Resilience in Action: NEMA & NDMD Equipped with CDEMA’s Advanced Logistics System

Charlestown, Nevis – September 4, 2025 – The NEMA and NDMD, in collaboration with the CDEMA and US Government, successfully executed the Comprehensive Logistics Systems (CLS) workshop at the NDMD during the period August 26 to 29, 2025.

The CLS system is a cutting-edge digital platform designed for the visualization and management of stockpiles across participating Caribbean states. Developed as a joint initiative between the WFP and CDEMA, the system was created in direct response to critical gaps identified in regional logistics, inventory, and warehouse management following major hurricanes and other natural hazards that have affected the Caribbean in recent years .

“Since 2019, the CLS has been significantly used to support regional responses,” said Cayle Francis-Thornhill, Logistics Specialist based at the CDEMA CU’s Barbados office. “Its continued rollout, in collaboration with participating states, ensures that logistics, warehousing and inventory management are fully integrated into regional disaster response mechanisms, enhancing our collective ability to respond quickly and effectively.”

The training program for the CLS system is conducted over one week in an interactive, in-person format. It combines theoretical modules with hands-on exercises using the CLS platform, enabling participants to gain both knowledge and practical skills. Disaster Management Officers, stakeholders and operations staff are trained on the system before transitioning to live operational use.

According to Mr. Francis-Thornhill Gardener, the main goal of the initiative is “to build and strengthen logistics response capacity at both the national and regional levels. This training continues to increase the quantity, quality and readiness of skilled personnel available to Saint Kitts and Nevis in particular, and to the wider Caribbean region, in support of disaster management responses to hurricanes and other emergencies.”

This effort is part of a broader commitment to Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM), and strengthening the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM) ensuring that Caribbean nations are equipped with the tools, training, and coordination mechanisms necessary to respond to multi-hazard events and strengthen resilience.