Embassy of The Bahamas, Brussels
Brussels, Belgium
19 July 2023
Press Release
Her Excellency Cheryl E Bazard, Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and Head of Mission to the European Union, with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
Her Excellency Cheryl E. Bazard, Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and Head of Mission to the European Union, met with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) on Friday, 20th July, 2023, in a concerted effort to bolster disaster management capabilities in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
CDEMA, established in 1991 as CDERA (Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency), serves as a regional inter-governmental agency responsible for disaster management in CARICOM member states. Its initial focus was on coordinating emergency response and relief efforts in Participating States during hurricanes and tropical storms. In 2009, the agency underwent a transformation into CDEMA, embracing the principles and practice of Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM).
Acknowledging the evolving nature of disasters in the Caribbean, which now encompasses volcanic activity, tsunamis, and other hazards, Her Excellency had the privilege of meeting with the Honourable Shawn Edward, Chairperson of CDEMA, and Executive Director Elizabeth Riley.
Over the years, CDEMA’s mandate has broadened to assume a more strategic role as a facilitator, coordinator, and driving force behind the promotion and implementation of Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) principles across Participating States. CDM represents an integrated and proactive approach to disaster management, aiming to mitigate risks, minimize losses associated with natural and technological hazards, and address the impacts of climate change to foster sustainable development in the region.
During the meeting, Ambassador Bazard emphasized the importance of strengthening disaster management efforts and collaboration among CARICOM member states. She reaffirmed The Bahamas’ commitment to actively engaging with CDEMA and its partners to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities in the face of increasingly complex challenges.
The Embassy of The Bahamas commends CDEMA for its ongoing dedication and effective coordination of disaster response and relief efforts within the region. As climate change continues to impact the Caribbean, the Embassy stands ready to lend its support to CDEMA’s initiatives and work collaboratively to safeguard the lives, livelihoods, and future prosperity of all Caribbean nations.
About The Embassy, Belgium: The Embassy of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Kingdom of Belgium liaises with the Bahamas High Commission in London to perform a number of consular functions, including the processing and issuance of visas, the issuance of passports, the legalisation of documents, and assistance to Bahamian nationals in distress.
For more info: https://bahamasembassybe.com