The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a request from the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) for permission to place District Disaster Command Centres (DDCCs) on designated Crown Lands across Antigua and Barbuda.
The decision forms part of Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national disaster preparedness, response, and resilience at the community level. NODS, as the national lead agency for Disaster Risk Management and the coordinating body for the National District Disaster Volunteer Committee system, is implementing this initiative in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
The District Disaster Command Centres will be constructed using durable 20-foot and 40-foot cargo-worthy containers and will serve as secure, fully equipped hubs for coordinating disaster response, mobilising volunteer personnel, and supporting disaster mitigation activities within communities. The establishment of one command centre in each district is expected to significantly enhance decentralized coordination and communication during emergencies.
Cabinet granted approval for the placement of these centres at the following locations:
• St. Mary’s South – Bolans Police Station
• St. Philip North – Glanvilles Polyclinic Grounds
• St. Philip South – Newfield Primary School
• Rural South – Golden Grove Police Outpost
• St. George – Pigotts Primary School
• St. Peters – Parham Primary School
• City West – Villa Polyclinic Grounds
• St. Paul – Liberta Primary School
• All Saints West – Sea View Farm Playing Field
• All Saints East and St. Luke – JT Ambrose Primary School
• Rural North – Cedar Grove Clinic Grounds
• City South – Police Headquarters
• St. Mary’s North – Antigua State College
• Rural West – Greenbay Police Station / Clinic Grounds
• Barbuda – Disaster Office Premises
The Cabinet’s approval underscores the Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives, strengthening community-level disaster response capabilities, and improving national resilience to natural hazards.
Implementation of the project will proceed in accordance with established planning, safety, and coordination protocols, with NODS continuing to work closely with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
