The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) has declared this year’s Caribe Wave tsunami exercise a remarkable success, with approximately 7,000 individuals participating across 90 entities nationwide. Held on March 20th, 2025, the annual event marked a significant milestone in national disaster preparedness, uniting schools, businesses, government agencies and even members of the maritime community in a coordinated demonstration of readiness and resilience.
Designed to simulate the procedures and responses necessary in the event of a tsunami, Caribe Wave is part of a wider regional effort involving countries throughout the Caribbean. For Antigua and Barbuda, the exercise is more than just a drill, it was a crucial reminder of the importance of proactive planning and community cooperation.
“This initiative was fantastic,” said a representative from NODS. “It’s inspiring to see such a strong sense of community and preparedness in Antigua and Barbuda. Exercises like Caribe Wave demonstrate how important it is to be equipped and alert when it comes to natural disasters.”
Among the participating community, St. Paul’s stood out for its impressive turnout and enthusiastic engagement. Over 176 students and teachers from Liberta and Cobbs Cross Primary Schools took part in the exercise, demonstrating how early disaster education can foster awareness and responsibility from a young age.
At the heart of this successful effort was local organizer Mrs. Renika Isaac-Chandler, who led the St. Paul’s team with determination and spirit. In a show of gratitude and camaraderie, she acknowledged her dedicated team members including Renee Roberts, Enkossia Bryan, Paul Ralph, Vanisha Scott, Esther Gore, Krista Gore, Esther Armstrong, Carlene Ralph, Diana Adams, Debbie Hughes, Jonee Joseph, Fernley Latchman, Dacia Bailey and Hayden Chandler.
“The effort and volunteer spirit of our team made all the difference,” Isaac-Chandler noted. “Preparedness is a shared responsibility and it’s through teamwork that we build resilience.”
St. Paul’s community also took the opportunity to remind residents of the designated hurricane shelters available in the area which is vital information that could save lives during a real emergency. Locations such as the Tyrells Roman Catholic Church, New Bethel Seventh-Day Adventist Church, St. Paul’s Empowerment Centre, Cobbs Cross Primary School and the Baxter Memorial Methodist Church were highlighted as key facilities in times of crisis.
In a unique and symbolic show of support, several yachts anchored at the Catamaran Marina contributed to the drill by sounding their horns at the start of the exercise, an audio cue that emphasized the inclusivity of the initiative. NODS praised the contribution as a testament to how every effort, big or small, plays a vital role in the national safety net.
“These kinds of exercises don’t just test our logistical capabilities,” a NODS spokesperson stated, “they build trust, foster education and reinforce the unity of our people. The participation of schools, businesses, and even the boating community shows that preparedness truly belongs to everyone.”
As climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of natural hazards in the region, disaster drills like Caribe Wave have become increasingly vital. The event not only highlights Antigua and Barbuda’s proactive stance on disaster management but also underscores a growing awareness that being prepared is not a one-time action, it is a continuous and evolving commitment.
The National Office of Disaster Services has expressed deep appreciation for all who contributed and participated and they encourage even greater community involvement in future initiatives. “If you are interested in being part of exercises like these, we want to hear from you,” NODS said. “Your participation could help save lives.”
The resounding success of this year’s Caribe Wave sends a strong message: preparedness is more than a drill, it’s a lifestyle. And in the face of natural disasters, the strength of Antigua and Barbuda lies not only in its planning but in the resilience, unity and heart of its people.
