Barbados Today

The Barbados-based Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency is getting a new headquarters here with Government’s support.

Three lots of land at Lower Estate, St. Michael have been subdivided and will be leased by the regional agency to build its new base, and the complex is to include a training facility, offices and a warehouse.

Government has to get Parliament’s approval of the proposed 25-year lease.

The decision to enter the arrangement with the regional disaster management body, which is now located in the Manor Lodge Complex on Lodge Hill, St. Michael and lease it the land, was made by Cabinet when it met on January 15 this year.

“The lease shall be for a period of 25 years with an option to renew for a further period of 25 years. The initial rent shall be at a concessionary rate of $100 per annum and shall be subject to review every five years,” the terms and conditions of the arrangement stated.

“The lessee shall be responsible for … the payment of all outgoings, rates and taxes arising out of the use of the premises and … the cost of all development and maintenance of the site.

“All construction shall be subject to planning permission being obtained. At the expiration of the lease the building shall revert to the crown for all consideration,” it added.

CDEMA, of which Barbados is a member, coordinates regional disaster matters, and is affiliated with disaster management and response agencies in the Caribbean, including this island’s Department of Emergency Management. (SC)