“Climate change and natural disasters remain key drivers of displacements in the Region with the frequency and magnitude of events likely to increase in the future. This has contributed to many regional states facing demographic decline, which has impacted their workforce, our younger population seeking job opportunities outside the Region and many key sectors being negatively impacted.”
Hurricane Beryl dealt a “serious blow” to Grenada’s efforts to reduce its food import bill by 25 percent by next year, the Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada said.
The Category 4 hurricane hit Grenada, particularly Carriacou and Petite Martinique, on 1 July 2024.
“With these storms that would be coming through the Region, if it is one facility or institution that should remain standing it should be a hospital. When I hear reports that the hospitals in the Grenadines are basically destroyed and people don’t know what has happened to the patients there, it is frightening.”
The Honourable Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis
As we commemorate our 51st CARICOM Day, I want to acknowledge the strong bond that unites our nations. This year, we face the challenges and aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which has impacted our Member States. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this devastating event.
'Climate Smart Agriculture for a Sustainable Future' is not just our theme; it is our mission. It encapsulates our dedication to creating a resilient agricultural sector that can withstand the vagaries of climate change while providing for our people. It is about building a future where our actions today foster a legacy of abundance and sustainability for generations to come.' - Mr. Joseph Cox, CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General, Economic Integration, Innovation and Development
"Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2024 will be a pivotal event for agriculture stakeholders and an opportunity to forge partnerships, share knowledge and commit to actions that will safeguard our Region’s agriculture production, and at the same time protect our precious natural resources.
A team from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) held discussions with representatives of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) on the margins of the Fourth International Conference on Small Islands Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda last month. The CARICOM team comprised Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General; Ministers of Environment of Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Ambassadors of Barbados and Belize; senior officials of Suriname and representatives of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC).
Blog written by Kenroy Simpson Cal - CARICOM Youth Ambassador - Belize
As Belize's CARICOM Youth Ambassador, I had the privilege of participating in a week-long Climate Change and Health Orientation and Training Workshop for CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYAs) and youth leaders from CARICOM nations, held at the CARICOM Headquarters in Guyana.
The practical ways that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat can support the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in its preparations for COP 29 was a key topic when a CARICOM team held talks with the UNFCCC.
The discussions on Monday 27 May, were held during the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Antigua and Barbuda, and also focused on the outcomes of COP 28.
Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General, on Tuesday continued rounds of bilateral meetings in Antigua and Barbuda that focused on support to CARICOM, sustainable development, climate change and foreign policy matters.
The Secretary-General engaged in talks with Norway, Romania, and Japan on the margins of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda.