WILLEMSTAD – More than 100 crisis-management officials and crisis-communication specialists from across the Kingdom gathered in Curaçao last week for an intensive program during the sixth edition of the Crisis Management Week and the second edition of the Crisis Communication Week. The sessions focused on improving coordination and strengthening cooperation during incidents, disasters and major crises.
Participants also addressed current developments, including the evolving geopolitical situation in the region. Although there is no direct threat to the islands at this time, joint scenario planning and preparedness exercises were deemed essential, particularly in light of risks such as extreme weather and potential hurricanes. Walter Hansen, Commander of the Navy in the Caribbean, took part in a panel discussion with crisis coordinators from Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire, offering the Ministry of Defense’s perspective on regional security.
Local experts played a key role in sharing insights on crisis and communication management. Presentations included a regional climate-change outlook by Albert Martis, a session on the importance of mapping cultural heritage by Valerie Martens-Monier, and a talk on climate, heat and nature by Pedzi Girigorie. Matthijs van Amelsfort, Director of the Netherlands’ National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), delivered a keynote address on the growing importance of cyber resilience for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
A major highlight of the week was the presentation of Curaçao’s new Crisis Center and its associated Knowledge Center, COC3, by the Directorate for Risk Control and Disaster Management (DRR), co-organizer of the event. The facilities are intended to serve as the central coordination point for local crises and disasters, while also functioning as a strategic hub for the entire Kingdom. Members of Curaçao’s Crisis and Disaster Protection Organization (CRBo) were also present for the preview.
Organizers provided an update on the activities of the Caribbean Civil Protection Mechanism (CCPM), including the growing network of crisis officials available for deployment across the Caribbean part of the Kingdom and preparations for upcoming joint training sessions with crisis partners in Sint Maarten. By sharing knowledge, capacity and resources, the islands aim to continue strengthening collective resilience both within and beyond the Kingdom.
The week concluded with an educational walking tour through the streets of Otrobanda, offered by the Curaçao Tourist Board. The next combined edition of Crisis Management Week and Crisis Communication Week is scheduled for November 2026, likely to be held in Sint Maarten.