CDEMA was established in 1991 as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) to coordinate emergency response and relief efforts across the Caribbean. Its creation followed the recognition that a regional, cooperative approach was essential to effectively manage disasters in the vulnerable Caribbean region. In 2009, CDERA was restructured and renamed CDEMA to reflect a broader mandate—not only responding to disasters but also focusing on disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and recovery.

Today, CDEMA supports 19 participating states, working to strengthen regional resilience through early warning systems, capacity building, and coordinated disaster management strategies.

The 17th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM17) was held on March 24–25, 2025, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Organized by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), this biennial event brought together regional and international stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing disaster resilience in the Caribbean.

Key Themes and Objectives:

• Strengthening Early Warning Systems: Emphasis was placed on upgrading technology and infrastructure to ensure timely alerts and coordinated responses before disasters strike.

• Capacity Building: The conference highlighted the importance of training local emergency personnel and improving community outreach to enhance preparedness and response efforts.

• Policy Development: Discussions centered around formulating and implementing policies that support comprehensive disaster management and climate change adaptation.

• Regional Collaboration: The event served as a platform for participating states to share best practices, lessons learned, and to foster partnerships aimed at building a more resilient Caribbean.

The 17th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM17) is scheduled to take place in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. While the exact venue has not been officially confirmed, several hotels in the region are well-equipped to host such conferences. Below are some notable options:

🏨 Grenadine House – Kingstown, St. Vincent

• Overview: A historic boutique hotel offering elegant meeting rooms and facilities suitable for conferences and official events. Located centrally in Kingstown, it provides expansive views over the capital and the Grenadines.

• 📍 Address: Kingstown Park, P.O. Box 2523, Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
  
  

• 📧 Email: stay@grenadinehouse.com
  
  

• 📞 Telephone: +1 (784) 458-1800
  
  

• 📱 Mobile: +1 (784) 593-0996
  
  

• 🌐 Website: www.grenadinehouse.com