Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I’m privileged to address you tonight, as you bring to a close your conference, which undoubtedly has proven both educational and enlightening for its participants.

The Government of the Bahamas is indeed appreciative that our nation is once again hosting this event, now into its tenth (10th) year.

The efforts of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) continue to positively impact this region in the way we prepare and respond to disasters, most notably hurricanes. Here on our shores, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) likewise has demonstrated that it is capable of weathering many storms and that, as a result of partnerships with relevant stakeholders, much can be accomplished. The partnership between CDEMA and NEMA is no different and throughout the years has also yielded great results.

Tonight, recognition is being given to many hardworking and dedicated disaster managers who have toiled in some of the most dangerous of weather conditions to ensure the safety of others and property; it cannot go without saying that all of you present here tonight are indeed the unsung heroes within our region and very much deserving of such recognition.

Your theme, “The Road to Resilience Checkpoint 2017: Building Resilience Through Partnerships,” is relevant. Only through strong partnerships will we all succeed as we continue to witness Mother Nature’s wrath at strength levels stronger than yesteryear’s.

The importance of conferences such as this cannot be overemphasized. They are a must for our region if we are to remain abreast of the latest in disaster management inclusive of, but not limited to, areas such as technology, infrastructure, communications and most importantly human resources.

Ladies and gentlemen, I take this opportunity to salute organizers of this conference for its session on “Community Resilience and Youth,” which attracted members of our youth population. Certainly the face of disaster management, mitigation and building resilient communities is that of our young people.

Delegates, this conference comes at a time in which we continue to rebuild following several storms that devastated our region this year -- namely hurricanes Irma and Maria. Rebuild we must! Resilient we are!

To all of you receiving an award tonight, you must continue with your good works: nation-by-nation, community-by-community -- we are all pursuing the same goal, a stronger and more resilient Caribbean region.

The Bahamas Government under the leadership of Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis remains committed to the cause.

With that, on behalf of the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and our Prime Minister, I thank you all for returning to our beautiful shores to hold CDM10, and recommitting yourselves to more resilient communities throughout our region. Take what you have gained this week, utilize it to the best of your ability and continue to synergize. Your work is to be commended and your impact, stronger than you can ever imagine.

Thank you and have an enjoyable evening.