My submission deadline and other responsibilities ensured that today’s contribution to the T&T Guardian could not sensibly address some of the more compelling headline news of the day, the national budget included. But it provides an opportunity to draw attention to last Monday’s (not totally unrelated) global observance of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
It was an occasion notably absent from public
attention here in T&T and, indeed, most of the Caribbean – understandably distracted
as we are with other matters which, in a sense, all resonate rationally when it
comes to issues of survival.
But a failure to occupy even minimal space on
social and mainstream media platforms appeared to betray a sense of
invincibility and distraction, even in the face of a history of destruction and
painful recovery.
The UN system, through its Office for
Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), has warned it is advisable that the world fund
resilience instead of waiting to pay for the effects of disasters later. Extend
that thought to investing in domestic resilience measures instead of picking up
the pieces after disaster strikes.
It has been observed that damaging naturally
occurring events, globally, are becoming “more frequent, more costly, and more
devastating” at a cost of up to US$202 billion annually. The Caribbean
estimates, per capita, can be expected to be far more dramatic.
Meanwhile, our annual encounter with the acute
perils of the hurricane season, storms and floods, occasional experiences with
risks associated with earthquakes, and periodic volcanic episodes should all inspire
greater urgency when addressing possible mitigative measures.
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| Sailboats in Grenada Hurricane Ivan, 2004 (Photo: Wesley Gibbings) |
Importantly (and this is what occupied my Monday morning) there is a need for much more attention to the dissemination of information on disaster risks and perils, and examination of the role journalists and media can, and often do, play before, during, and after such turmoil.
This was the subject of a discussion led by
the Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC) and UNSECO following publication of landmark
journalistic case studies included in: “Disasters and Crises in the Caribbean
Region: A Review of Experiences in Seven Countries.”
For the occasion, the MIC asked regional
media workers what they thought about the relationship between media and their
societies when it came to disasters and crises. I thought it instructive to
reflect on some responses here:
“My research has once again showed me the
important role of the media in disaster preparedness and recovery. We act as a
bridge to help stakeholders reach each other and we are sometimes the most
relatable voices in such trying circumstances” - Elesha George (Dominica).
“As media and communication practitioners,
our role during a crisis is essential. We must consistently deliver accurate
and clear information; it's sometimes the difference between life and death” - Esther
Jones (Barbados).
“Journalists are among the first on the
scene following a natural or manmade disaster and these first reports set the
tone for immediate response and recovery. Our work should never be
underestimated as we don't only highlight issues and challenges but participate
in the journey of preventative measures to building resilience when it comes to
risk reduction” - Linda Straker (Grenada).
“What has stood out most to me is the
importance of community during disasters and recovery. Very often the real
first responders are friends, family and neighbours, creating a support network
that remains long after the event” - Carla Bridglal (Trinidad and Tobago).
“The media are expected to keep people
informed, even as journalists are impacted by the hazards about which we
report. Preparedness helps us to rise to the challenge” - Kenton Chance (St.
Vincent and the Grenadines).
“Covering the devastation on our tiny
island on Barbuda showed me that in a disaster, journalism is not just about
reporting, it is about helping people make sense of chaos, find safety and hold
on to hope” - Theresa T. Goodwin (Antigua and Barbuda).
“Preparedness saves lives. Awareness builds
resilience. Our future and our storytelling depend on both” - Julian Rogers
(MIC, Belize).
This kind of thoughtful feedback from Caribbean
media professionals ought to stimulate action by disaster management agencies
to bring journalists more into the information loop before, during, and after crises
and emergencies.
Official agencies may well find in the
media community trustworthy, loyal citizens who also have a vested interest in
ensuring that critical threats to lives and livelihoods are as much their
business as the experts charged with other critical aspects of disaster
management.
The stakeholders have not always been successful
in promoting the viability of such arrangements, and there have been sporadic attempts.
But it’s absolutely worth a look.
