Long Point, Nevis – November 17, 2024 – For the first time in history, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) is bringing its esteemed Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) to the Leeward Islands, with the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis as the proud host. One of the highlights of this year’s conference will be the School-Based Multiple Hazards Exhibition, an event poised to immerse the youth in hands-on disaster preparedness and empower the community in resilience and disaster risk reduction.
Scheduled for Wednesday, December 4th, 2024, the exhibition will run from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park in Nevis. The peak or prime time will be from 12 noon, spotlighting student-led demonstrations and community engagement in disaster preparedness. Ms. Neila Jones, a prolific young public speaker, will moderate the event, assisted by multi-talented DJ Shackobe Hinds of Charlestown Secondary School.
The exhibition, an integral part of the CDM13 conference—will unfold alongside various other activities, reflecting the theme: “CDM Road to Resilience: Checkpoint 2024 – Leveling Up for a Dynamic Future.” This initiative, known as the School-Based Multiple Hazards Exhibition, assigns a specific hazard to each school in Nevis to promote awareness, boost preparedness, and build resilience among students and the broader community to effectively address various natural threats.
At this much-anticipated event, primary schools on Nevis will showcase creative exhibits and simulations of eight hazards: earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanoes, hurricanes, floods, storm surges, and fires. Under the guidance of the Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD) and in alignment with CDEMA’s principles on preparedness and awareness, they will demonstrate practical safety measures to take before, during, and after disasters, reflecting their year-long multiple hazards campaign.
This event will feature participation from The St. Kitts Nevis Robotics Association and youths from St. Lucia and Turks and Caicos, highlighting regional collaboration and innovative approaches to disaster risk management. Their involvement will add a dynamic layer to the exhibition, demonstrating how technology and youth engagement can transform disaster preparedness and resilience.
The CDEMA 13th Caribbean Conference is historic as it unfolds for the first time in the Leeward Islands. It provides a platform for regional leaders, youth, and community members to share insights and develop strategies to strengthen resilience across member states. This exhibition is more than an event; it’s a testament to the collective power of education, preparedness, and community collaboration in building a resilient Caribbean.