and exercising are other areas priority attention. Contingency Planning Contingency planning is being emphasized for all hazards, and in particular the earthquake and tsunami hazards which have received little attention in the past. During 2008, the earthquake readiness survey was conducted, under the Government of Austria funded earthquake project, and contingency plans are expected to be developed and adapted by USAID is financing initiatives on tsunami and other coastal hazards warning system and capacity development in search and rescue and rescue field operations. Considerable work has begun by the health actors on the avian flu and CDERA is now engaging in the regional issues for coordination for this hazard. Cricket World Cup, the third largest sporting event in the world was staged in the Caribbean in This event accelerated the upgrading or development of disaster management protocols for mass casualty events and facility evacuation in the nine Cricket World Cup host states, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts/Nevis, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago. CDERA benefited from this world class event by displaying its flexibility in adapting the Regional Response Mechanism through the Regional Training and Exercise Planning and Execution to prepare the venue states and the region for ICC CWC Information and Communications Technology (ICT) continues to be an important thematic area within the broader context of the CDM strategy and under the CDERA preparedness and response programme , efforts are being directed at building capacity for emergency communications. Efficient ways of sharing information on quick onset events using ICT are being addressed through an IDRC funded study on information sharing tools for emergencies. An assessment of the emergency communication needs in selected communities has also begun and will result in assistance being provided under the EDF project for the procurement of emergency communication equipment to selected communities. Emergency Communications Under another past project, basic emergency communications capability was provided for each PS through the provision of VHF and HF packs. However satellite phones and installation for the four sub-regional focal points are yet to be completed as well as an antenna at the CDERA CU. CDERA also signed a memorandum of understanding with the US/SOUTHCOM for the establishment and implementation of the Web Based Emergency Operating Centre (WEBEOC). This will provide real time information on emergency events that will enable decision makers to make informed assessments and decisions on what occurs in the field. Assessments were undertaken within the CDERA Participating States to determine the capacity of the countries to be able to receive and function on the WEBEOC. A workshop was also held in Puerto Rico to brief national disaster coordinators and IT personnel on the functions and capabilities of the system. Due to some issues related to security and information sharing within the region the procurement and installation were not completed as anticipated in These have now been resolved and the WEBEOC is expected to be operational in CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to

16 Exercises and Training for Emergency Operations CDERA continues to review its response systems and capability. Several exercises and training workshops were conducted over the period to build capacity and improve response coordination during emergencies. New CU staff have been provided with orientation and the opportunity to participate in simulation exercises on the Regional Response Mechanism and Regional Coordination Plan. Staff at the CDERA CU also participated in the annual Region Rap exercises which test emergency communication at the CDERA CU, Participating States and elements of the Regional Response Mechanism. CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU) training was conducted in Barbados in 2008 with funding from US/SOUTHCOM. Orientation to the functions and procedures of the CDRU during relief operations was the main focus of the training for representatives from military and police units of the CDERA Participating States. The Caribbean region also participated in Fuerzas Alidas Humanitarias (FA HUM) Conference (Guatemala 2007) and Exercises (Trinidad and Tobago, and Honduras 2008). FAHUM is a US/SOUTHCOM funded exercise that provides the opportunity for testing the regional response plans and coordination of operations. Cricket World Cup 2007 provided the CDERA CU with the opportunity to develop a Model Table Top Exercise to test the plans and procedures developed for mass casualty events in a NEOC environment. The exercise was preceded by a Plans Review and Orientation by a CDERA sponsored team. Seven of the 9 Cricket World Cup venue States were able to participate in this important exercise which was funded by NEMOT (UK). Four Disaster Professionals from CDERA Non-Venue States facilitated the activities during the period January to March The Urban Search and Rescue Light Level (USAR LL) training project is being successfully executed in the Caribbean through a partnership between CDERA and USAID/OFDA. This project began with a vision in 2005 at the International Search and Rescue Advisory group (INSARAG) Americas. INSARAG is a global network of more than 80 countries and disaster response organisations under the United Nations umbrella. INSARAG deals with urban search and rescue related issues and aims to establish standards for international USAR teams and methodology for international coordination in earthquake response. The Central American USAR LL Manual was reviewed and adapted by a joint team from CDERA and USAID/ OFDA and tested during a Pilot Training in Costa Rica for 11 CDERA PS operators in December During 2008, the vision was further realized with the training of thirty-two (32) persons from five (5) CDERA PS, including the four (4) SRFPs. Sixteen (16) potential Instructors were identified and trained on both the Training for Instructors (TFI) and the Incident Command Systems (ICS) courses. Remaining Vigilant CDERA programmes are directed at building disaster resilient communities as articulated in Priority Outcome Four (4) of the CDM Strategy. The region needs to remain vigilant with regard to global warming and the change in climate patterns which are associated with more frequent and higher magnitude hydrological and meteorological events. Notwithstanding the initiatives of CDERA, there is urgent need to upscale national and regional level response capacity for floods, tropical cyclones, droughts and landslides. Attention must also be given to emerging threats of pandemics and infrequent but high impact events such as earthquakes. Disaster risk reduction and climate change must be fully integrated into national strategic plans and the regional cooperation mechanism. Search and Rescue Training 14 CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to 2008

17 5. REVIEW OF EMERGENCY EVENTS The emergency events of 2007/2008 that placed national and regional response systems on alert and triggered the mobilization of national emergency operations centres have illustrated the diversity of hazards that threaten the CDERA Participating States These events have been primarily associated with the passage of tropical weather systems during the hurricane season, but have also included oil spills, volcanic activity, a cavein, earthquakes, and trans-boundary threats. Flooding continued to be one of the most frequently occurring events affecting Participating States, particularly Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Lucia. Many Caribbean countries suffered multiple impacts during the hurricane season that resulted in storm surge, flooding and erosion of coastlines. Those impacts affected important infrastructure (including ports, harbours and other mooring facilities), tourist resorts, arterial roads and densely populated coastal settlements and further demonstrated the potential for successive small scale events to disrupt major sectors and cause significant loss of livelihoods of people in communities around the Caribbean Hurricane Season Seven deaths were attributed to Hurricane Dean, 2 in Dominica, 4 in Jamaica and 1 in Saint Lucia. Belize recorded no deaths but reported US$ million in damages, with Jamaica reporting US$ million (J$23 billion) and Dominica US $82,178, Hurricane Season Eight (8) storms affected CARICOM and other Caribbean countries: Arthur, Fay, Gustav, Hanna, Ike, Omar, Tropical Depression 16 and Paloma Though not all the events necessitated a Declaration of Disaster by the affected countries or an activation of the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM), it should be recognized that events with lesser disastrous impacts can still have considerable consequences on the economy, society and human and natural resources of the impacted Participating State. In addition to presenting a synopsis of the events impacting the PS of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency, this report identifies some key areas for strengthening of the response and recovery capacity of the region. HURRICANE SEASON 2007 The intensities of the weather systems predicted for 2007 did not all come to pass, however, the season was nonetheless active with a total of six (6) hurricanes and fifteen (15) named storms, beginning as early as May and extending until December. The season also saw the development of two (2) major hurricanes (Dean and Felix) to Category 5 status, and in so doing propelled the 2007 Hurricane Season into the record books as one of only four years to have experienced more than one Category 5 storm. Furthermore, for the first time in recorded history these two storms attained the Category 5 status more than once. Hurricanes Dean and Felix, and Tropical Storm Noel affected nine (9) of CDERA sixteen (16) Participating States. The impacted areas stretched across the region from Trinidad and Tobago to the Bahamas and Belize. Ten (10) Caribbean countries experienced impacts from multiple systems: Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the Turks and Caicos Islands. Very active during August and September Between August 15 and September 2, five (5) tropical cyclones posed some threat to the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago experienced heavy rainfall on August 23 and 27, 2008, and September Hurricane DeanSLU Childrens Ward Queen Victoria Hospital 17 Aug 07, 08 Credit Anna Vlugman CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to

