The President of Dominica, His Excellency Dr. Nicholas J. O. Liverpool, yesterday called on the international community to contribute to making Dominica a model for sustainable development. Speaking at the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, a meeting that focused on climate change, the international financial crisis, and food insecurity, Dr. Liverpool underscored how climate change has serious implications for small island developing states like Dominica. “This is clearly evident for many small island states, whose viability and very existence, are threatened by conditions such as the rise in sea levels,” Dr. Liverpool said, adding that Dominica is now at the “forefront of nature conservation.”

“At the world summit on sustainable development held in Johannesburg, South Africa in September 2002, then prime minister of Dominica the honourable Pierre Charles proclaimed our country as the nature island of the world. Today, in the presence of the world…I announce Dominica’s intention to make our country a model for sustainable development. A cordial invitation is extended to the international community, to contribute towards this noble venture,” said President Liverpool. He went on to highlight Dominica’s efforts to address climate change. “Dominica is already generating 40 percent of its electricity by hydro power. We are at an advanced stage of geothermal energy development, which by 2015 will enable us to reach the target of 100 percent electricity generation by renewable energy,” he said. Dr. Liverpool also noted that Dominica has been pursuing measures to promote energy efficiency and reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.
Originally reported at http://www.dominicanewsonline.com/all_news/general/7559.html

Photo of Dr. Liverpool from http://www.dominicanewsonline.com/all_news/general/6748.html