We are currently in what is commonly referred to as the ‘hurricane season’. Here in the Caribbean, climate resilience is now a core business competency, not a “nice to have.” With the most at-risk months typically arriving in the latter half of the year, companies, especially SME-driven economies, need clear playbooks for continuity, cash flow, and rapid recovery.
Regional agencies are actively supporting that shift. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) continues to advance comprehensive disaster management across member states, integrating private-sector readiness and knowledge sharing so businesses can plan, practice, and improve before hazards strike. In Trinidad & Tobago, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) partners with business networks to run drills, workshops, and continuity planning, recently teaming with AMCHAM T&T and ARISE T&T to “equip Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the tools and strategies to mitigate disruption and ensure long-term business resilience”.
On the financing side, the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF SPC) provides rapid, parametric payouts after cyclones, earthquakes, and excess rainfall -funds that help governments and utilities stabilize services that businesses depend on. In 2024–2025, CCRIF reported significant disbursements following Hurricane Beryl, underscoring how quick liquidity shortens downtime across the economy. Additionally, the Caribbean Development Bank complements this effort with grants for disaster risk reduction and support for CCRIF premium payments, as well as immediate-response financing for hard-hit countries. The IDB’s ONE Caribbean initiative is also scaling resilient infrastructure and private-sector engagement across the region.
What can SMEs do now?
- Build and test a business continuity plan (BCP): map critical processes, suppliers, and decision rights; run tabletop and live exercises with staff and vendors. (Leverage ODPM/CDEMA toolkits and chamber programs).
- Protect data and operations: cloud backups with offline copies; power redundancy (UPS + generator); resilient connectivity; alternate work locations.
- Secure pre-arranged finance: talk to your bank about contingent credit lines; explore insurance options and sector pools; understand how CCRIF-enabled public liquidity can keep utilities and transport running post-event.
- Harden facilities and supply chains: elevate/secure equipment, diversify suppliers, pre-stage spares, and align service-level expectations with customers.
- Train people: cross-train for critical roles, appoint a crisis team, and practice communication routines across email, SMS, and radio.
Climate risk is structural—but downtime doesn’t have to be. The businesses that plan, finance, and rehearse now will be the ones serving customers first when the next alert sounds. Is your business climate crisis-ready?
