BASSETERRE, St. Kitts and Nevis (PMO) – St. Kitts and Nevis has become the first OECS member state to host the Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM13). Delivering the Opening Keynote Address, Prime Minister Hon. Dr Terrance M. Drew set an inspiring tone for the conference, held under the theme, “Road to Resilience – Checkpoint 2024: Levelling Up for a Dynamic Future.”
Welcoming delegates from across the region and beyond, Prime Minister Drew said, “This occasion marks a historic milestone for our twin-island Federation, which is currently pursuing a transformative agenda to fulfil our goals and vision of becoming a Sustainable Island State.” He underscored the significance of hosting this premier event in St. Kitts and Nevis, positioning the Federation as a regional leader in disaster resilience and sustainable development.
The Prime Minister took the opportunity to outline the challenges facing the Caribbean, noting the region’s vulnerabilities to increasingly severe hurricanes, rising sea levels, and seismic activities. He affirmed that resilience is not only possible but essential for the region’s survival. “While we may be vulnerable, we are not helpless. This conference is proof of our collective resolve to transform challenges into opportunities and vulnerabilities into strengths,” Dr. Drew stated.
Highlighting St. Kitts and Nevis’ efforts in disaster preparedness, Prime Minister Drew highlighted the Federation’s National Disaster Plan, which addresses traditional hazards like hurricanes and earthquakes alongside emerging threats such as cybersecurity breaches and pandemics. He pointed to advancements in the country’s Early Warning System (EWS), saying, “By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and real-time data analysis, we are forecasting disasters with greater accuracy and ensuring that even our most vulnerable populations are informed and empowered to act.”
Prime Minister Drew used the opportunity to emphasise the integration of resilience into the Federation’s Sustainable Island State agenda, underscoring the importance of renewable energy projects such as the Solar Farm along the Kim Collins Highway and geothermal energy initiatives. “These investments reduce our carbon footprint, enhance energy independence, and, crucially, increase our ability to recover quickly from disruptions,” he said.
Reflecting on the need for proactive leadership, He expressed, “Visionary leadership does not react to crises; it anticipates them. It is about creating an environment where innovation thrives, where communities are empowered, and where resilience is ingrained into the fabric of society.”
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of regional collaboration, lauding CDEMA’s efforts in coordinating disaster responses and fostering unity. He called for the Caribbean to strengthen partnerships through enhanced information-sharing platforms, regional stockpiles, and joint public awareness campaigns.
In a call to action for global stakeholders, Dr Drew urged international partners to step up in addressing climate change. “The nations that have contributed most to climate change must bear their share of the responsibility in addressing its devastating impacts. Your support is not charity—it is an investment in a region whose success benefits the world,” he asserted.
The conference, which runs from December 2nd to 6th at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, brings together regional and international leaders, policymakers, and disaster management professionals to tackle evolving global risks and chart a path toward sustainable resilience.