CPSO Coordinates Private Sector Response to Hurricane Beryl
The CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) held its first Coordination Meeting on July 1st, 2024, to mobilize regional private resources to provide assistance to Member States impacted by Hurricane Beryl’s passage.
Coordination Meeting Overview
The CPSO Coordination Meeting was held within the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) framework, chaired by CPSO Executive Committee Member, Dr. Thackwray Driver, and supported by Chief Executive Officer and Technical Director, Dr. Patrick Antoine.
The meeting aimed to ensure coordination and alignment of the private sector response, ensuring participating entities were on standby and in a state of readiness to provide the required aid.
Needs-Based Assistance
“Ultimately, the assistance and support that we aim at providing must be informed by a Needs List,” Dr. Driver stated. “Sometimes, unfortunately, well-meaning private sector and other persons may wish to share a variety of items, but we want to ensure that the support we extend matches the needs of the persons and private sectors in the affected countries as much as possible.”
Private Sector Response
Thus far, pledges have been confirmed from regional bottled water manufacturers to ensure an emergency supply is ready and on hand, if required. Several manufacturers and conglomerates have been approached for the provision of required relief items, warehouse space has been identified for staging relief items, regional marine vessel providers are being engaged, and outreach is being made for ground transport services.
“To ensure that the support we provide matches the needs of the affected countries, we are in contact with CDEMA, and the disaster coordinating agencies in the respective countries, coordinating with regional private sector associations through CARICHAM, and are awaiting information from them,” Dr. Antoine said. “At this point, we are pooling all of the resources at our disposal and confirming the logistics so that we will be ready to mobilize, move ahead and lend the required support at short notice.”
Hurricane Beryl Situation
Hurricane Beryl, which intensified to a Category 4 hurricane on Monday, is moving through St. Vincent and the Grenadine Islands, Grenada, and Carriacou. The CPSO joins with the Community in demonstrating its support for the Member States and CARICOM people who are being so badly affected by the wrath of Hurricane Beryl at this time.
The organization will continue to work assiduously in contributing to the critical needs of those affected and to support the rapid recovery of the private sector and the Communities in affected Member States.
How to Assist
Private Sector actors interested in assisting can contact the CPSO (kbaltimore@thecpso.org; 868-387-2233) to make their contributions consistent with the needs of affected States. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
About The CARICOM Private Sector Organization
The CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) is the most recently accredited Associate Institution of the Caribbean Community. The CPSO is a ‘Service Organization’ to mobilize and advance private sector participation in CARICOM, with a mandate to contribute to the full implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The Membership of the CPSO is comprised of private sector entities operating in the CARICOM space, including Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSMEs). For further information, please contact the CPSO Secretariat at: info@thecpso.org
Conclusion
The CARICOM Private Sector Organization remains committed to supporting the affected Member States and the CARICOM people through this challenging time. We urge private sector actors to join us in providing critical assistance and support to those in need.
FAQs
Q: What is the CPSO doing to assist affected Member States?
A: The CPSO is coordinating with private sector associations, manufacturers, and suppliers to provide relief items, including bottled water, food, and medical supplies. We are also working with regional and national disaster management agencies to ensure a targeted and effective response.
Q: How can private sector actors assist?
A: Private sector actors can contact the CPSO to make their contributions consistent with the needs of affected States. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Q: What is the CPSO’s mandate?
A: The CPSO’s mandate is to mobilize and advance private sector participation in CARICOM, with a focus on contributing to the full implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). We achieve this by providing a platform for private sector entities to engage with each other and with government and regional organizations.