BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United States-based World Hope International to strengthen disaster response in the region.

The signing highlighted a weeklong Regional Search and Rescue Training (RSART) programme that coincided with CDEMA’s first in-person disaster response training since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago.

“Our participating states stand to benefit tremendously from the expertise of World Hope International. Emergency humanitarian response and logistics are increasingly important as the multi-hazard environment changes and this support will be critical to the regional response mechanism,” said CDEMA executive director, Elizabeth Riley.

WHI was a key supporter of the RSART programme that was funded through Global Affairs Canada and facilitated sessions with the disciplined forces of Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda.

“World Hope International is thankful for the collaboration with CDEMA to promote comprehensive disaster management and enhance regional sustainable development. The partnership will strengthen the capacities to better respond to and prepare for disasters,” said WHI’s director of Disaster Preparedness and Response, Tae Symons.