From the 21st to the 24th of May, the third edition of the 'Week of Crisis
Management Caribbean parts of the Kingdom' took place in The Hague. The week
was organised by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and the Ministry
of Justice and Security. Various representatives of crisis organisations from the six
islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius, staff from
various ministries and chain partners such as the National Operational Coordination
Centre (LOCC) and Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR.NL) met.
The week started with a dilemma exercise, in which participants had to practice
making difficult decisions. This was followed by interesting presentations and
discussions on crisis management. A working visit was also paid to LOCC and the
Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). LOCC is part of the Ministry of
Justice and Security and fulfils an important role in (inter)national incidents, disasters
and crises or threats thereof, among other things. KNMI's responsibilities include
preparing weather forecasts, also for the Caribbean Netherlands.
During Crisis Management Week, participants felt it was important to exchange
knowledge, further explore and agree on opportunities for cooperation and have
contact with representatives of other crisis organisations. Cooperation and
preparation were the focus throughout the week. Cooperation is important,
especially in times of crisis. When a disaster or crisis occurs, it is important to be
prepared. Good preparation leads to better crisis management. The participants look
back on a successful Crisis Management Week.
Preparing for crises in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom
