DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCIES IN SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS RECEIVE USD $85,000 IN EQUIPMENT THROUGH THE GREEN CLIMATE FUND

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts, March 31, 2025 (SKNIS) – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD) have significantly enhanced their technological capacity with the receipt of USD $85,000 in advanced Information Technology (IT) equipment, generously provided by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The handover took place on Monday, March 31, 2025, in a ceremony held at the Ministry of Sustainable Development..

Sherilita Dore-Tyson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, underscored the pivotal role played by Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment, in fostering international partnerships that support Saint Kitts and Nevis’ climate transformation initiatives.

Ms. Dore-Tyson encouraged the disaster management agencies to strategically utilise the new equipment in their ongoing efforts to address the impacts of climate change, noting the critical importance of strengthening disaster resilience.

“This equipment will undoubtedly enhance our capacity for disaster mitigation and preparedness, especially in light of the challenges we face as a result of climate change,” PS Dore-Tyson emphasised.

National Disaster Coordinator Livingston Pemberton expressed deep gratitude for the generous donation, highlighting the critical role of partnerships in strengthening disaster management efforts.

“One of the things that we have been advocating for is to build capacity, but in order for us to build capacity, we have to first build partnerships, where we can leverage our resources throughout the government,” he explained. “So today, we are extremely happy that you have partnered with us to help us acquire this well-needed equipment.”

The IT equipment was procured through the Federation’s 4th Readiness Project, which is funded by the GCF and is focused on enhancing the capacity of disaster management agencies and meteorological services to respond more effectively to climate change. Over the past two years, NEMA and NDMD have benefited from updates to their disaster management plans and operational frameworks, which include improved training manuals for staff and volunteers. Additionally, an online Climate Data Repository has been established to support evidence-based, climate-conscious decision-making across the nation.

This handover marks the second significant contribution from the GCF to a government agency in Saint Kitts and Nevis. In 2022, the GCF supported the MET offices on both Saint Kitts and Nevis with over USD $30,000 in IT equipment aimed at improving forecasting capabilities and strengthening the overall capacity of the meteorological services.

The Green Climate Fund has committed to continuing its support for national stakeholders in their efforts to combat the growing threat of climate change. Through its Readiness Support Programme, the GCF has already provided USD $8.3 million to assist government institutions and other national entities in building resilience. Additionally, throughout 2025, the Ministry of Sustainable Development will receive further support to digitise its land management and project management processes, ensuring even greater efficiency in addressing climate challenges.

This ongoing collaboration exemplifies Saint Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to building robust climate resilience and enhancing disaster management capabilities, reinforcing the nation’s proactive stance in combating the effects of climate change.

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