By Franklyn Michael C ARICAD and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in December 2016, shortly after CARICAD’s Executive Director Mr. Devon Rowe took up his post. The purpose of the MOU was to provide a platform and a binding, formal basis for agreement, collaboration and cooperation. The two regional institutions have agreed to maintain their partnership by revising and extending the original MOU. The MOU was based on the realisation that both institutions, although having different mandates, have an immutable commitment to promoting and supporting Sustainable Development among CARICOM member states. The two institutions use many of the same tools and techniques to build capacity: • Project Planning and Management • Strategic planning • Organisation Capacity Assessments • Business Process Reviews • Contingency and Business Planning • Face-to-face and online training • In-country technical assistance • Change Management models and techniques • Stakeholder engagement and empowerment • Monitoring and Evaluation methodologies • Scenario planning • Case studies • Associate and external consultants to conduct selected assignments • Outreach through traditional and new media During the last five years CARICAD and CDEMA worked closely on several initiatives: • Staff and personnel recruitments • Selection of consultants • Training for staff • Participation in disaster management conferences • Sharing expertise in information technology • Promulgation of tools and techniques for Recovery planning One of the most significant efforts in strategic collaboration took place in the wake of the explosive eruptions at the La Soufriere in mid-April of this year. CARICAD was able to assist CDEMA to focus on the organisation capacity aspects of the response. In reviewing the partnership the Executive Directors identified ways in which it can be improved. This includes identifying lead-persons in each institution, creating a Work Plan and setting a date for systematic review of joint efforts. CARICAD and CDEMA have committed to working even more closely in the future especially in matters dealing with building capacity for Crisis Leadership, Organisational Coordination, Contingency and Recovery Planning, Resilience and whole of government Comprehensive Disaster Management. One of the most significant efforts in strategic collaboration took place in the wake of the explosive eruptions at the La Soufriere volcano in mid-April of this year. CARICAD was able to assist CDEMA to focus on the organisation capacity aspects of the response. 4
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