Turks and Caicos Islands

Community disaster groups have been established in different locations across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Reportedly, there is no formal multi-hazard warning or advisory service within the Lower Bight community.
However, the Department for Disaster Management and Emergencies is currently in the process of
establishing a community-based disaster management team within the community. Based on the findings
of the household surveys, perceived financial security is limited, there appears to be minimal social
networking, and very few of the people surveyed have insurance protection against climate-related events,
which makes them even more vulnerable to the impacts of these events and climate change.
The establishment of the disaster group in Lower Bight will help build community cohesion, while at the
same time increasing the community’s resilience to climate and weather-related hazards. Relationships can
be built with other organizations such as the Turks and Caicos Red Cross Society (one unit is based in
Providenciales) and emergency service providers to facilitate training and education activities. Further to
this, a needs assessment should be undertaken to determine resource gaps in the community and funding
sought to support community level disaster mitigation initiatives. These might take the form of treeplanting
on unstable slopes, construction of gabion walls, clearing of drains, development of early warning
systems and evacuation planning. Outside of government support, the community can explore options
from non-governmental and international aid organisations which sponsor overall community development
programmes.
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