Nonprofit organization Mercy Corps hosted a well-attended disaster preparedness and mitigation fair on Saturday at the University of the Virgin Islands Albert A. Sheen Campus Great Hall. Individuals gathered to access resources and connect with local agencies before the start of the 2025 hurricane season on June 1.
The event is the first of its kind being held by Mercy Corps on St. Croix.
“The fair’s theme, ‘Keep C.A.L.M. in the Storm: Collaborate. Act. Listen. Maintain,’ highlights the need for inclusive, accessible disaster preparedness for all residents,” a press release from the nonprofit organization explained.
“The event will bring together government agencies, emergency responders, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to share valuable information, tools, and resources that can help residents better prepare for the 2025 hurricane season and other emergencies,” the press release continued.
Mercy Corps Details and Fair Information
The Source attended Saturday’s event and contacted Aimee Griles-Cariño, Community Resilience Officer with Mercy Corps, to obtain additional details about the organization and the disaster preparedness fair.
“Mercy Corps is a global humanitarian organization working in more than 40 countries,” Griles-Cariño said. “We support people facing challenges related to disasters, conflict, and climate change by partnering with local communities to create solutions that are locally driven and sustainable. Our mission is rooted in the belief that a better, more resilient world is possible together.”
“As the Community Resilience Officer for the U.S. Virgin Islands, I serve under the Caribbean Resilience Initiative, also known as CRI PRIME: Preparedness, Resilience, and Impact for those Most Excluded,” Griles-Cariño stated. “Active from 2024 to 2027, CRI PRIME is being implemented in St. Croix, Jamaica, Saint Kitts & Nevis, and St. Lucia. Our work focuses on strengthening disaster preparedness and long-term community resilience across the region.”
Griles-Cariño went on to provide information about the fair’s theme and why emergency awareness events are crucial to areas across the Caribbean that can experience severe weather.
“Living in the Caribbean, we’re no strangers to hurricanes and tropical storms,” Griles-Cariño acknowledged. “Yet, even with our experience, many of us still find ourselves unprepared when the season begins. The collective anxiety we feel in the pits of our stomachs is real.”
“The theme of the fair, C.A.L.M., is both a call to action and a reminder,” Griles-Cariño proclaimed. “We want to encourage a proactive approach to hurricane season. We can’t eliminate the fear that comes with it, but we can help residents feel more informed and empowered. With the right tools and information, we believe our community can enter the season with a greater sense of confidence and calm,” she asserted.
Griles-Cariño noted that activities were available for adults and children, including giveaways and raffles for preparedness items. Upon arrival at the event, attendees were given a “C.A.L.M. Card,” showing all participating exhibitors. The task for the public was to learn information from the event participants and collect resources, stamp their cards, and submit them for a chance at winning a prize.
Event Participants
Representatives from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross of the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Health Department’s Public Health Preparedness Division, the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands, and the St. Croix Foundation were among multiple attendees at Saturday’s safety exposition.
The University of the Virgin Islands Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Kids program also planned activities for children aimed at educating them about climate change and climate resilience.
“We invited organizations and government agencies that already play a vital role in serving the community,” Griles-Cariño explained. “Our focus at CRI PRIME includes supporting those who are often left out of traditional emergency planning, such as children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Preparedness isn’t one-size-fits-all, so we were intentional about inviting partners who understand these diverse needs.”
Looking Ahead
With a potentially busy 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season just around the corner, Griles-Cariño hopes that the fair will inspire community members to be prepared for emergencies, and she looks forward to additional preparedness events.
“I hope attendees walk away feeling more informed, more connected, and more confident about their ability to prepare. Preparedness isn’t just about stocking up — it’s about having a plan, knowing your resources, and making sure your family and neighbors are ready, too,” she emphasized.
“This was our very first C.A.L.M. Fair — and we certainly hope it’s the beginning of something lasting,” Griles-Cariño stated. “Our goal is to continue this model in other parts of the territory and beyond. Building community resilience is a long-term commitment, and we’re just getting started,” she declared.
Individuals who missed the preparedness fair or want to learn more about Mercy Corps can find additional information on the organization’s official website.
