SABA — From November 24 until November 28, representatives from Public Entity Saba attended the sixth edition of the Week van de Crisisbeheersing on Curacao, organized by the Ministry of Justice and Security, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and the Directorate of Risk Management & Disaster Policy (DRR) and the Directorate of Communication and Information (C&V) of Curacao, who hosted the event.
During this week, crisis representatives from Saba, Sint Eustatius, St. Maarten, Bonaire, Aruba and Curacao, together with the aforementioned Ministries, Ministry of Defence, and a variety of crisis partners convened. Public Entity Saba’s Island Secretary, Bram Streppel, Head of Public Order and Safety, Walle Bos, and Advisor on Crisis Management and Public Order and Safety, Shalini Bisram, attended the event.
This event’s theme was “Stronger Together” which was truly reflected in the program as the week was filled with multiple interactive workshops and panel discussions. The current geopolitical situation, cyber security and climate change ran a common thread through the different workshops and conversations. Participants were also given the opportunity to visit the newly opened crisis center of Curacao and Naval Base Parera.
Parallel to this event, the second edition of the Week van de Crisiscommunicatie was organized, with the Office of Communication and Public Relations being represented by Team Lead Kate Bashline Johnson and Communications Officer Lincoln Charles. During Crisis Communication Week, each island delivered a presentation outlining its crisis communication plans, drawing on real-life situations to highlight lessons learned. Charles presented Saba’s crisis communication structure, explaining how it has evolved over time to keep the public accurately and promptly informed during emergencies.
The program also featured two keynote sessions: Regional/New Insights into Climate Change by Dr. Albert Martis and Cyber Resilience in a Changing World by Matthijs van Amelsfort.
Workshops throughout the event also covered a range of topics, including how to promote behavioral change, managing information lines, and cultural heritage in the context of crises. Scenario-based exercises were also conducted, designed to enhance preparedness and inter-island collaboration.
