Disaster logistics in small island developing states: Caribbean perspective

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to review the current state of disaster logistics among Caribbean small island developing states that are Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members, and, based on those findings propose a coherent logistics framework that could influence the development of a robust system that can effectively respond to disasters in the region. Design/methodology/approach -Consisted of a series of in-depth interviews with national and regional disaster managers in the Caribbean. Secondary sources augmented the interviews. Data analysis conformed to Pope, et al. guidelines for qualitative research. There are limitations to this approach, but, the lack of existing research on the region and the need for information on the topic justify the approach. Findings -The main findings show the lack of a coherent and integrated logistics strategy. Missing or weak components like transportation and distribution infrastructure, a procurement strategy, inadequate port facilities and insufficient human resources undermine the overall logistics performance. Although limitations of small island status further weigh on the development and implementation of a regional logistics approach is possible. The paper proposes one.Research limitations/implications -The proposed framework has implications for disaster management and disaster policy in the Caribbean. From a disaster policy perspective it suggests important logistics governance decisions including funding, scalability issues and formalized agreements that must be made collectively. Practical implications -From a management perspective the shows how to strengthen the regional response mechanism (RRM), builds efficiency in response and provides redundancies in the regional logistics system. Originality/value -This paper's value lies in its focus on a region that is often omitted in academic literature, but is disaster-prone. Importantly, the research proposes a workable framework on which to build a robust logistics infrastructure and improve logistics capacity based on primary research.

A collaborative approach to maintaining optimal inventory and mitigating stockout risks during a pandemic: capabilities for enabling health-care supply chain resilience

“…Unlike well-known frequent inventory risks, medicine stockouts caused by pandemics can be categorized as low-frequency-high-impact JHLSCM risks, whose disruption impact is worsened by the sensitivity of lean, interconnected and interdependent inventory management processes. The lack of a coherent and integrated logistics strategy, and constrained logistics components like transportation and distribution infrastructure, procurement processes, closed international borders and insufficient human resources have an even greater impact on the resilience of an HCSC during a pandemic (Thompson, 2015).…”

Emergence of Emergency Logistics Centre (ELC): Humanitarian Logistics Operations at the Straits of Malacca

“…Professional human resources play a vital role in disaster preparedness in implementing an organisation's emergency disaster plan. According to Thompson (2015), having well trained personnel is crucial to ensure that all the pieces are in place to mount an efficient and effective response.…”

The Role of Social Networking in Small Island Communities: Lessons from the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season

“…Firstly, it has a population of around 81,000 permanent citizens. This means that response volunteers are often required to be sent through international aid [8]. Secondly, it has low annual GDP, meaning that expensive and high maintenance technologies and systems are often unavailable for disaster management, response and relief [3].…”

“…The incorporation of social media as tools for disaster management and crisis communications has been a fairly new trend for many SIDS [8]. This is significant for such populations as they have compressed spatial scales, meaning that local level is often no different from national level [9].…”

“…Specifically in SIDS, the role of social media during crises needs to be defined and understood in the hurricane context [3], [10], [12]. Additionally, it should be explored in the context of long-term resilience and preparedness efforts as social media are more extensively being used by governments, humanitarian aid organisations, public health authorities, economic stakeholders, military deployment initiatives, and by the general public [8]. This is paramount to ensure that online services and networks can be utilized to their potential, without increasing risk or undermining existing methods of disaster management and response [13].…”