This annual event is the United States’ leading forum for hurricane preparedness and emergency management, drawing participants from across the U.S. and the Caribbean.
The participating delegation included Island Governor Alida Francis, who holds the Disaster and Crisis Management portfolio. She was joined by Island Secretary/Crisis Coordinator Malvern Dijkshoorn, Crisis Manager Andre Bennett, Chief of Basic Police Services Robelto Hodge, Social Domain Director Carol Jack, Policy Advisor Edris Bennett, Public Works Administrative Assistant Ruth Pandt, Senior Communication Advisor Vaughn Sams, and Unit Manager of Security for Airport and Harbour Michael de Vreugd.
The team participated in a series of workshops, inter-agency exercises, and expert sessions focused on early warning systems, coordinated response planning, and technological innovations in disaster operations.
“We return better prepared, better connected, and more informed. These international exchanges are vital to keeping Statia’s emergency systems up to standard,” said Crisis Coordinator Andre Bennett, who organized and led the delegation.
On the final day of the conference, the team was invited to tour the Emergency Operations Center in West Palm Beach, hosted by the local crisis management team. Joining the visit was Graciela Statia, Senior Advisor to the Disaster Management Organisation of Curaçao, who contributed valuable regional insights.
The delegation expressed its sincere appreciation to the management and staff of the Emergency Operations Center for their warm hospitality and the informative exchange.
The conference offered a vital platform for knowledge exchange and fostered new partnerships that strengthen Statia’s readiness to respond effectively in times of crisis. The delegation returns equipped not only with updated methodologies, but also with renewed purpose.
The Government of Statia remains committed to improving its disaster response capacity through continuous training, international collaboration, and investment in advanced emergency management tools.
