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)