Emergency Services Section contributes to regional learning, coordination, and post‑disaster improvement efforts
The Jamaica Red Cross (JRC) participated in the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency’s (CDEMA) Annual Regional After-Action Review, which was held in Kingston Jamaica and concluded this week (March 10 – 12).
The three‑day Regional After‑Action Review examining the response to Hurricane Melissa was jointly hosted by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and CDEMA. The forum convened regional disaster management leaders and partners to review response efforts and identify key lessons to inform future operations.
The Annual Regional After-Action Review is a regional forum convened by CDEMA to review disaster response activities from the previous year. It brings together national, regional, and partner organisations to assess what worked well, identify gaps, and develop recommendations to strengthen coordination and improve future emergency response across the Caribbean.
Emergency Services Manager at the Jamaica Red Cross, Leiska Powell, noted that JRC’s involvement aimed to support the after‑action review process, with a focus on assessing successes, identifying gaps, and contributing recommendations to improve coordination for future events. The forum also provided an opportunity for the organisation to share best practices from its experience.
The Jamaica Red Cross Emergency Services Section plays a central role in national disaster preparedness and response. Its work includes preparedness planning, emergency response coordination, first aid and emergency care, shelter support, and the deployment of trained volunteers to assist communities before and following emergencies.
In recent months, the Emergency Services Section has remained actively engaged in relief and recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, supporting affected communities through continued emergency response activities and coordination with partners. This ongoing work reflects the Jamaica Red Cross’s commitment to strengthening community resilience and contributing to effective national and regional disaster response efforts.
