Background and Context of the Research Problem

Emergency management and disaster response policies play a vital role in public administration, aiming to reduce the impacts of both natural and human$-$made disasters. These policies cover a spectrum of activities, including preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation, all designed to protect lives, property, and the environment. The growing frequency and intensity of disasters globally$$due to factors such as climate change, urbanization, and technological hazards$$have highlighted the necessity for robust disaster management frameworks. As a result, governments and international organizations are prioritizing the development and assessment of disaster management policies to ensure resilience and sustainability.

In the Caribbean region, including Antigua & Barbuda, the susceptibility to hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters is particularly high. The region's geographic position, coupled with socio$-$economic challenges, calls for resilient and adaptive disaster management strategies. Effective public administration in this context demands ongoing evaluation and enhancement of existing policies to address emerging threats and improve the capacity of institutions and communities to respond to disasters.

Statement of the Research Problem and Objectives

Despite the existence of comprehensive disaster management frameworks, their effectiveness often remains unclear due to various implementation challenges. These challenges include insufficient resource allocation, poor coordination among agencies, lack of community engagement, and deficiencies in knowledge management. This research aims to evaluate the current state of emergency management and disaster response policies to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas needing improvement.

This study is significant for several reasons. First, it contributes to the body of knowledge on disaster management in the Caribbean, providing insights that can be applied to other similar regions. Second, it offers a thorough evaluation of current policies, highlighting practical implications for policymakers, emergency management professionals, and community leaders. The findings and recommendations from this research can guide future policy development, ensuring that disaster management strategies are evidence$-$based and contextually relevant.

Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of integrating community perspectives and fostering public$-$private partnerships, which are essential for building local resilience. By addressing identified gaps and challenges, the research aims to enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of Antigua & Barbuda, ultimately reducing the impact of disasters on vulnerable populations and contributing to sustainable development. $($paraphrase$)$