The Caribbean region is exposed to a wide range of natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and volcanoes. It has been described as the second most hazard-prone region in the world. Various factors render Caribbean populations extremely vulnerable to disasters. These factors include socioeconomic issues such as high population density and high levels of poverty.
 
The Commonwealth Broadcasting Association (CBA) is the largest global association of public service broadcasters and the Caribbean Broadcasting Union is the regional broadcasters’ union. The provision of public service content continues to be much debated, but in a time of crisis – be it due to terrorism, a pandemic or a natural disaster – it is the national public service media (radio, TV and online) that the nation will turn to for vital information.
 
This project from CBA will introduce a three-day workshop for senior Caribbean broadcasting managers on the topic of Emergency and Disaster Management. This will cover the role of the media before, during and after a disaster or emergency. This project will aim to guide radio and television broadcasters in the editorial and managerial choices they make, which could affect the population in the case of an emergency or disaster. By educating media leaders in this manner, the project will better equip the Caribbean media to serve the public in times of disaster. Many of the broadcast media outlets in the target countries do not currently prioritize their training budget in a way that focuses on how the media can support society when emergencies arise. Additionally, a subsequent online Crisis Management learning course will be created, which will reinforce the knowledge and skills acquired by workshop participants. The project also aims to improve coverage of disasters throughout the Caribbean by producing a booklet to be distributed to Caribbean journalists after the workshop.