Antigua and Barbuda trains early warning facilitators

An enhanced disaster preparedness initiative is expanding emergency response capabilities across Antigua and Barbuda, equipping local leaders to build a faster, more inclusive early warning network ahead of future climate threats.
Delegations from across the region gathered in Barbados for an intensive week-long regional Community Early Warning Systems (CEWS) Facilitator Training aimed at strengthening grassroots disaster preparedness.
Organized by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and hosted by the Barbados Red Cross, the program which was delivered by the Caribbean Disaster Risk Management (CaDRIM) Reference Centre, addressed the four primary pillars of early warning systems: Risk Knowledge, Monitoring, Dissemination and Communication, and Preparedness and Response Capabilities, was funded under the UNDRR CREWS 2.0 initiative to enhance multi-hazard early warning networks across vulnerable Caribbean communities.
Representing Antigua and Barbuda were ABRCS President, Dr. Jose Humphreys, Ms. Victoria Charlton, and Mr. Mohammid Walbrook.
The program bridged the gap between grassroots communities and local disaster response agencies. Aligning local protocols with national agencies, officials can develop a unified early warning structure designed to streamline critical information during crises.
Sister island vulnerabilities are taking center stage through the direct involvement of Walbrook, Barbuda’s focal point, who’s ensuring that Barbuda’s unique geographic, operational, and logistical challenges are directly integrated into future preparedness strategies.
In addition, the ABRCS has over the years deployed Enhanced Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (eVCA) methodologies to map systemic communication barriers. Facilitators are now equipped to develop actionable, plain-language messages delivered through trusted local channels to prompt immediate protective measures the moment a threat is detected.
The CEWS training prioritizes reaching marginalized populations, women, children, and persons with disabilities before disaster strikes.
Dr. Humphreys highlighted the vital impact for the twin-island state: “Empowering local communities to detect early risk signals and act swiftly is essential to saving lives and safeguarding livelihoods. By equipping key leaders from both Antigua and Barbuda with these practical facilitation tools, we are closing the gap between national early warnings and immediate, decisive community action on the ground.”
On a visit to the Barbados Meteorological Services operations office, participants experienced firsthand the use of hydro-meteorological testing equipment, including automatic weather stations (AWS), rain gauges (tipping-bucket and manual), weather radar and satellite imagery display systems, along with a Class A evaporation pan to measure evaporation, anemometers for wind speed and direction.