Strengthening Heritage Protection in the Caribbean: Launch of the Cultural Emergency Response Sub-Hub
Heritage Protection in the Caribbean: Launch of the Cultural Emergency Response Sub-Hub
From 17 to 20 June 2025, Sint Maarten hosts a landmark regional event: the official launch of the Caribbean Cultural Emergency Response Sub-Hub.
Emergency Response Sub-Hub
This pioneering initiative, themed “Strengthening Heritage Protection in the Caribbean,” marks a turning point in the region’s approach to cultural preservation in times of crisis.
The Sub-Hub, the first of its kind in the Caribbean, aims to serve not only Sint Maarten but neighboring territories, reinforcing collective resilience in the face of growing environmental threats.
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Established by the Caribbean Heritage Emergency Network (CHEN), an arm of the Caribbean Branch of the International Council on Archives (CARBICA),
the Sub-Hub emerged in March 2024 as a proactive response to escalating natural disasters.
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Rather than react only in the aftermath, this structure prioritizes preparedness, strategic coordination,
Emergency Response Sub-Hub
and ongoing training to safeguard the region’s cultural assets before emergencies strike.
During the four-day conference, heritage professionals, emergency managers, and disaster response experts engage in dynamic workshops, scenario planning exercises, and strategic dialogues.
Together, they identify gaps, share expertise, and establish protocols to ensure swift, effective, and culturally informed interventions when disaster threatens heritage sites, collections, and intangible traditions.
Emergency Response Sub-Hub
The Honorable Melissa Gumbs, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport of Sint Maarten, opened the conference with a clear message: the Sub-Hub represents a vital investment in the Caribbean’s cultural future.
She emphasized the increasing frequency of natural disasters and called for coordinated, expert-led efforts that go beyond national borders.
Her appeal resonated: “Let us seize this opportunity to build enduring partnerships, reinforce regional networks, and lay a strong foundation for a resilient cultural emergency response system across the Caribbean.”
Yuri Peshkov, Head of the Culture Program at the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, echoed this sentiment.
He highlighted the event as a critical moment for institutionalizing local and regional mechanisms that place communities at the heart of cultural emergency response.
“It is essential that our response to cultural emergencies is localized, swift, and sensitive to the communities we serve,” he noted.
Emergency Response Sub-Hub
“Let this be the beginning of a regionally anchored, people-centered, and culturally informed movement to protect what defines us.”
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As the conference continues, the momentum builds. With shared knowledge, regional solidarity, and a strong sense of purpose,
the Caribbean is taking bold steps to ensure its heritage endures for future generations.