Dr. Jules expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the significant and timely assistance extended in the aftermath of the hurricanes and noted the importance of deeper relations with the Dutch islands, given their capacity to assist the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) as critical first responders in the event of natural disasters.

“It is important that we pre-position assets in preparation for disasters. Our predictive ability is a very important, and often under considered, aspect of disaster preparedness,” said Dr. Jules.

The Director General noted that the Organisation has been working towards a Climate Smart Coalition, with key players in the public and private sectors, in an effort to streamline post-disaster processes such as the coordination of aid and the legitimacy of disaster relief funds.

The meeting also discussed the possibility of membership of the OECS for select dutch territories, increased intra-regional trade opportunities and the sharing of expertise in the fields of renewable energy, and climate resilience.

Representatives from the OECS present during the visit were Ambassador Anthony Severin, Head International Relations; and Ms Beverly Best, Head of Development Cooperation & Resource Mobilisation.