A celebration of Caribbean communicators during times of crisis

A celebration of Caribbean communicators during times of crisis by BCN Member Falon Paris-Caines

As someone who grew up on the beautiful Caribbean island of Nevis where I experienced hurricanes first-hand, the passage of record-breaking Hurricane Beryl earlier this summer strikes a personal chord (the stress and anxiety caused by natural disasters is real, but that’s a post for another day).

Living in the UK for 21 years and choosing to pursue a career in communications means straddling two worlds: cherishing my heritage and cultural roots while navigating a professional landscape in a country I did not grow up in. It also means having a unique perspective when witnessing the work of Caribbean communicators in times of crisis.

During a hurricane (or any natural disaster), effective communication is a lifeline. The Caribbean, known for its vibrant culture and resilience, exemplifies this. I recall growing up hearing about how my older sister in 1989, following the passage of Hurricane Hugo, was an excellent communicator. She shared key information and put out calls for help via the island’s main radio station, VON Radio, heard not only on Nevis but on neighbouring islands.

In the midst of the region navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl and (at the time of writing) bracing for Hurricane Ernesto, I want to take a moment to celebrate the communication skills of Caribbean people, shaped by a history of adversity and community strength.

Caribbean history is rich with examples of excellent communication, rooted in our innate storytelling abilities – something central to the preservation of our culture and identity. With ancestors forcibly displaced from their homelands, storytelling through spoken word and non-verbal means was also vital for survival. Passing down stories, sharing information, and rallying communities were not only cultural practices but acts of resilience in the face of oppression.

Fast forward to the present day, and the Caribbean faces a different yet incredibly challenging adversary: a climate crisis causing an increase in frequency and intensity of natural disasters like hurricanes. The region’s vulnerability to these storms makes effective communication more important than ever. Whether it’s crisis communications or lobbying for change, how the region communicates is quite literally a matter of life and death.

Over the years, I have watched admirably as Caribbean communicators and media outlets shine during times of crisis, using their storytelling roots to disseminate crucial information swiftly and effectively. Whether through government departments, traditional media, social platforms, or community networks, they ensure messages reach those in need, sometimes under very challenging circumstances.

Close to my heart is the way crises like Hurricane Beryl bring to the forefront the unbreakable bonds between the islands and within the Caribbean diaspora. Across the world, Caribbean communities unite in solidarity, amplifying messages of support and mobilising resources. This collective response exemplifies not only the strength of our identity but the power of communication in fostering resilience and recovery.

So what is so special about Caribbean communicators? For me, it’s a combination of things. It’s cultural heritage and adaptability rooted in a history of overcoming adversity. Caribbean people have honed the art of communicating into a powerful tool for connection and survival. This ability to convey information with clarity and empathy, while seamlessly weaving in cultural nuances, language, and dialect, resonates during natural disasters. One example that comes to mind following Hurricane Beryl is a post I spotted on social media from Jamaica Public Service (JPS) – an informative and engaging graphic showing a map of the island with a headline in big, bold letters stating, “WORK STILL AH GWAAN”, accompanied by messages detailing work underway in various communities to restore services in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

As the region continues to work through recovery efforts following the passage of Hurricane Beryl, effective communication will continue to play an important role – not just by conveying information but by connecting communities and empowering those most affected.

To Caribbean communicators on the islands and across the diaspora – keep pushing. Continue to use your voices and platforms to amplify crucial messages during natural disasters, and have the courage to continue appealing for climate justice and enact positive change during this pivotal time in our region’s history.