Nassau, The. Bahamas. October 2nd, 2026. – A contingent of DRM Authority leadership, including Minister the Hon. McKell Bonaby, Executive Chair Gregory Burrows, and Managing Director Aarone Sargent, welcomed the British High Commissioner to The Bahamas, H.E. Smita Rosetti, and the British High Commissioner to Jamaica, H.E. Alicia Herbert, for a meaningful discussion on matters of mutual importance.

The DRM Authority leadership provided the British High Commissioners with a tour of its facilities, including the National Disaster Emergency Operations Centre (NDOC). Managing Director Sargent outlined the features the NDOC will have when it is complete.

During the dialogue, Minister Bonaby outlined the government’s priorities in disaster management. He also expressed a desire to continue on a fruitful partnership with Britain to support the Bahamas as the country builds out a robust disaster management system, highlighting areas for collaboration in infrastructure improvement and disaster financing.

High Commissioner Rosetti expressed interest in establishing a formal framework for cooperation on disaster preparedness and recovery.

High Commissioner Herbert, who has led Britain’s efforts to assist Jamaica’s recovery following Hurricane Melissa, discussed her country’s successful initiatives on the island. She also shared that the knowledge gained during Jamaica’s recovery efforts can help The Bahamas bolster its resilience and preparedness efforts.

She also offered the use of valuable tools to such as parametric insurance, disaster relief financing, retrofitting government structures to withstand stronger storms, proactive shelter construction and safety efforts, facilitating international support through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Red Cross, and providing access to Britain’s emergency supply stores across the Caribbean to The Bahamas in the event of a disaster. Collectively, these measures have significantly contributed to Jamaica’s recovery and offer valuable tools that could support The Bahamas in the event of future emergencies.

The DRM Authority remains dedicated to proactive collaboration with international partners, such as the UK, to protect Bahamian lives. By strengthening international support through continuous capacity building, The Bahamas will be equipped to remain resilient and prepared for any future disasters.

You can partner with us to build a more resilient Bahamas. Visit www.getready.gov.bs for information and resources to help you protect your homes, families, and businesses.