Barfod: Focus on getting results

Progress and stability in the region will be strengthened through enhancing the prevention, preparation, mitigation, response and recovery capacity in relation to disasters.

This was the opinion shared by Head of the European Union (EU) delegation to Barbados, Ambassador Mikael Barfod, as he delivered remarks at the opening of the Caribbean Disaster Management Consultation last week Thursday at the Hilton Barbados.

Pointing to the new Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy, he outlined that this would offer a unique opportunity for the region to shift the paradigm of its approach in dealing with today’s increasingly complex and fragile world.

He, therefore, told those gathered that focus must be results-based through the setting up of action-oriented targets and measurable deeds to reduce disaster risks, including through implementing risk assessments and early warning systems and identifying gaps and measures to fill them.

“Caribbean citizens will judge us by what has been done for them to improve their lives, not by how beautiful the concepts or implementations plans are. This is also very important for us development partners as we will only be able to justify further funding in support to DRM for the Caribbean if we can demonstrate that results have been achieved,” Barfod highlighted.

In addition, he pointed out that there was an opportunity to make disaster risk reduction (DRR) contribute to sustainable and smart growth.

“The potential for productive investments in DRR that contribute to growth, jobs and competitiveness is enormous. Infrastructure need to be risk sensitive and climate disaster resilient; we need to engage the business community and in particular the insurance/reinsurance industry; and encourage the use of innovative technologies and instruments to support disaster management,” he insisted. (JMB)