Caribbean News
Regional Countries Adopt Revised Action Plan On Disaster Risk Reduction
#Jamaica, November 5, 2021 – The seventh Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean (RP21) concluded at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston, on Thursday (November 4) with participating countries adopting the revised Regional Action Plan for implementing the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction.
This decision, which was informed by the outcome of civil society and youth consultations at the conference, followed deliberations on the Plan by delegates attending the Ministerial and High-Level Authorities Meeting.
They included Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Hon. Brigadier Mark Phillips, and 10 other government ministers, who met with representatives from 29 regional countries.
The Sendai Framework, which runs from 2015 to 2030, is the successor agreement to the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005–2015), which had been the most encompassing international accord, to date, on disaster risk reduction.
It was adopted by the United Nations (UN) in Sendai, Japan, in March 2015 and endorsed by the UN General Assembly three months later.
Speaking at the conference closing ceremony, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said the regional assessment report for 2021 documents the interventions needed to reduce disaster risks across the Americas and the Caribbean.
He noted that failure to tackle the root causes could potentially increase those risks, resulting in environmental, economic, and social losses.
“The disaster data and risk information must now be integrated in government policies right across sectors… towards tackling… the nature of the risks that we continue to face as a region, [which] is one of the most vulnerable areas [globally]. We, therefore, need… to effectively build disaster resilience for the future,” Mr. McKenzie underscored.
Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Elizabeth Riley, who spoke virtually, said that States must ensure that the revised Regional Action Plan incorporates the systemic nature of risks and the lessons learnt from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
She noted that these include the need to strengthen risk governance and articulation between disaster risk reduction and public health.
“Along with the elements that were strengthened in this Plan, are the linkages with mechanisms of social protection to protect the most vulnerable, the crucial role of the private sector in disaster risk reduction, the importance of ensuring access to basic services, and the resilience of critical infrastructure,” said Ms. Riley
She said that adoption of the Ministerial and High-Level Authorities Declaration includes commitments on critical aspects that need to be addressed in the face of the complexity of a pandemic recovery, the climate challenge, and the need for higher ambition for the implementation of the Sendai Framework in tandem with the 2030 Agenda.
“Strengthening multisectoral, multi-stakeholder, and multilevel risk governance and boosting investments in resilience become fundamental to achieving these goals. Social contracts… anchored in universal systems of social protection… that collectively manage risks are [also] required,” Ms. Riley added.
The four-day semi-virtual conference was jointly organised by the Government of Jamaica, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), and CDEMA.
It was held from November 1 to 4, under the theme ‘Building Resilient Economies in the Americas and the Caribbean’.
Among the other programmed engagements was a Declaration emerging from a youth forum on disaster risk reduction that was presented during the Ministerial Round Table Meeting and adopted by the participating delegates.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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