BRIDGETOWN – The Barbados-based Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a Turks and Caicos Islands-based airline for the movement of relief personnel and supplies, necessary for providing an immediate coordinated response to regional disasters.
CDEMA acting executive director, Elizabeth Riley, said the MOU with interCaribbean Airways Ltd, signalled the formal start of a partnership, which would strengthen the strategic airlift available to the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM).
“interCaribbean Airways exemplifies the spirit of regionalism and demonstrates the tangible role of public-private partnerships. This spirit of cooperation will undoubtedly boost our operational readiness and capabilities in providing immediate and timely response support to humanitarian crises affecting any of our 19 Participating States”, said Riley.
interCaribbean Airways Ltd chairman, Lyndon Gardiner, said the airline was pleased to partner with CDEMA in supporting the region when disaster events necessitated early and quick responses to movement of support with people and immediate supplies needed.
“We have had experience over many disasters that have affected the Caribbean and been able to support governments and private needs to quickly mobilise. With a Caribbean wide network of destinations, we are uniquely able to quickly respond. This network and experience will be critical in the event of a need,” Gardiner added.
A statement issued following the signing said that both entities would maintain close co-operation and consultations when needed on issues of common interest concerning disaster risk management including mobilisation of support.
The partnership will be guided by the mandate of humanitarian assistance including joint advocacy on humanitarian issues and concerns and sharing expert advice on humanitarian institutional capacity building, it added. (CMC)
