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The workshops, through stakeholder engagement will improve the countries’ capacity for earthquake contingency planning through the adaptation of the Model Earthquake Contingency Plan (MECP) developed by CDEMA. The National Contingency Plans developed will comprehensively address all aspects of managing earthquake events in the Caribbean region decreasing vulnerability.

The first workshop will be held in Barbados on January 31-February 1 2011, in partnership with the Department of Emergency Management (DEM).  Participants will familiarize themselves with the Model Earthquake Contingency Plan, review and draft a National Earthquake Contingency Plan, and test the Plan through simulation exercises. Mr. Arturo Lopez, a Disaster Management Consultant, along with Dr. Virginia Clerveaux (ERCB Programme Coordinator-CDEMA Staff) will facilitate these workshops and will be instrumental in extracting the knowledge and feedback from the stakeholders for the strengthening of National Earthquake Contingency Plans in the region. A broad range of key stakeholders are expected to be in attendance at these workshops whose diverse background is critical in the adaptation of the Model Earthquake Contingency Plan. Feedback from the stakeholders will assist in strengthening National Earthquake Contingency Plans regionally.

Through the ERCB Project CDEMA has sought to address the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes under the umbrella of the Enhanced Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Strategy and Framework. Caribbean countries face many natural hazards that threaten the lives and livelihoods of its citizens. The viability and productivity of the most lucrative income‐generating sectors of regional economies are continually at risk undermining the attainment of regional sustainable development. The Caribbean Sea earthquake of November 2007 which jolted 13 of the 18 CDEMA PS and more recently, the devastating Haiti earthquake of January 2010 are strong reminders of the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes.

For more information, please contact
Dr. Virginia Clerveaux
Senior Programme Officer (SPO)
Haiti Technical Assistance Programme (HTAP) &
Government of Australia Disaster Risk Reduction Initiatives,
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA),
Building #1 Manor Lodge Complex,
Lodge Hill, St. Michael, Barbados, W.I
Tel. (246) 425 0386 Ext. 237; Cell (246) 269-5959; Fax (246) 425 8854
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.cdema.org