With the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season set to begin on June 1, the St Kitts and Nevis government has reviewed the Federation’s disaster preparedness plans to ensure agencies are ready to respond to any potential storm threats.

Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Terrance Drew convened a meeting of the National Disaster Committee (NDC) and key stakeholders on May 30 at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Conference Room to assess the country’s readiness and strengthen coordination among emergency response agencies.

Addressing the meeting, Drew stressed that disaster preparedness is a shared national responsibility.

“When a disaster hits, it affects everyone, and so we need to be ready,” the Prime Minister said.

“We should be ready to respond swiftly, protect lives and property, and ensure that our communities can recover as quickly as possible. Preparedness is not the responsibility of one agency alone; it requires the commitment and cooperation of all of us.”

The 2026 Hurricane Season is forecast to be below normal by the United State’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with 8-14 named storms. Of those, three to six are forecast to become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes.

Representatives from the Federation’s 10 disaster preparedness subcommittees provided updates on their areas of responsibility and outlined measures already implemented ahead of the hurricane season.

Participants also received briefings from NEMA Deputy National Disaster Coordinator Julian Bradshaw and Meteorological Officer Denel Dixon.

Dixon provided an overview of forecasts for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season and highlighted weather conditions expected to influence activity throughout the period.

Bradshaw thanked stakeholders for attending the meeting and emphasised the importance of collaboration in ensuring national readiness.

“As we face the upcoming months, preparedness is vital, and we will need to come together to ensure that we leave no stone unturned,” he said.

“I understand that everyone has busy schedules, but your presence here today demonstrates the commitment required to safeguard our nation and its people.”

The meeting forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national resilience and ensure that emergency agencies remain prepared to respond to hurricanes, tropical storms and other natural hazards.

Drew reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting residents through careful planning, coordination and continuous preparedness efforts as the hurricane season gets underway.