18 The heavy rainfall, extensive flooding, landslides and mudslides associated with the systems had a significant toll on the economies of the affected countries resulting in extensive damage to livelihoods, infrastructure, property and other buildings as well as to the agricultural and other productive sectors of their economies. During the passage of Hurricane Dean, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines activated their response systems. Belize, Dominica, Jamaica and Saint Lucia were significantly affected by Hurricane Dean whilst Barbados, Grenada and St. Vincent & the Grenadines experienced conditions of high winds, rains and rough seas associated with the system s passage. Seven (7) deaths were attributed to Hurricane Dean, two (2) in Dominica, four (4) in Jamaica and one (1) in Saint Lucia. Belize recorded no deaths but reported US$ million in damages, with Jamaica reporting US$ million (J$23 billion) and Dominica US $82,178,514. Hurricane Felix was a small but powerful storm that attained Category 5 strength twice before it dissipated. As a tropical storm, Felix caused minor wind and lightning damage in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The small size and relatively fast movement of Felix resulted in fairly light rainfall totals along most of the track. Heavier amounts occurred when it decelerated over Central America. Torrential rainfall from Noel produced devastating floods and the loss of two (2) lives in Jamaica and one (1) in the Bahamas. Severe damage and flooding and loss of life were also reported in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Jamaica recorded incidences of landslides and bridge collapses that in some instances marooned residents in their communities. Food and relief supplies had to be airlifted to communities that were cut off and vulnerable populations in the informal settlements also had to be relocated. HURRICANE SEASON 2008 During the 2008 Hurricane Season, there were seventeen (17) named storms, eight (8) hurricanes, and five (5) major hurricanes. Eight (8) of the 17 systems (Arthur, Fay, Gustav, Hanna, Ike, Omar, Tropical Depression 16 and Paloma) affected the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other Caribbean countries. In total, ten (10) Caribbean countries (Belize, Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba and Haiti) experienced impacts from multiple systems. It is significant to note that during the 2008 Hurricane Season only twenty-five (25) deaths were reported in the CDERA Participating States as a result of the impacts from these events Tropical Storm Arthur, the first named storm of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season made landfall on May 31, in northern Belize on the Yucatan Peninsula and dumped approximately fifteen (15) inches of rain across Belize. Flooding resulted in low lying areas and severely affected 40 communities in the northern, central and southern districts. August and September were very active months with a total of five (5) tropical cyclones forming in the Atlantic that posed some threat to the Caribbean. Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike impacted Jamaica, Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas. Even as Hanna was exiting the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hurricane Ike was on a direct path to Grand Turk as a Category 4 hurricane. These three (3) systems also impacted Haiti and Cuba causing significant damage and in the case of Haiti, hundreds of deaths and displacement of over two (2) million people. Hurricane Omar, one of the four (4) named storms that formed in October 2008, affected nine (9) CDERA Participating States at varying levels of impact. This system generated swells that affected the westward facing shores of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts/Nevis, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Damage from tides and surf were reported in these islands. The storm surge associated with the passage of Omar on the western coastline of the Lesser Antilles exposed the vulnerability of traditionally sheltered areas in the Caribbean. In October, widespread flooding occurred across several districts in Belize as a result of the rains associated with Tropical Depression 16. Flood waters affected approximately 50,450 people and caused the deaths of four persons. Belize estimated losses as a result of Tropical Storm Arthur and Tropical Depression 16 at US$88 million. Paloma, the seventeenth named storm, impacted the 16 CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to 2008

19 Cayman Islands and Cuba as a Category 3 storm in early November. Some countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines experienced excessive rainfall, landslides and life threatening floods during the season. Rainfall in excess of 75mm and 100mm were recorded in Trinidad and Tobago during the month of August. The passage of a tropical wave on September 19, 2008, produced heavy rains in St. Vincent and the Grenadines which resulted in one (1) death, island wide flooding and landslides which left many roads blocked. Saint Lucia was affected by continuous rains commencing Monday, 6 October, 2008 and lasting for eleven (11) days. Low lying communities in Guyana were also impacted by floods during the period under review. OTHER HAZARD EVENTS Other significant hazard events that occurred during this period 2007/2008 included: oil spills in Jamaica and Anguilla, the cave collapse in Barbados, the 29 November, 2007 earthquake that affected Guyana and the Eastern Caribbean, landslides in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and other eastern Caribbean States, major fire in Belize and mud volcano eruption in Trinidad and Tobago. Cricket World Cup 2007 The staging of the third largest sporting event in the world, Cricket World Cup posed the threat of transboundary hazards and the potential for acts of terrorism, and health concerns. CWC 2007 was held over a two month period, March-April 2007, in Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago. 58 games were played and were supported by over 100,000 fans. The games were incident free but nevertheless placed the regional emergency systems on high alert and in a state of readiness for the duration of the season. November 29, 2007 Earthquake Hundreds of earthquakes have occurred during the period, however it was the 29 November, 2007 earthquake that was a strong reminder that all of the CDERA Participating States are exposed to the threat of earthquakes and highly vulnerable to the catastrophic