Recent assessments highlight a critical gap in technical capacity across many countries in the Caribbean region, limiting their ability to generate effective early warnings for a range of weather hazards. A comprehensive survey in 2022 has revealed several challenges, including inadequate data reception, storage, and processing infrastructure, as well as frequent technician turnover and persistent hardware issues, which underscore the urgent need for ongoing training.
| Programme type: | Accelerated Support Window |
| Funding: | USD 250,000 |
| Duration: | Mar 2026–Feb 2027 |
| Status: | Ongoing |
The ASW action note was approved by the Steering Committee on 19 March 2026.
Utilizing satellite data for early warnings
Jamaica and Guyana lack access to near real-time satellite data, while Suriname and Belize rely solely on cloud-based systems and do not have redundant infrastructure in place. This ASW action aims to strengthen early warning systems by improving satellite data reception, processing, and utilization. This will include the deployment of ground stations capable of receiving GEONETCast data relayed via a commercial satellite, as well as the implementation or improvement, where applicable, of state-of-the-art cloud-based systems. Key activities will include developing training materials, building example systems, and delivering hands-on training to enhance local technical capacity.
