Crisis and Disaster Management in the Caribbean

The Turks and Caicos is no stranger to the disasters that come yearly. There is a demand for paying attention to these disasters and being prepared to combat them when they occur. Gaining and training and educating yourself on how to put safety measures in place and so much more to contribute to a stable system is strongly encouraged. This month an academic and technical route will be highlighted to study this field along with the careers within it.

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Academic Routes

Before you start an academic course, there are a few things that you should consider:

Entry requirements
Subjects you need for the career(s) you have in mind

Be sure to speak to us at Brain Food TCI, or any other career advisory board that you may have access to if you need assistance where entry requirements are concerned.

Secondary and Post-secondary towards Higher Education

Most, if not all, high schools require you to do CXCs, GCSEs, or any other equivalent to be able to excel to Higher Education (college/university). In institutions in the Caribbean, such as the University of the West Indies you must have 5 CXC (CSEC & CAPE) OR IGCSE & GCE subjects, including Mathematics and English which are compulsory. If an institution does not have any of these examination bodies listed when you are searching for what is required; search for equivalencies through their admissions page or contact them directly for more information. Also, some courses may require you to have particular subjects other than Math and English that are also compulsory. Be sure to check the entry requirements to know what is needed.

Higher Education

As mentioned earlier, CXCs and/or other equivalents are required to proceed to this level. In higher education, you can obtain:

Undergraduate

Associate Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Postgraduate

Master’s Degree

Ph. D.

Depending on your journey and your career, you can decide how far you need to go in terms of further education. You do not need to pursue a Master’s degree or Ph. D. unless it is required based on your career choice.

Academic Agriculture Related Courses

University of the West Indies (St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago)

BSc Insurance and Risk Management

The Insurance and Risk Management course’s purpose is to make the individual equipped to manage areas that can be affected by unexpected situations and occurrences. The course covers various areas that need critical attention, such as motor and property insurance and life and health and insurance.

The Insurance and Risk Management course is apart of the Social Sciences faculty there maybe some specifications. General entry for a BSc., the programme requires a minimum of 5 CSEC/CXC passes including English and Mathematics, and at least two passes at GCE (A-Level) or CAPE. As an alternative an associate degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. For more information on entry requirements within the Social Sciences faculty, click here. For general entry, requirements click here.

University of the West Indies (Cave Hill, Barbados)

BSc. Environmental Studies

This course’s development came about so that individuals can progress and contribute to areas regarding climate change, natural hazards, ocean health; to name a few. Within this course, you will have the chance to select subject areas that will pique your interest; such as Climate Variation and Change, Sustainable Energy Systems, and Hazard Planning.

The entry requirements or the Science and Technology faculty 5 CSEC/CXC’s including English and Mathematics and two laboratory science subjects. For further information on what is required click here.

Technical Routes

Internships & Volunteering

Participate in local volunteering and crisis and disaster related programs

The following technical routes options below explore crisis and disaster management. You can obtain skills and experience that can lead you to a successful progression in the field while having the opportunity to travel to other countries in the Caribbean in some cases.

Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies

Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (TCI) is responsible for making the country aware when disasters are on their way and what they can do to prepare. The DDME also has an active volunteer program that you can also join.

Their objective is to:

Support the local community/parish mechanism in response and recovery during and after emergencies.
Provide a coordinated and collaborative approach to volunteerism in the field of Disaster Risk Management (DRM).
Assist with the preparedness and mitigation, recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts

The advantages of volunteering with the DDME is to develop skills, obtain professionalism, contribute to the national service and development, and make a difference in the lives of citizens. To be eligible, you must be 18 yrs or older, or if you are 16 years old, you would need written consent from a parent or guardian. For more information on becoming a volunteer click here.

Go Overseas Volunteering

Go Overseas is a program designed to get individuals involved in contributing to various causes and disaster relief in the Caribbean and worldwide. Their website has many volunteering activities for areas affected by disasters in countries like Peurto Rico, the British Virgin Islands, and many more. They also have virtual volunteering and internships that you can participate in, to learn more about that click here. To learn more about their programs click here.