effects that can result from an earthquake event. This was the strongest earthquake reported since 1974, however damage was moderate due to the location and depth of the event. It was recorded at a magnitude 7.3 on the Richter scale and located degrees north, degrees west (21 km east of Martinique) with a depth of 145.4km (90.4 miles). The tremor was felt as far in the north as Puerto Rico and as far south as Guyana. There was evidence of structural damage in St. Vincent, Barbados and Saint Lucia and in Dominica debris from resulting rock falls had blocked one road. While damage by and large remained to a minimum, the panic and chaos that ensued in most impacted countries led to gridlock in capitals across the region. Evaluations of the emergency measures that were activated across the region in response to the tremor highlighted a number of areas that need to be addressed in earthquake preparedness and response. These included facility evacuation and associated challenges, public information and awareness about earthquake safety, media management and national arrangements for search and rescue response. The November tremor also awakened disaster practitioners to the possibility of multiple impacts in the CDERA community from a sudden onset event such as an earthquake. Twelve (12) of CDERA 16 Participating States experienced the tremor. It should be noted that CDERA is presently implementing an Earthquake Readiness Capacity Building Program that is being financed through the Government of Austria. Oil Spills The oil spills which occurred in Montego Bay, Jamaica in December 2007 and Anguilla in 2008 were not considered as major events but reinforced the need for all hazard planning. In Jamaica, the spilled material was used engine lubricant and a significant amount of the lubricant was trapped in the wetlands along the canal while a very limited amount escaped into the marine environment. This posed some concern with regard to the potential effects on the marine environment as oil spills can smother algae, plants, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The spill in Anguilla was reportedly an act of vandalism and this raised concerns on the safety and security of bulk storage facilities. CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to

20 Cave Collapse On 26 August, 2007 an underground cave collapsed in the area of Arch Cot Brittons Hill, St. Michael, Barbados taking with it several homes and claimed the lives of a family of five (5). This event revealed the level of our capacity within the CDERA participating States to manage search and rescue operations. The six-day Search and Rescue (SAR) operation was conducted 20 metres below ground level. The SAR operation was made more treacherous by conditions of periodic rainfall, overhanging debris, continual rock falls and collapse of the structure, unstable rock mass with soil filled fissures separating rock blocks, fracturing, lines of stress and extensive cave system underneath the structure. The national response to this effort was based on SAR capacity initiated in 2002 and utilized a range of national resources from various areas. Traditional emergency responders were supported through the efforts of private sector which provided materials and inkind support. Support was also received from agencies and sectors not traditionally involved in emergency response, such as the Forensics Science Centre; Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) and the Engineering Faculty of the University of the West Indies. International assistance was attained through collaboration with the US Office of Disaster Assistance (OFDA) which sourced personnel from the Miami Dade Rescue Teams. This event reinforced the need for multi-hazard planning and demonstrated multi-agency approach to emergency management response. It highlighted the limitations of the national and regional SAR capacity in terms of the availability/accessibility of resources and procedures for seeking external support. The SAR capability developed through interventions by CDERA was not hazard specific and limited to light search and rescue in urban areas. Volcano Eruptions Mud volcano, Trinidad and Tobago A mud volcano in Trinidad and Tobago erupted on Saturday, 27 October, 2008 spewing mud and gas several feet into the air. Fifty (50) people living in Francis Trace, Santa Flora where the incident occurred were evacuated to safer ground. Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat Activity at the Montserrat Soufriere Hills Volcano continued, and was heightened several times during the period under review, resulting in partial dome collapse, ash and rock falls and pyroclastic flows. The eruptions of December 2008 have further demonstrated the need for Montserrat to be ever vigilant and always prepared to initiate immediate response actions. RESPONSE TO IMPACTED STATES CDERA support during the review period was directed primarily to weather related events. The passage of the weather systems presented the region with opportunities to evaluate existing emergency preparation and response mechanisms. All of CDERA 16 Participating States activated partially or fully their national response systems and the regional response mechanism was placed on standby several times. However, in spite of the multiple impacts and substantial damage to some states, these events were considered either a level one or two which required limited regional assistance. The Turks and Caicos Islands, impacted by Hurricanes Hanna and Ike, was the only Participating State to declare a national disaster in 2008, triggering the mobilization of a regional response. Belize, Dominica and Jamaica declared disaster areas following the passage of