With about a month to go before the official start of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Hazard Management is stepping up its preparedness efforts by hosting representatives from the U.S.-based humanitarian organization next week.

The MV DAWN , operated by the organization Global Support and Development and registered in the Cayman Islands, is making its first visit to the islands and will participate in exercises aimed at improving local disaster preparedness.

«Effective regional cooperation in the aftermath of a disaster is important, and this ship could be able to assist us—both in terms of the impact on the Cayman Islands and as a forward logistics platform to support our own efforts to provide support and aid to other islands in need following a hurricane,» said Danielle Coleman, Director of Risk Management, in a press release prior to the start of the exercise.

According to the government’s press release, the training exercises are intended to prepare both the HMCI and the GSD to support disaster response and preparedness efforts in the Cayman Islands and the broader Caribbean region.

Global Support and Development works with local, national, and regional communities to build resilience to crises through rapid response, disaster preparedness, and climate adaptation, according to the press release.

GSD was founded as an informal humanitarian organization in 2015 following an impromptu response to Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu. It formalized its status as a nonprofit nongovernmental organization in 2019.

The training exercises will take place aboard the MV DAWN, which is equipped for disaster preparedness and response, as well as for climate adaptation initiatives.

«Based year-round in the Caribbean region, the ship has a range of mission-related capabilities, with other capabilities currently being developed to meet the needs of Caribbean communities,» the press release states.

Over the next week, Risk Management and Global Support and Development will participate in various collaborative engagements, including hands-on training activities such as helicopter flight operations and cargo logistics transfers.

The representatives will also hold discussions on disaster response, during which participants will share their best practices and experiences.

«We sincerely believe that the best responses are led at the local level, and we look forward to collaborating with the Cayman Islands on this work,» said Mike Court, CEO of Global Support and Development. «GSD is honored to be able to work with communities in the Caribbean region to address immediate humanitarian needs while supporting future disaster preparedness and climate adaptation initiatives.»

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Force, the Cayman Islands Coast Guard, the Cayman Islands Regiment, and the Cayman Islands Maritime Authority are also involved in coordinating the visit.

The ship is equipped with an operations center, onboard medical facilities, and a desalination plant capable of producing up to 70,000 liters of fresh water.

The MV DAWN can also conduct maritime and basic rescue operations; its heliport capabilities include refueling aircraft and transporting cargo by air.