A new European Union-backed programme aims to strengthen early warning systems, disaster response and community preparedness across the Caribbean, with fresh support for regional agencies and post-disaster recovery following Hurricane Beryl.

Virginie Andre, the EU’s programme manager for disaster risk management, speaking on behalf of the European Union Ambassador to Barbados, Fiona Ramsey, announced the renewed partnership during the opening of a three-day regional conference at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

The new EU-Caribbean initiatives are designed to focus heavily on improving meteorological forecasting, climate services, regional logistics, and public-private co-operation for disaster response and recovery.