From St. Kitts and Nevis, Kevon Browne (WINN) highlights Caribbean leaders’ calls for climate justice and international partnership at the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Bridgetown, Barbados.
According to a 2020 study, climate dam ages in the Caribbean are projected to increase from 5% of regional GDP in 2025 to more than 20% by 2100 under current trends. Other projections estimate the annual cost of climate disruptions at $22 billion by 2050.
Caribbean leaders delivered impassioned pleas for climate justice and international partnership at the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Bridgetown, Barbados.
The urgent calls come after devastating climate events have severely impacted several member states, highlighting the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States to the escalating climate crisis.
Grenada Prime Minister Hon. Dickon Mitchell, immediate past Chair of CARICOM, emphasised that the region’s request is not for charity but meaningful collaboration.
“We are not asking for mercy. In fact, we are not asking for sympathy. We are asking for partnership. And make no mistake about it: we have one planet. And make no mistake about it: we have one planet. I don’t know about you, but I’m sure I’m not going to live on Mars. And so it may be the Caribbean islands today, or the islands in the Pacific tomorrow, or Spain, or New Orleans, or Australia. It is one planet. And we are simply asking for partnership in tackling the challenges of climate change and in protecting and sustaining the lives, the livelihoods, and the cultures of the people who are most prone to devastating impacts of climate change.” Mitchell stated during the opening ceremony.
His country was among several CARICOM Member States devastated by Category 4 Hurricane Beryl last year. This unprecedented early-season storm forced the cancellation of a planned CARICOM conference in Grenada.
The Grenadian leader praised the regional body’s swift response following Hurricane Beryl, noting how member states quickly mobilised support. “Within weeks, they remobilised and descended on Grenada, and we were able to host the conference within less than a month of the passage of the hurricane,” he recounted. Mitchell explained that this demonstration of unity provided the resilience that allowed Grenada’s people to “rebound stronger, better, and more determined to confront the existential threat of climate change.”
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis focused his intervention on climate resilience and trade justice in his intervention.
On climate change, Drew echoed Mitchell’s sentiments regarding the disproportionate impact on Caribbean nations. “We are among those who contribute the least to climate change, yet we suffer the most. And when it comes to getting the resources that are necessary to help us adapt and build resilience, those resources are very slow in coming,” he asserted.
Despite these challenges, Drew expressed optimism about regional initiatives. He particularly commended Guyana’s President for presenting opportunities in renewable energy development and reaffirming his country’s commitment to geothermal energy projects.
Both leaders addressed broader historical contexts, with Mitchell emphasising the value of Caribbean nations and cultures in the global landscape. “If you don’t think Barbados is worth fighting for, or the Bahamas is worth fighting for, or Dominica is worth fighting for, then I don’t know what is worth fighting for.” – Grenada Prime Minister Hon. Dickon Mitchell.
Despite their leadership in climate action and resilience-building efforts, Caribbean SIDS continue to face mounting challenges that require urgent international support, climate finance, and debt relief to address the escalating impacts of climate change effectively.
For original article, see https://www.winnmediaskn.com/caribbean-leaders-call-for-global-partnership-on-climate-change-at-caricom-conference/