Remarks of the Hon. G. A. Dwyer Astaphan, Minister of National Security of St. Kitts and Nevis
 delivered on his behalf by Mrs Astona Browne, Permanenet Secretary, Ministry of National Security
 at the opening of the 16th Meeting of CDERA Council
 Hilton Hotel, Barbados
 June 22, 2007

I speak on behalf of the Hon. G. A. Dwyer Astaphan, Minister of National Security of St. Kitts and Nevis and the outgoing Chairman of CDERA. Minister Astaphan is unable to join us today and has kindly requested that I express deepest regrets for his absence and to convey best wishes to the incoming Chair, Hon. Dale Marshall of Barbados.
 
 Having discharged my duties in that regard, I must place on record sincere gratitude to the Coordinator, Mr. Jeremy Collymore and the dedicated staff of the Coordinating Unit for their perseverance in executing the mandate of CDERA. The past year has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding period in the history of the region - challenging, because of the magnitude of the task that we had to undertake in preparation for our major world class event, Cricket World Cup 2007, while facing the reality of our limitations as far as resources and to some extent, our capacity are concerned; rewarding – since, notwithstanding our inherent shortcomings, with strengthened resolve, we harnessed our collective efforts and with the support of regional and international institutions, agencies and Governments, witnessed a successful outcome. Moreover, we have in place, as part of the legacy of this event, a Revised Disaster Management Framework that will enhance our risk reduction capabilities as a region.
 
 We must therefore endeavour to improve our contributions to the Unit as this financing mechanism impacts its day to day operations and hence the implications for the effective execution of its mandate.
 
 Fortunately, with the ingenuity of the Coordinator and his able staff we continue to forge close alliances with regional and international organizations that have an equal commitment to disaster reduction. They, too, have recognized the valued contribution of the Coordinating Unit to the regional disaster management and reduction initiatives. This close partnership will enable us as member states to draw from their more generous resources and expertise in sustaining our own national development programmes. Being cognizant of our inherent vulnerabilities as island states, let us therefore revisit our priorities and renew our commitments as we brace ourselves for yet another hurricane season.
 
 St. Kitts and Nevis and indeed the other participating states of the CDERA membership pledge full support to you, Hon. Minister, for the duration of your tenure as chair of Council.  We are certain that under your leadership and with the commitment of your Government, the work of the Council and the Unit’s work programme will make great strides in the months ahead.
 
 I wish at this juncture to record appreciation to the Government of Barbados and the Coordinating Unit for the excellent arrangements which will create the desired ambience for fruitful and successful deliberations.
 Thank you.