CABINET NOTES: The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda welcomed a presentation from the Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) during her visit to Antigua and Barbuda.
The Executive Director was in the country to participate in activities surrounding the commissioning of newly upgraded hurricane shelters and to engage Government officials on regional disaster preparedness and resilience initiatives.
During her presentation, the Executive Director highlighted the evolving disaster risk environment facing the Caribbean, noting that climate-related hazards are becoming more frequent, more severe, and increasingly costly.
She emphasized that regional disaster management systems are being called upon not only to coordinate emergency response efforts but also to support resilience-building and recovery initiatives throughout the region.
Cabinet was informed that CDEMA continues to play a critical role in coordinating regional disaster response and providing technical assistance, training, and operational support to participating states.
However, the organization faces growing financial and operational pressures as traditional sources of international development assistance become less predictable amid changing global priorities.
The Executive Director outlined the organization’s efforts to strengthen its capacity through institutional restructuring, enhanced technical expertise, and the establishment of more sustainable financing mechanisms.
Particular emphasis was placed on the need for participating states to increase their investment in regional disaster preparedness systems to ensure that critical response resources are readily available when disasters strike.
Cabinet noted that Antigua and Barbuda has benefited significantly from its longstanding partnership with CDEMA. Between 2019 and 2025, the country received substantial technical and financial support through the regional mechanism, including disaster response assistance, specialized training for emergency personnel, and access to an expanding network of regional and international partners.
The Executive Director also underscored Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic role within the regional disaster management architecture as a designated Sub-Regional Focal Point, a responsibility the country has undertaken for several decades.
Cabinet acknowledged that this leadership role enhances both national and regional preparedness and contributes to the collective security of Caribbean states.
Following the presentation, Cabinet reaffirmed its strong support for the work of CDEMA and recognized the indispensable role the organization plays in safeguarding lives, property, and economic activity throughout the Caribbean.
Cabinet agreed that strengthening disaster preparedness and response systems remains a national priority, particularly as the region faces increasingly complex climate and environmental challenges.
Cabinet further expressed its support for efforts aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of CDEMA and welcomed ongoing discussions regarding enhanced regional cooperation, capacity building, and financing arrangements that will strengthen disaster resilience across the Caribbean.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to working closely with CDEMA and regional partners to build safer, more resilient communities and to ensure that the country remains prepared to respond effectively to future emergencies and natural disasters.