The FirstCaribbean International ComTrust Foundation Contributes $80,000 to Enhance Rainfall Monitoring Systems in the Caribbean

The FirstCaribbean International ComTrust Foundation and CCRIF SPC (formerly the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility) met on Wednesday to celebrate the Foundation’s donation of US$75 000 to help enhance rainfall monitoring systems and disaster preparedness in the Caribbean and another US$5 000 to print and disseminate additional copies of CCRIF’s children’s publication on Hazards, Disasters and Climate Change, developed for children ages 8 to 12 years old.

The grant of US$75 000 will be used to enable at least four Caribbean countries to improve their weather monitoring networks by adding automated weather systems (AWSs) and other equipment to their existing networks.

These AWSs will enhance these countries’ early warning systems and their ability to better prepare for hydro-meteorological events such as hurricanes and severe rainfall events throughout the year. These systems also can inform longer-term planning. AWSs can incorporate a range of sensors that can provide data to enable national meteorological services to undertake more detailed and reliable analysis of climate trends to inform national strategies on climate change and disaster risk management.

The donation from the ComTrust Foundation – a registered charity which was established in 2003 to support CIBC FirstCaribbean’s community relations programmes – will support an existing initiative currently being implemented by CCRIF that focuses on providing much-needed assistance to its member governments to enhance their AWS networks.

CIBC FirstCaribbean’s CEO, Mark St Hill, who also serves as the Chairman of the ComTrust Foundation, said: “Our bank is committed to maintaining strong environmental standards and to conducting our activities in an environmentally and socially responsible manner that contributes to long-term value for our clients, employees, communities, and our shareholders. Climate change has been engaging our region for some time, and our bank has established itself as a leading financial partner for stakeholders seeking to address the issue. We actively seek to support the Caribbean region’s transition to a low-carbon economy and advancing of sustainability and climate resiliency initiatives in the territories in which we operate.”

The Hazards, Disasters and Climate Change booklet teaches children about the different types of hazards that affect the Caribbean; actions to take before, during and after these natural hazard events; climate change; and how to take care of our natural environment.