Dale Destin says stronger early warning systems could save Antigua and Barbuda hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

The Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service spoke on Thursday at the opening of the Early Warnings for All Project Inception Workshop at Trade Winds Hotel.

During the event, Destin stressed the importance of investing in modern forecasting and disaster preparedness systems. He said early warning technology remains one of the best public investments for small island states.

Moreover, Destin pointed to studies showing major financial benefits from early warning systems. According to him, every dollar invested can generate between 10 and 15 dollars in socioeconomic returns.

“For Antigua and Barbuda, that translates to potentially hundreds of millions of dollars annually in avoided losses and improved efficiency,” he explained.

In addition, Destin described the EW4ALL initiative as the beginning of a “new era” for the country’s warning systems. He said the programme will improve integrated and impact-based forecasting.

“Today is more than simply the start of another project,” Destin stated. “It marks the beginning of a new era.”

The initiative forms part of a global programme launched by the United Nations Secretary-General. The goal is to ensure every person worldwide benefits from effective early warning systems.

Meanwhile, Destin warned that Antigua and Barbuda remains highly vulnerable to severe weather events. He listed hurricanes, flash floods, droughts, heatwaves, storm surge, lightning, and sea-level rise among the main threats.

“In small island states like ours, there is very little margin for error,” he said.

Furthermore, Destin explained that modern warning systems now focus on impact-based forecasting. Residents and businesses want more than weather updates. Instead, they want to understand how weather will affect their lives and operations.

“The public no longer simply wants to know what the weather will be,” Destin said. “They increasingly want to know what the weather will do.”

He also highlighted challenges facing meteorological services across the Caribbean. These include aging infrastructure, staffing shortages, and growing demand for accurate local forecasts.

According to Destin, the project will modernize equipment, strengthen warning systems, improve forecasting, and build technical capacity.

Finally, he stressed that technology alone will not save lives. Effective communication, coordination, preparedness, and public trust also remain essential.