Hurricane Dean in Tropical Storm Arthur and Tropical Depression 16 affected several districts of Belize in 2008 and also resulted in declarations of disaster areas, likewise Jamaica which was affected by Gustav, Hannah and Ike. CDERA, as the agency responsible for coordinating response to affected states, facilitated the mobilization and deployment of personnel and relief supplies to affected countries. Donor agencies, regional governments and institutions, private sector entities, civil groups and individuals responded to the appeals for assistance. Technical teams, comprising of health, infrastructure, telecommunication electricity, social services experts provided support to countries that requested such assistance. Regional support personnel from National Disaster Offices (NDOs) as well as from the CDERA CU were also deployed to assist in the needs analysis, proposal development and provide other support to the impacted countries as required. Belize, Dominica, Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands benefitted from such assistance in 2007 and CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to 2008

21 Several countries received funds from the Caribbean Development Bank under the Emergency Relief Grant to assist with emergency relief. The Caribbean Castastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) paid claims of US$6.3 million in settlement to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Humanitarian needs were supported by UN OCHA, USAID/OFDA, UNICEF, PAHO and other agencies. IFRCS also launched appeals to support disaster response efforts in Belize, Jamaica, and Turks and Caicos Islands. Corporate entities also played their part with contributions received from DHL, DIGICEL, CHEVRON Coorporation, Cable and Wireless/LIME (Caribbean) among others. AREAS IN NEED OF STRENGHTENING Declaration of Disasters The 2007/2008 Hurricane Season reinforced the need for there to be continuous assessment of emergency response systems and overall planning approaches. Many countries appeared to experience some challenges in conducting and reporting on the initial damage and needs assessment of the impact and in determining the level of response. Initial statements of impact should be issued within 48 hours and include some indication as to whether a national disaster or disaster areas will be declared. The accuracy and timeliness of such reports are crucial for triggering emergency response mechanisms to facilitate humanitarian and recovery needs. National Contingency Fund Several Participating States were impacted by a number of events over this period which were not on a national scale and required limited external support, but were significant in cost. For example, Belize was affected in 2007 by Dean and in 2008 by tropical Storm Arthur and Tropical Depression 16. Jamaica was also impacted by Hurricane Dean and in 2008 by Gustav and Ike. PS need to examine the options for funding hazard related contingencies such as the establishment of a National Contingency Fund in keeping with Article 13 of the CDERA Agreement which encourages countries to enhance their preparedness. Critical Facilities National Emergency Operations Centres and other critical facilities were compromised during the passage of Hurricanes Dean, Gustav and Ike. Structural and functional audits should be undertaken of NEOCs and other critical facilities and consideration be given to the construction of dedicated purpose built facilities in cases where these do not exist. Emergency Relief Supplies Requests for basic emergency supplies during the past two seasons and preceding ones continue to raise questions as to the basis on which local stocks are determined. The Stocking of warehouses should be linked to an agreed event size and impact scenario. Documentation of Events Documentation of emergency events in a comprehensive manner by National Disaster Offices is an area that requires more attention so as to capture a panoramic view of good practices, and lesson identified. CONCLUSION The events of 2007/2008 brought into focus critical response elements that need to be addressed in view of the increasing frequency of multiple strikes, multi-state impacts as well as the potential effect of traditionally unfamiliar threats. To proactively deal with these impacts and provide a bridge towards sustainable regional development, efforts must be accelerated at strengthening the capacity of the CDERA system as a whole. The reality further underscores the region s strategic decision for a comprehensive approach to disaster management. CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to

22 Table 2: Summary of 2008 Tropical Weather Systems NAME PERIOD CATEGORY AFFECTED CARICOM/ OTHER CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES COMMENTS 1. Tropical Storm Arthur 31 May- 1 June 2008 Belize Arthur was first Tropical Storm Alma which developed in the Eastern Pacific on May 27. ( Maximum winds 40 mph) 2 Tropical Storm Fay 15 August 26 August 1 1. Cuba 2. Haiti (Maximum winds 65 mph) 3. Hurricane Gustav 25 August 7 September 4 1. Jamaica 2. Cuba 3. Haiti Affected Jamaica as a tropical storm; Category 4 hurricane impact on Cuba Tropical storm impact on Haiti ( Maximum winds 150 mph) 4. Hurricane Hanna 28 August 7 September 1 1. TCI 2. Bahamas 3. Haiti Affected TCI and Bahamas as a a Tropical storm ( Maximum winds 80 mph) 5. Hurricane Ike 1 September 14 September 4 1. Jamaica 2. TCI 3. Bahamas 4. Cuba 5. Haiti Heavy rainfall associated with Ike s passage affected Jamaica and Haiti Affected TCI as a Category 4 system. This occurred one week after the passage of Tropical Storm Hanna which circled the islands twice before heading northward. Affected Cuba as Category 3 storm ( Maximum winds 145 mph) 6. Hurricane Omar 13 October 14 October 3 1. Anguilla 2. British Virgin 3. Islands Antigua and 4. Barbuda Dominica 5. Grenada 6. Montserrat 7. St. Kitts/Nevis 8. Saint Lucia 9. St. Vincent and the Grenadines Affected Anguilla as a Category 3 storm Affected BVI as a Category 2 storm Several Northern Leeward Islands affected by storm surge and the rains associated with the passage of Omar ( Maximum winds 125 mph) 7. Tropical Depression Sixteen 14 October 16 October Belize Widespread flooding across several districts in Belize; Cayo District has significantly impacted and declared a Disaster Area ( Maximum winds 30 mph ) 8. Hurricane Paloma 5 November 9 November 4 1. Cayman Islands 2. Cuba ( Maximum winds 145 mph) 20 CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to 2008

23 6. PROJECT ACTIVITIES INTRODUCTION Advancements in disaster management capacity in the region have benefited from the continued commitment and strong financial and technical support of donor partners. Resource mobilization and significant assistance from development partners have contributed more than US$15 million since 2004 to complement regional and national disaster management programming in the Participating States. During the period donor funding for training and technical assistance interventions resulted in more than 500 training workshops and consultations, involving more than 10,000 persons, the production of at least 20 guideline documents, 30 technical reports and the procurement of equipment and materials. At the close of 2008 there were ten (10) projects in various stages of negotiation and implementation as outlined in Table 3. The region can also look forward to more support in promoting and accelerating disaster risk reduction efforts at all levels as many major programming partners begin to address the issue of Comprehensive Disaster Management. Several partners are articulating support for the Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Strategy and Framework. These include: the European Commission, the UN System through its United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), United States Agency for International Development/ Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA), Department for International Development of the United Kingdom (DFID), International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR), Organisation of American States (OAS), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO). Regional institutions and agencies as well as national level bodies collaborated with CDERA to implement initiatives. However, CDERA is seeking to expand collaborative efforts for greater private sector support in disaster risk reduction interventions. PROJECT SUMMARIES Following are summaries of projects being implemented or in advanced stages of negotiations for the period The Adaptation for Climate Change and Disaster Mitigation: Township Planning Strategies for Storm Surge in the Caribbean Project The Adaptation for Climate Change and Disaster Mitigation: Township Planning Strategies for Storm Surge in the Caribbean (ACC Township Planning) Project was undertaken between to assist Caribbean countries with capacity strengthening to better cope with the potential impact of natural disasters and severe weather events associated with climate change. Funding of US$190, 000 was received from the Netherlands Environmental Partnership Trust Fund through the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) for commencement in June CDERA was responsible for the execution of the project in collaboration with the Mainstreaming Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) project of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCCC), and the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH). The project was implemented in two pilot countries, Barbados (the Parish of St. Peter) and Jamaica (the Portmore Municipality) with the intent of sharing lessons learnt with other Caribbean territories. National implementation of the project was undertaken in Barbados by the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) in collaboration with the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU), and through the support of the Coastal Standing Committee. In Jamaica, implementation was undertaken by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the National Damage Assessment, Relocation and Rehabilitation subcommittee of the National Disaster Committee. One of the major outputs of the project has been An Adaptation to Climate Change Storm Surge Toolkit that has been disseminated to countries across the Caribbean region. Risk Assessment Reports and Maps were prepared for the two communities St. Peter, Barbados; and Portmore, Jamaica in which CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to

24 the project was piloted. Action Plans have also been developed for prevention, preparedness and mitigation measures that are specific to the identified risk associated with the storm surge hazard for their areas. This project has also enhanced the capacity of Caribbean town-planners and emergency managers, for incorporating risk analysis into long-term development strategies. 2. Capacity-Building for Programming in Comprehensive Disaster Management This project offered direct support for the development and implementation of the CDM Programme at the national level. Countries requesting assistance were walked through the process of rolling out a national CDM Programme, including the coordination and collaboration with existing initiatives. Countries were also oriented to the Result-Based Management (RBM) approach, which will enhance capacity for project development and reporting. This project also sought to develop databases on country capacity and needs. 