This week, the Government of Saint Lucia, through the Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport, under the leadership of the Honourable Stephenson King, is proudly hosting the 69th Session of the Caribbean Meteorological Council (CMC 69) at the Habor Club Hotel. The conference brings together representatives from across the region for a series of high-level engagements. CMC-69 serves as a cornerstone of regional cooperation in weather, climate, and disaster preparedness—strengthening collective efforts to enhance resilience, modernize meteorological services, and safeguard Caribbean communities.
The week commenced with the 62nd meeting of the Caribbean Meteorologic Organization (CMO) Board of Directors on Monday, 17 November, 2025 where members engaged in discussions on key institutional matters and strategic priorities for the region’s meteorological development. These deliberations continue through Tuesday and Wednesday, setting the stage for Thursday’s marquee event: the official opening of the 69th Session of the Caribbean Meteorological Council (CMC).
The Caribbean Meteorological Council (CMC), which serves as the governing body of the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO), comprises ministers responsible for meteorology or their designated representatives. Its annual meeting is a pivotal forum for setting regional policy direction, approving programmes, and projects, and overseeing the organization’s budget and operations.
Saint Lucia’s Minister for Infrastructure, Ports, Transport, Physical Development, and Urban Renewal, Honourable Stephenson King—who also holds responsibility for meteorology—will be among the dignitaries participating in this year’s session and will chair the proceedings.
The Caribbean Meteorological Organisation (CMO) plays a vital role in advising Caribbean governments on the development and strengthening of meteorological and hydrometeorological services, as well as in confronting the region’s evolving climate challenges. The organisation works closely with regional and international partners to bolster disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, ensuring countries are better equipped to anticipate and manage weather-related risks.
Through its training and research arm—the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH)—the CMO provides essential capacity building for weather observers, forecasters, and climate specialists across the region. The CIMH also serves as a leading regional hub for climate research, innovation, and technical expertise, supporting data-driven decision-making and resilience-building efforts throughout the Caribbean.
Founded in 1951 as the British Caribbean Meteorological Service, the organization evolved into the Caribbean Meteorological Service in 1963, and was renamed the Caribbean Meteorological Organization in 1973 following the independence of several member states. Headquartered in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, the CMO stands as one of the Caribbean’s oldest and most enduring institutions.
Saint Lucia’s hosting of this important gathering reaffirms the nation’s strong commitment to regional collaboration, climate resilience, and scientific advancement in service of Caribbean communities. It signals the country’s continued dedication to strengthening meteorological capacity, supporting evidence-based decision-making, and working with partners across the region to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.