Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
From 27 April to 2 May, UNESCO held the Community Radio Preparedness, Response and Field Simulation Workshop in Jamaica, aiming to strengthen community radio’s role in disaster preparedness and response. Participants included media professionals, students, emergency communication specialists, and community members, with support from Rapid Response Radio, CARIMAC at The University of the West Indies, Mona, and the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica.
The workshop offered hands-on training on setting up emergency radio stations, broadcasting crisis information, ethical communication, and protecting cultural heritage during disasters. It underscored both technical and community engagement aspects of emergency broadcasting.
The event concluded with a live simulation at the Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, participants ran a temporary FM radio station for one day, interviewing local residents about past disasters, readiness, and emergency information. These interviews also gathered local knowledge about fishing, cultural artifacts, community memory, and heritage to support resilience.
UNESCO emphasized that community radio is vital in disaster preparedness because of its local reach, trustworthiness, adaptability, and ability to deliver real-time, culturally relevant information. This ensures local voices and needs are prioritized in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.