Policy implementation for extreme hazard events in Caribbean Small Island Developing States: a case study – Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada

Abstract

PurposeExtreme natural hazard events in the Caribbean continue to result in major adverse consequences. Studies of disaster experiences have identified operational deficiencies that limited the effectiveness of disaster management policies in live emergencies. This paper reports on a study of the implementation characteristics of specific public disaster risk reduction and response measures in two Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada, which may impact the success of these measures. The purpose of this paper is to examine these characteristics and their potential impacts.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected data on specific aspects of disaster risk management (DRM) policy implementation from policy documents and interviews with public DRM agencies. A sample of business entities also provided data on their interactions with public risk management measures. The data focussed on operational aspects of implementation to identify likely impacts on hazard event outcomes.FindingsThe study identifies implementation deficiencies that may hamper achievement of risk reduction objectives and limit the effectiveness of emergency response.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings may be instructive for other Caribbean SIDS which share similar economic and social characteristics, natural hazard exposures and potential catastrophic outcomes.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest tactical areas of focus to enhance the operationalisation of policy.Social implicationsImproved operational effectiveness will support the efforts of Caribbean SIDS to reduce the scale of adverse outcomes on people and property.Originality/valueThe findings of this study broaden the scope of Caribbean disaster studies to provide an insight into operational weaknesses that may be recognised and addressed prior to hazard events.