By Zoila Palma: Belize is looking to strengthen its disaster preparedness, response capabilities and resilience following discussions between Minister of the Public Service, Disaster Risk Management and Enterprise, Henry Charles Usher, and Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Executive Director Elizabeth Riley.
The meeting was held on November 12, 2026, at the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) Headquarters during Riley’s official mission to Belize.
The discussions focused on Belize’s national disaster management priorities and the implementation of the country’s 2026–2030 Country Work Programme. Key areas included national preparedness, recovery planning, institutional capacity and sustainable disaster risk financing. Officials also examined existing and emerging threats, including cyberattacks and hazards associated with climate change, emphasizing the need to improve the country’s ability to anticipate, prepare for and respond to disasters.
A key priority identified was strengthening disaster risk management competencies across the public service.
Minister Usher emphasized the importance of expanding training and capacity-building opportunities for public officers while ensuring that these investments result in measurable improvements in national preparedness and response capabilities. Improved coordination among government ministries and agencies was also highlighted as essential to establishing a more comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to disaster management.
The meeting also addressed the need for sustainable disaster risk financing, including stronger national contingency arrangements and mechanisms to reduce Belize’s dependence on external assistance following major disasters. Riley provided updates on CDEMA’s institutional strengthening initiatives and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Belize through technical assistance, training and regional expertise.
In addition to meeting with Minister Usher, Riley engaged NEMO’s technical team to discuss operational priorities, ongoing initiatives and opportunities to strengthen technical cooperation.
The post Belize and Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency discuss strengthening Disaster Preparedness, Response and Resilience appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Belize is looking to strengthen its disaster preparedness, response capabilities and resilience following discussions between Minister of the Public Service, Disaster Risk Management and Enterprise, Henry Charles Usher, and Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Executive Director Elizabeth Riley. The meeting was held on November 12, 2026, at the National Emergency Management
The post Belize and Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency discuss strengthening Disaster Preparedness, Response and Resilience appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.