Strengthening the development and application of urban profiling methodologies: A review of urban profiling in the Caribbean

Caribbean cities are faced with a myriad of challenges ranging from urban sprawl, proliferation of slum and squatter settlements, pollution, unemployment, vulnerability to natural hazards, poverty, crime and insecurity, to inadequate infrastructure and service delivery. These problems are further exacerbated by the threat of climate change and the fragility of the economies of Caribbean island states. Effectively responding to these challenges has proved quite difficult, especially for local municipalities who are responsible for the hands-on management of our towns and cities. As part of the response mechanism to strengthen the capacity of both central and local government to address the urban problems that they face, the United Nations (UN), among other multi-lateral development agencies, has been leading the way in developing a series of rapid urban assessment and profiling programmes to guide short, mid and long term intervention within the urban sector. The primary benefit to be derived from urban assessment and profiling is that it should serve as a tool to help municipalities collect the necessary data needed to quickly identify the current urban problems. This information is presented in an urban profile which is then used for public consultation and developing local action plans (projects) to address the problems identified. Through their involvement in urban assessment and profiling local municipalities are expected to build the necessary the technical, analytical, and management skills needed to better manage problems within the urban sector.