Formalized cooperation between government and media organisations for early warning communication in Barbados

Barbados is frequently subject to severe weather events, which can develop with very short notice. Communicating timely warnings that resonate with the population is critical, but also challenging, especially when power outages limit the reach of online and mobile-based communication. Meanwhile, many within the population underestimate the impact of forecasted threats and can be slow to act. To support public dialogue about hazards and EWS, facilitate mass communication during hazardous events, and ensure the timely dissemination of critical information, the Barbados Department of Emergency Management (DEM) formalised nine Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with major broadcasting networks, representing 18 radio stations. 

The MoUs acknowledge the critical role that media organisations can play in reaching audiences with trusted information before and during times of crisis and seek to support greater collaboration for improved warning communication. Specifically, the MoUs sought to promote: 

• A spirit of collaboration between media organisations and the DEM
• An exchange of expertise and skills between the government and media
• Strengthened capacity of both parties
• An understanding of how the infrastructure as well as the human, physical and financial resources of both the DEM and media organisations may be used in support of each other's objectives. 

In June 2024, representatives from the DEM, the Barbados Met Service and media organisations convened to further explore how they could collaborate, within the remits and resource limitations of their organisations, to jointly improve public communication for early warnings. As a result, they agreed to meet regularly about execution of the MOU protocols and a broader risk communication plan for the country.