By Maria Kalamatas | The Logistic News
June 9, 2025 – Section: World

In a decisive step toward faster disaster response in the Caribbean, a new humanitarian logistics hub has officially opened, thanks to a partnership between the World Food Programme and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Set against the backdrop of an increasingly volatile hurricane season, this facility is designed not as a reactionary measure, but as a frontline asset — one that can deliver aid swiftly, strategically, and with minimal delay.

The location of the hub was chosen with purpose: positioned close to both air and sea corridors, it allows emergency supplies like food, clean water, hygiene kits, and mobile shelters to be deployed to affected islands in under 24 hours.

“What we’ve built here isn’t just a warehouse. It’s a lifeline,” said Daniel Schmidt, regional logistics coordinator at WFP. “Every minute counts during a crisis. This center helps us act without hesitation.”

Engineered for resilience, the building is storm-proofed and outfitted with solar backup systems, temperature-controlled storage, and satellite-linked communication tools — ensuring continuity of operations, even when infrastructure around it fails.

But this project is as much about people as it is about logistics. The WFP brings global logistics know-how, while the Church contributes on-the-ground volunteers, financial backing, and regional networks that can be mobilized within hours.

“Preparedness isn’t just about having the right tools,” said Maria Ellis, regional coordinator for the Church. “It’s about having the right people in the right place — ready, willing, and able.”

The past decade has shown how fragile supply chains become when disaster strikes. From Hurricane Irma to Dorian, the Caribbean has seen the consequences of delayed aid firsthand. This hub is an answer to those lessons — a pivot from reactive to proactive.

With forecasts warning of another active hurricane season, the center is already stocked, staffed, and on standby. What it offers is more than speed. It offers certainty — a signal that when the next storm arrives, help will no longer be days away.

 Maria Kalamatas
Senior Correspondent – Global Aid & Disaster Logistics
The Logistic News

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