News

Every year, the Virgin Islands and other countries around the world join the United Nations in celebrating the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDR). This year’s theme, “Step Up For Disaster Risk Reduction”, is about children and young people being partners in disaster risk reduction. Click here to read more.

Bridgetown, November 12, 2010 -  The Board of the CDF today authorized Chief Executive Officer of the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), Mr. Lorne T. McDonnough to provide one-time grants of US$60,000 to the Government of St Lucia and US $30,000 to the Government of St Vincent & the Grenadines under the Emergency Disaster Assistance (EDA) facility. For more information click here.

Ottawa, Ontario, Nov 5, 2010 (CIDA) - The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today announced support in response to the humanitarian needs arising from Hurricane Tomas in the Caribbean.

Read more: Canada pledges support in response to Hurricane Tomas in the Caribbean

Several of CDEMA Participating States have been experiencing moderate to extreme dry conditions since January 2009. The situation is becoming critical as meteorologists continue to predict below average rainfall in the coming months. Several countries have reported marked depletions of water resources and the adverse effects the drought conditions are having on the agriculture sector.

Drought Alerts have been issued by the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) for several countries in south-eastern Caribbean including Barbados, Grenada, and Saint Lucia. Guyana,Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago are also on Drought Alert. These countries have begun implementing measures to curtail the effects of impending water shortage.

Concerns on the depleted level of stored water resources water and the existing dry conditions has led to the implementation of a water rationing system by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) since early February.

Barbados has seen a decrease in foliage levels and a marked increase in the occurrence of bush fires compared to the same period last year. There are no water restrictions at this time; however authorities are closely monitoring the water resources. Click here to read more