3. Regional Disaster Risk Management for Sustainable Tourism in the Caribbean Project The IDB and CDERA signed a Letter of Agreement in February 2007, which formalized the terms of a Grant in the amount of US$800,000 in support of the Regional Disaster Risk Management for Sustainable Tourism in the Caribbean Project. This Grant is financing the development of a regional disaster risk management strategy for sustainable tourism including the formulation of standards for vulnerability assessments and risk mapping applied to the tourism sector; and institutional strengthening of the CDERA, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), and other stakeholders in disaster risk management for sustainable tourism. CTO, the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), and the University of the West Indies (UWI) are partnering with CDERA on the execution of this project. This project is currently being implemented in the pilot States of Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica and TCI. 4. Institutional Support and Capacity Building for Disaster Management in the Caribbean This 3.4 million (US$4.4 million) European Commission sponsored project seeks to strengthen CDERA s capacity as the regional driver of the CDM Strategy and Framework - a mechanism for prioritizing disaster management activities in the Caribbean and providing the framework for cooperation amongst regional stakeholders. Signing Ceremony for the EC Sponsored Institutional Support for Capacity Building for Disaster Management Project (2007) Funding support of US$400,000 for this two year Project was provided by the Government of Turkey over the period January December The long term benefits of this project lie in the Country Support Team. Training in the RBM approach was conducted for a team of five (5) persons who are now available respond to requests of National Disaster Offices to assist in the development of Country (National) Work Programmes. This project will build on efforts to respond to the gaps identified in the implementation of CDM Strategy and Framework in relation to inadequate organizational, legal and policy frameworks; ineffective knowledge dissemination and management, and insufficient tertiary education and research in the disaster management discipline. In going forward, this project will embrace the principles of horizontal and self cooperation and seek to build on existing stakeholder driven initiatives to avoid effort duplication. It will give disasters managers from more than 16 Caribbean countries and at the CDERA itself the 22 CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to 2008

25 tools and expertise they need to implement CDM. It will also promote a culture of safety in the Caribbean by giving communities information that will make them less vulnerable to disasters. To date the project has funded an institutional audit of the CDERA operations and facilitated the 2007 and 2008 annual CDM Conference, a forum for the review of CDM progress in the region. This Project commenced in August 2007 and will conclude in December Enhancing Effectiveness of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Applications for Disaster Management ICTs have always been recognized as an important dimension in disaster management and functions a cross-cutting theme of the Enhanced Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Strategy and Framework for the Caribbean. Unfortunately, the acquisition and application of ICTs remain a significant challenge in the region and Caribbean disaster management institutions. This project aims to enhance the effectiveness of disaster management practices in the Caribbean region through the identification and testing of innovative ICT applications including early warning systems for fast onset hazards. Funding of 704,211 BDS has been secured through the International Development Research Centre, a Canadian Crown Corporation to implement this eighteen month (September February 2009) Research Project Research will be conducted to ascertain the ICT capacity of CDERA Participating States utilizing a number of methodologies and approaches such as e-messaging, amateur (HAM) radio and GIS (Geographical Information Systems) applications in national notification protocols. Based on the findings, Pilot States will be selected for training and testing of applications and tools recommended to strengthen community knowledge and support the collection of post event information for earthquakes in the Eastern Caribbean. The major output of this project will be the development of policy recommendations for a Regional ICT Strategy to enhance response to natural disasters in the Caribbean. Collaborating partners will include research institutions such as the Disaster Risk Reduction Centre (DRRC) and the Seismic Research Unit of the University of the West Indies. 6. Earthquake Readiness Capacity Building Project Regional earthquake readiness has been neglected to a large extent, in spite of the region s high risk to this potentially destructive seismic hazard. The Earthquake Readiness Capacity Building Project seeks to improve earthquake preparation and resilience in the Caribbean and is being supported by the Government of Austria through a financial contribution of 350,000 (US$483,700). Signing Ceremony for the Earthquake Readiness Capacity Building Project - Jeremy Collymore Coordinator, CDEMA and Ambassador Marianne DaCosta, Embassy of Austria (2007) The two year project commenced in September 2007 and has since completed a survey of all 16 CDERA Participating States to determine the status of the regions earthquake readiness. This is being used as the baseline to pilot the development of model earthquake contingency plans and readiness programs in four CDERA Participating States and to inform the implementation of a region wide earthquake public education and awareness campaign. CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to

