The Second Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management
OPENING CEREMONY
Hilton Barbados
Tuesday, December 11, 2007

OPENING REMARKS
Jeremy Collymore, Coordinator
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency

At the core of the theme of this Conference “The Changing Landscape of Caribbean Disaster Management: Vision Becoming Reality” is the recognition that the Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) strategy and programme is a work-in-progress.

As you are aware, the framework of the CDM is driven by the goal of sustainable development in the Caribbean and a strategic objective of integrating CDM into the development processes of CDERA member countries.  The purpose of CDM is to strengthen regional and community level capacity for mitigation, management and coordinated response to natural and technological hazards and the effects of climate change.

It is in that regard I am delighted that we have with us the Chief Minister of Montserrat – The Hon. Lowell Lewis, Co-Lead for Disaster Management and Environment and the  Secretary-General of the CARICOM Community – Dr. Edwin Carrington, the executor for CSM.

I would also like to use this occasion to thank the representatives of Partners who are not only here with us today but have continually demonstrated their support for Comprehensive Disaster Management.

We must not under value the regional commitment and vision in Disaster Management.  I just recently attended the 2nd EU Civil Protection Forum in Brussels and noted that they are now in the process of structuring community civil protection mechanisms with the goals and principles similar to those of the CDERA system.   Of course with more resources.

There is no doubt in my mind that the viability of the CSM and CARICOM Single Market Economy will largely be influenced by how we manage our external  shocks – including those from natural man-made hazards.  It is within this context that there are two sessions which look at both the development and security dimensions of disaster management.  We see this as an appropriate link to the fourth pillar of the CARICOM, security.

It may be surprising to many of you to hear that the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas speaks to not only CDERA as an Institution of the Community, but also to some specific disaster management issues. The subject is not as marginalized in the political discourse as some of us tend to believe.

What is required, is the adoption of the common tools and standards to guide effective action in advancing these policy goals.  It will call for more recognition of our vulnerability and less denial of our limited capacity.  I boldly suggest that it is this denial that poses the greatest threat to advancing Disaster Risk Reduction.

The Comprehensive Disaster Management framework and programme seek to promote more harmonization and coordinated support for building such capacity.  The actions by key regional institutions, the Caribbean Development Bank and University of the West Indies suggest that Community consciousness is increasingly being translated into tangible programmes.

Our partners are recognizing this and it is reflected in their support for Comprehensive Disaster Management and this forum.  Thirty (30) Partners including the private sector, have provided direct and indirect support to this Conference.

Already, we see the readiness of our partners to work together around our common goals.  The Canadian International Development Agency and Department for International Development (CDIDA/DFID) are setting the path for cooperative programe financing.  Their support for Outcome 1 – Enhanced Institutional support for CDM Program implementation at national and regional levels, will be a model for advancing the vision of a programmatic and cooperative financing for Comprehensive Disaster Management.

The agreement among our Disaster Risk Reduction Stakeholders to establish a CDM Harmonization and Coordination Council is a clear indication of commitment to ownership and sustainability. The overarching purpose of the CDM Council is to provide guidance on matters related to the programme implementation and to foster sustainable governance of the enhanced CDM. 

The Harmonisation Council will comprise development partner representatives, agreed upon sector leads, Participating States, representatives of the private sector and non-governmental organizations.

We also want to recognize the readiness of partners to be Sector Leaders for key Sectors. Thank you for believing in Comprehensive Disaster Management and helping to move the process forward.
Ladies and Gentlemen, where we go from here and how fast we do, will depend on your continued commitment and support for the CDM agenda.

This forum will give us an opportunity to look at our progress in this direction, share experiences and discuss challenges.

The Comprehensive Disaster Management Conference is a Stakeholder’s forum.  It is in a sense a parliament of the Disaster Risk Reduction actors.
Let your voice be heard.

Contact Details:
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA)
Building No. 1 Manor Lodge Complex
Lodge Hill, St Michael
BARBADOS
Tele: (246) 425-0386
Fax: (246) 425-8854
Email: coordinatorsec@cdera.org
Website: www.cdera.org