Caribbean Disaster
Mitigation Project
Implemented by the Organization of American States
Unit of Sustainable Development and Environment
for the USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and the Caribbean Regional Program |
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Recommendations of the Workshop on the Integration of Disaster Management into the
Curricula of the Caribbean Universities
Note: these recommendations were compiled and distributed by the Caribbean Disaster
Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) in November 1999.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The second meeting for the Integration of Disaster Management into the Curricula of the
Caribbean Universities was held at the Sam Lord's Castle Hotel on Wednesday October 13,
1999. Those attending represented all three campuses of the University of the West Indies
(UWI), The University of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), the United States Agency
for International Development Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA), and the
Organisation of American States (OAS).
The meeting was organised by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA)
and funded by the OAS/CDMP.
2.0 WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
The Workshop focussed on laying the foundation for the development of two major
outputs:
2.1 Development of a framework of training being undertaken at Universities in the
Region
2.2 Development of a Disaster Management Curriculum Policy
3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
To facilitate these two major outputs the meeting recommended the following:
3.1 Framework for delivery of Disaster Management Training
3.1.1 Focus of interventions
- Development of a database of courses available at the University of the West Indies
focussing on Disaster Management or including Disaster Management training
- Making this information available to potential users
- Identification of training gaps and addressing them
3.1.2 Database of Courses
- A matrix of planned and existing courses or modules in Disaster Management should be
updated and extended to include: GG30D, GL39L and GG33E. All the courses are currently
available at Mona and it is recommended that these courses be made available on a
cross-campus basis.
- The Faculty of Engineering, St Augustine has proposed a three credit course
"Natural Hazards and Disaster Management in the Caribbean" starting in year
2000. This should be included.
- A representative of each campus should be identified to provide details on existing or
planned courses or modules in Disaster Management. The following should be made available:
- Detailed description of each course
- Where (campus) available, when, costs (where applicable)
This information to be forwarded to CDERA for distribution via web and possibly via
publication
3.1.3 Training Gaps
- The need for a post-graduate diploma in Disaster Management to facilitate the
acquisition of skills and knowledge necessary for disaster programme management has been
recognised.
- A basic outline of this course has already been developed but needs to be enhanced.
- It was therefore recommended that the university convene an internal meeting of
lecturers and interests in disaster management to fully develop the post graduate diploma
in disaster management. Relevant stakeholders with experience and interests in this area
should also be invited.
- This meeting should also identify persons to develop modules and time-frame for
completion and presentation.
- The Diploma should be based at Caribbean Disaster Management and Resource Center (CDMRC)
with extension as a Distance Education Facility (UWIDEC).
- As a follow-up activity CDERA should seek the endorsement of CARICOM to encourage the
University of the West Indies to establish the diploma programme and natural hazard
initiative.
- To further the institutionalisation of Disaster Management Training it was recommended
that Chair should be established for Disaster Management at the professorial and it was
recommended that the Director for CDMRC should fill this post. Possible funding for the
chair can be obtained from: Petroleum Industry or Insurance. After initial funding, the
Chair will have responsibility for seeking further funding.
- The University of the United States Virgin Islands has a basic course on Natural Hazards
as a University Campus Course. It is recommended that a similar coursed be mounted at UWI
on all the campuses.
3.2 Disaster Management Curriculum Policy
3.2.1 Justification
The rationale for the development of a Disaster Management Curriculum Policy is within
the following context and these should be highlighted for University officials:
- The political concerns of Sustainable Development in Small Islands Developing States
(SIDS) and the need to build technical capacity.
- The vulnerability of Caribbean countries to natural hazards and the repeated country
losses and disruption of development being experienced as a result of the impact of these
hazards. In this regard economic losses should be highlighted.
- The need to improve tertiary education and research to more appropriately respond to the
increasing vulnerabilities and development needs through the building human resource
capacities.
- Note the existence of a precedent where Japan as a multi-island country is exposed to
the same or similar hazards to the Caribbean region (hurricane, tsunami, earthquake,
volcano) and have not been remise but rather have responded at this level.
3.2.2 Aim
The aim of this Policy would be to:
- To promote the concept of hazard resistant development.
- To develop a policy (UNICA) appropriate for Caribbean Universities.
- Establish the absolute importance of having Disaster Management in the University.
- Establish the multi-disciplinary nature of Disaster Management guide curriculum
development activities.
- Seek to link Disaster Management to existing Mission Statements of Campuses and
faculties as appropriate.
3.2.3 Strategy
- Enhance, structure and package for presentation to Universities ongoing Disaster
Management training initiatives being undertaken.
- Seek meeting with university (UWI) hierarchy.
- CDERA will be responsible for the setting up of this meeting and will lead the
delegation to:
- Present the proposed policy
- Present curriculum development guidelines
3.2.4 Proposed Programme of Action/UWI
The initial interventions will focus on the University of the West Indies, however
subsequent efforts will be directed at other universities. The proposed programme of
action for the University of the West Indies will focus on the following:
- Establishing an official commitment to Disaster Management
- Circulation of an edict to call on Deans to initiate faculty discussions to
institutionalise the initiative at campus and inter-university levels
- Seeking donor agency support for seed funds for this activity and solicit sustained
funding from member governments.
- Collaboration with CDERA and regional level efforts to identify appropriate research and
training programs that responds to the capacity enhancement.