Model Integrated Relief Policy Workshop Held in Belize

A workshop to consider the Model Integrated Relief Policy for the Caribbean and its implications for Belize was recently completed at the headquarters of the National Emergency Management Organization in Belmopan.

The Model Integrated Relief Policy is a document that seeks to bring cohesion to disaster response and relief coordination in the Caribbean. The effort is being spearheaded by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA), with funding assistance from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

The document cites some of the shortfalls and inefficiencies that occurred during the intense 2004 hurricane season. By citing these instances, the document aims to create a policy that will enhance the regional relief response mechanism of the Caribbean. An improvement of the regional relief response mechanism will result in the alleviation of human suffering following destructive events such as a hurricane.

Belizean public officers and disaster managers familiar with the challenges of relief supplies delivery and management participated in the workshop. Working in groups, each participant shared their personal experiences of the pitfalls associated with relief management. At the end of the workshop, they had begun to hammer out what is to become Belize’s contribution to the Model Integrated Relief Policy for the Caribbean.

This workshop, in Belize, is one of many that are being held in all of CDERA ‘s 16 participating states throughout the Caribbean. The workshops draw on the expertise of facilitators from the region who have working experiences of disaster situations and who understand CDERA’s regional disaster management principles and policies. The workshop's facilitator was Mr. Sylvan McIntyre.

Information provided by: Belize National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO)

Asian Development Bank Coordinating with Partners on Indonesia Earthquake Relief Assistance

ADB is working closely with the Government of Indonesia and other development partners, including the World Bank, United Nations, and Japan Bank for International Cooperation, on assessing the most effective ways to assist people affected by the 27 May earthquake.

ADB has initially offered US$10 million in immediate grant assistance and $50 million in concessional loans, for a total of $60 million, to help meet the rehabilitation and reconstruction needs.

“ADB has a wealth of experience in implementing projects in disaster affected areas,” said Rajat Nag, Director General of ADB’s Southeast Asia Department, who visited central Java and Yogyakarta two days after the earthquake. “We will continue to assess the needs in the area and are already exploring how we can support the Government of Indonesia in the medium term.”

ADB has put together an immediate response team, comprising experts from various sectors, and will take part in a joint Government-donor mission to the affected areas on 6-7 June 2006.

The Government of Indonesia, through the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), will lead the damage and loss assessment process. The Indonesia government has convened a series of meetings since the earthquake, and the joint Government-donor teams are setting priorities and dividing responsibilities for assistance beyond the initial rescue and relief efforts, such as ensuring adequate provision of housing and utilities.

ADB has long experience in several sectors in the affected areas, including roads, flood management systems, and hospitals. ADB has an ongoing road rehabilitation project in the area, for example, as well as a project to provide housing and community infrastructure support.
-Asian Development Bank-