26 Components of the education and awareness program will include an interactive Earthquake Awareness Kit for school children and an Earthquake Readiness Webpage linked to the CDERA Website. All CDERA Participating states will be encouraged to adopt and implement the plans that will be developed. This project will also complement other interventions by CDERA and its partner agencies, such as the Seismic Research Unit, University of the West Indies that seek to address hazard mitigation and harmonization of efforts under the comprehensive disaster management strategy. 7. Tsunami And Other Coastal Hazards Warning System (TCHWS) Project Following the devastating Sumatran catastrophe of 2004, CDERA was charged with leading regional efforts to establish a Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System (TCHWS) on behalf of the CARICOM Member States. As an outcome of its interventions CDERA received, in September 2007, a grant of US$475, from the American Government through USAID/OFDA to advance actions to empower coastal communities in the Caribbean to prepare for and respond to tsunamis and coastal hazards. This two year initiative October September 2009 is the first of its kind in the Caribbean and is expected to be the catalyst for benchmarking the standards and protocols for this type of hazard in the region. The intent is to harness the expertise and experiences from existing institutions, develop and adopt a regional and national system which will save lives as it seeks to educate and prepare the communities at risk making them less prone to tsunamis. The TCHWS Project will seek to form alliances and synergies with other CDERA implemented projects namely, the Earthquake Readiness and Capacity Building Project (ERCB) and the Enhancing the Effectiveness of Information and Communication Technology Applications and Tools for Disaster Management in the Caribbean Region Project (IDRC/ICT) projects as well as collaborate with key regional and international development partners. The synergies created through the overarching supporting structure of the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (ICG/CARIBE-EWS) and the harmonization with other projects under the CDERA Coordinating Unit (CU) is a key component of the Enhanced Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) strategic approach adopted by CDERA. The project is being executed by CDERA, in conjunction with the Seismic Research Centre of the St. Augustine Campus, University of the West Indies, the National Meteorological Offices and the Coastal Zone Management Agencies in CDERA Participating States. 24 CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to 2008

27 Table 3: Project Interventions Implemented/Targeted for Participating States of CDERA during the Triennium Work Programme for Projection Intervention 1 The Adaptation for Climate Change and Disaster Mitigation: Township Planning Strategies for Storm Surge in the Caribbean Project 2 Regional Disaster Risk Management for Sustainable Tourism in the Caribbean 3 Institutional Support and Capacity Building for Disaster Management in the Caribbean Project 4 Country Assistance Capacity Building Programme 5 Earthquake Readiness Capacity Building 6 Enhancing Effectiveness of ICTs in Disaster Management 7 Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning Systems Project 8 Comprehensive Disaster Management Harmonised Implementation Programme Phase 1 9 Natural Disaster Facility (NDF) Project for the Caribbean 10 Caribbean Disaster Management Project Phase II Funding Agency(ies) Project Cost Duration Remarks IDB US$190,000 June October 2007 IDB, CTO US$800,000 February 2007-December 2009 EDF 3.4 million (US$4.4 million) August 2007 December 2010 GOT US$400,000 January December 2008 GOA 350, (US$483,700) IDRC CDN$ 434,065 (US$ 352,988) September 2007 August 2009 September 2007-February 2009 USAID/OFDA US$475,200 October September 2009 CIDA/DFID ACP/EU JICA Piloted in Jamaica and Barbados. Products disseminated to all PS Being implemented in Pilot States of Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica and TCI All 16 CDERA Participating States and CDERA CU Anguilla, Jamaica, SVG, TT identified as pilot states All 16 CDERA PS and CDERA CU All 16 CDERA PS Negotiations Advanced Negotiations Advanced. Beneficiary Countries Identified - Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Lucia CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to

28 7. AGENCY SNAPSHOTS Farewell Function for Staff Member, Donovan Gentles in 2008 Staff members, Roche Mahon and Jennning McComie at the Staff Christmas Luncheon 2008 From Left, BG(R td) Earl Arthurs, Mr. Jeremy Collymore (Coordinator, CDEMA), and Ms. Judy Thomas, Director of Barbados Department of Emergency Management at CDERA Family Day CDERA Staff members at the Family Day in 2008 CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to 2008

29 CDERA Staff Shelly Pile 2nd right and ASP Mashama, RSS at Training Exercise of US/SouthCom funded State Partnership Programme September 2008 (l-r) Elizabeth Riley (CDERA Programme Manager) and Montserrat Chief Minister, Dr. Lowell Lewis during visit ot the CDERA CU ( 2008) Tom Olsen (UNICEF) and Andria Grosvenor (CDERA) Present UNICEF/CDERA Family Disaster Preparedness PSAs to Department of Disaster Management, Barbados. (2008) Signing of CADM Phase 2 Agreement CDERA to CDEMA: The Transition Years - Volume to