Remarks of the Coordinator, Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Sponsored
“National Consensus Building Workshop on DRM Strategy for the Tourism Sector”
Jamaica, May 5, 2008

The Caribbean is characterized as the most tourism dependent region in the world whilst at the same time being the second most hazard prone.  This reality necessitated this dialogue between disaster risk reduction and tourism stakeholders.

It may be disingenuous to suggest that prior dialogue has not taken place before.  The Caribbean Hurricane Procedures Manual initiated in 1989 and CDERA’s participation in the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Sustainable Development Conference (SDC) over the last ten years are on record.

What is different about this discourse is that it is taking place within a framework of regionally articulated strategy frameworks and policy guidelines.  I refer here to the Enhanced Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Strategy and Programme, led by CDERA and the sustainable Tourism Policy, lead by CTO.

In both cases these blueprints have been, and continue to be, fashioned by extensive stakeholder participation and consultation.

As the Broker for CDM we are pleased to have the CTO as a mainstreaming agent for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the vital tourism sector.

Indeed the emerging impacts of global warming and climate variability require that we be strategic in anticipating and preparing to manage the impacts of transboundary threats.

We see this strategic collaboration as a crucial platform for the Caribbean Single Market (CSM).  Climate, seismic and pandemic threats are not constrained by tariffs, or by border controls.  They require proactive interventions nested in strong political support and commitments, cooperative mechanisms for capacity building and experience sharing.

We believe that the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Strategy on the Tourism Sector is a signal that this commonality of the threat is recognised.

We are also pleased that the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) saw the need and committed over US$ 800,000.00 to this the regional public good.  It has lit a light in a hitherto dark tunnel, and we are pleased by the public and community response.

The benchmarking exercise which will inform the specific needs in each of the five (5) beneficiary states has been very revealing.  It is noted that whilst there are many elements of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) programme in the sector, there is a need for these to be anchored around a shared framework, build capacity among the key actors and explore opportunities in the design and development process to minimize the creation of additional risks.
The model framework will certainly provide the mechanisms for moving in that direction.

It is in this context that CDERA is pleased to be brokering this process with our regional and development partners; confident in the recognition that Jamaica is ready to seize this opportunity.

Contact Details:
Jeremy Collymore
Coordinator, CDERA
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA)
Building No. 1 Manor Lodge Complex
Lodge Hill, St Michae
BARBADOS
Tele: (246) 425-0386
Fax: (246) 425-8854
Email: cdera@caribsurf.com; Website: www.cdera.org