Hailed as the first of its kind in the Caribbean, Saint Lucia has successfully tested an anticipatory action mechanism designed to deliver financial support to vulnerable households before disasters strike.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) and key national agencies was put to the test in a full-scale simulation involving 500 households, ahead of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

A review brought together key stakeholders to reflect on the simulation’s performance, identify lessons learned, and strengthen the system for future activations.

According to the Head of WFP's Satellite Office in Saint Lucia Lilia Ramjeawan, this initiative signifies a shift in disaster preparedness for the region.

“So this mechanism, it really represents a shift in how we approach disaster response. It's about acting early, using forecast data, pre agree triggers to deliver cash and vouchers in advance. So it's timely, it's practical, and ultimately it helps reduce vulnerabilities and protect lives. So we are especially proud that this is the first anticipatory action cash based transfer program in the Caribbean. Saint Lucia is leading the way, and is doing so by building on its own system, not creating new systems.”

The simulation tested every component of the system, bank and supermarket voucher transfers, inter-agency coordination, and public communications. Feedback received from this pilot will now guide improvements for future activations.

Speaking at the review, Hon. Joachim Henry, Minister for Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, underscored the program’s alignment with the Ministry of Equity’s core values.

“I think the anticipatory Action Program is a very useful, not just in terms of what it's taking, what is bringing across to individuals, but the added information and data in analyzing vulnerability with our people. I think we should not lose sight of that data and use it in designing and strengthening our social safety nets, our social protection programs, because putting people first is not just a concept or saying or talking points for political purposes.”

The simulation’s success marks a critical advancement for Saint Lucia, setting a precedent for disaster risk reduction and offering a model of equitable resilience for the Caribbean region.