NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Losses as a result of damage caused by recent super storms, Hurricanes Irma and Maria, estimated at more than US$5 Billion highlight the importance of the region's allocation of resources to disaster risk mitigation and preparedness “in order to ensure that the respective destinations rebound as quickly as possible,” Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Mrs. Joy Jibrilu (at podium) told delegates at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism/Caribbean Tourism Organization/Caribbean Development Bank Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework/Disaster Risk Management Workshop at SuperClubs Breezes, September 25, 2018.  Director General Jibrilu stated the workshop was an important regional initiative that was intended to “protect an industry that is a major contributor to our livelihood."  The workshop, she affirmed, reinforced the importance of 'collective efforts' in mitigating and effectively responding to the threat of disaster, whether it be natural, fire, health outbreak or any other that puts at risk the safety of citizens or visitors.  (BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)