Almost two weeks into the Atlantic hurricane season, efforts are being made to bolster the island’s resilience against natural disasters, by bringing experts together to refine strategies for effective risk communication in light of recent climate trends.
Key figures from the government, emergency response agencies, media practitioners and community leaders have been meeting for a Department of
Emergency Management workshop under the theme of Enhancing Early Warning, Early Action.
Tyson Henry, the government’s chief information officer described the meeting as timely, emphasising the urgency of bridging the gap between public awareness and actionable preparedness. Reflecting on his personal experiences during Hurricane Maria in Dominica, he stressed the profound and enduring impact of disasters on communities.
“Here in Barbados, I believe that we are all too familiar with the theory of the threats posed by disasters,” Henry said. “However, the gap between knowledge and action is vast. So when it comes time to execute a plan of action, my fear is that we could be left wanting if we haven’t properly prepared ourselves and our communities.
“Timely and clear communication is therefore paramount to ensuring public safety. Having said that, while timely warnings are crucial, their effectiveness hinges on a strong foundation of collaboration. This workshop, bringing together emergency response agencies and media practitioners, symbolises precisely that.”
Henry called for improved communication strategies that empower citizens to make informed decisions during crises, emphasising the media’s role in distilling complex information into accessible messages.
Kerry Cox, Barbados project lead for BBC Media Action, the British public broadcaster’s international development charity, highlighted the transformative potential of effective risk communication. She stressed the importance of clear, timely messaging in empowering communities to respond proactively to emergencies.
BBC Media Action’s Risk Communication for Early Action (RICA) project, Cox explained, is aimed at refining Barbados’ disaster communication strategies through collaborative efforts and research.
“In Barbados, what we’ve been doing, we’ve had consultations with many of you here today to better understand the risk communication practices here,” Cox said. “We held a creative workshop with disaster agencies, media, community and vulnerable groups exploring how working together we can inspire and empower Barbadians to engage with early warning information and act not only to protect themselves but also their loved ones and their livelihoods.”
Home Affairs and Information Minister Wilfred Abrahams commended the workshop as the result of a collaborative spirit in advancing the country’s disaster resilience. He emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with media and community leaders to ensure early warnings translate into swift, effective action.
Discussions included innovative approaches to engage vulnerable groups and harness technology for real-time updates. Participants acknowledged challenges such as countering misinformation and ensuring inclusivity. They committed to implementing recommendations, including enhanced training for media and emergency response teams, and conducting regular drills to test response capabilities. (RG)
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