Journalists, government information officers, and government and social media officials are now better equipped to communicate with the public during a hazard impact or crisis.
Just under 30 participants representing agencies from 12 Caribbean countries underwent two days of intense training during a TechCamp Crisis Communications workshop in Miami, hosted by the United States Embassy and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
Deputy Director of CDEMA, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, described the workshop as an important initiative that would provide an opportunity to help chart the direction that organisations like CDEMA and national disaster offices would need to engage and provide timely information.
“It will not only enhance the level of the journalism profession in the Caribbean in covering undesirable events, but it will help to save lives and protect properties, particularly in the role you play in early warning…,” Lt. Col. Craig said.
He described the media as being active players in early warning and essential partners in educating communities to promote disaster risk reduction to different audiences.
“You are also key in providing better responses to disaster affected states, and so, working with the TechCamp team to develop this workshop was a key priority for us at CDEMA,” the Deputy Director outlined.
He added that the TechCamp was expected to provide a roadmap for journalists and communicators in the coverage of stories, especially with the start of the 2023 hurricane season approaching.
Meanwhile, Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Bridgetown, Donald Maynard, said that disasters are not exclusive to the Caribbean, and the US viewed managing them as a priority issue.
“Your safety and security are a priority for us. We are there for emergencies and when you need assistance,” Mr. Maynard assured.
He said one of the real values of the workshop was the opportunity for participants to network and communicate with each other to share best practices.
The two-day event, which ran from February 8 to 9, covered areas such as The Role of the Media in Communicating the Disaster Management Cycle and Communicating Quickly and Effectively in a Crisis.