Bridgetown, Barbados – August 14, 2026, The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) ended a three-day hybrid validation workshop focused on “Building the Next Level Regional Response Mechanism (RRM)”, with a clear call for the regional response system to become more agile, connected and capable of meeting future demands.
It came from Deputy Executive Director of CDEMA, Lt. Col. Kester Craig who acknowledged that while the RRM has been the backbone of coordinated emergency support, the Caribbean is now faced with more intense hydro-meteorological events, cascading hazards, disruptions to supply chains, and increasingly complex technological and biological threats.
“This workshop is not simply about reviewing documents. We are helping to shape the future architecture of Caribbean disaster response, he told delegates at the opening ceremony held at the Accra Beach Hotel in Bridgetown, Barbados.
“The development of the Next Level RRM has…been identified as a strategic priority for CDEMA under its Strategic Programme 2022–2027. The initiative also aligns with the wider Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy and the goal of strengthening national and regional coordination frameworks,” Lt. Col. Craig added.
The workshop brought together National Disaster Co-ordinators from CDEMA’s 20 Participating States, regional institutions, Development and Technical Partners and other key stakeholders.
Over the three days, participants examined a draft RRM strategic document, logical framework, roadmap for operationalisation and a proposed document for monitoring and evaluation. The validation process also sought to strengthen what works, challenge areas that required improvement, identify gaps and establish a shared direction for the future of the Mechanism.
Discussions also centred around lessons from recent regional activations, national disaster management systems, technical disciplines and partnerships. Participants also considered the evolving requirements for regional response, including coordination, information management, logistics, communications, technology, financing and accountability, alongside traditional response capabilities.
Lt. Col. Craig reminded delegates that the workshop was intended to reinforce the principle that the future strength of the RRM depended on the ability of countries and institutions to work together collectively, if they are to save lives, protect communities and support an affected Participating State when it matters most.
For further information, please contact:
Keith Goddard
Communication and Public Relations Specialist
CARIBBEAN DISASTER EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (CDEMA)
Resilience Way, Lower Estate
St. Michael
BARBADOS
Tel #: (246) 434-4880
Fax #: (246) 271-3660
Email: