Latin America and the Caribbean

Barbados

Hurricane Beryl’s aftermath in Petite Martinique in Grenada, one of the most affected islands.
Hurricane Beryl’s aftermath in Petite Martinique in Grenada, one of the most affected islands. Photo: OCHA/Jolene Muir

Since its establishment in 2020, the Humanitarian Advisory Team (HAT) has served as a crucial link for humanitarian efforts in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Working closely with the United Nations Coordination Office for Barbados and Eastern Caribbean States, OCHA plays a key role in enhancing emergency preparedness and response across ten countries and territories. 

Most recently, the HAT’s swift collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) helped provide an immediate and coordinated response to the devastating impact of 2024’s Hurricane Beryl – the earliest Category 4 and 5 storm ever recorded – in Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.  This resulted in both a US$1.5 million UN Central Emergency Response Fund allocation and a $9 million Regional Overview and Response Plan for both countries, as well as coordination with UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) deployments. 

The HAT was also at the centre of the coordination of response to the 2021 La Soufriere volcano eruption in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which led to the launch of a $29 million UN Global Funding Appeal. 

Beyond immediate responses, OCHA supports the formulation of a coordinated cooperation framework between the United Nations System and CDEMA. As co-lead of the UN Emergency Technical Team with UNICEF, OCHA enhances collaboration, improving operational readiness and fostering a coordinated approach among UN agencies, CDEMA, and international partners. 

OCHA's collaboration extends to supporting CDEMA's 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, focusing on strengthening the Regional Rapid Response Mechanism and the Caribbean Development Partners Group. This strategic forum, led by the UN Residents Coordinator, coordinates humanitarian responses during emergencies in the subregion. 

Recognizing the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) due to climate change, OCHA calls for prioritized resource allocation and policy changes to enhance SIDS' resilience and coordination efforts.