To successfully tackle the pressing issues facing Small Island Developing States (SIDs), the Caribbean Community must maintain its unity and assertiveness, posited Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Molwyn Joseph.
At the virtual Second Annual Ministerial Post-Conference of the Parties (COP) Debriefing on 24 January, Joseph, who chaired the meeting, emphasized the importance of working together as a unified bloc. As Chair of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on Environment and Sustainable Development, Minister Joseph stressed the need for strategic leadership and regional cohesion to effectively represent the Region’s interests at international platforms.
With multiple high-stakes conferences scheduled for 2024, including the UN Conference on Biodiversity, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, as well as ongoing negotiations on the Plastics Treaty, the Region must be proactive, agile, and responsive to capitalize on opportunities and mitigate threats.
Minister Joseph highlighted the importance of effective coordination and collaboration among Member States, as seen in the success of previous international gatherings. According to him, the Region’s ability to influence decisions and outcomes relies on timely, strategic engagement from our Ministerial team. This synergy between political and technical expertise enables us to convey our priorities with urgency and emphasis, he added.
During the conference, Minister Joseph also emphasized that a harmonized, collective approach will enhance the Region’s capacity to advocate effectively and amplify its voice on the global stage, citing outcomes from Climate COP29, biodiversity discussions in Cali, UNCCD meeting in Riyadh, and the experience at INC5 as a reminder of the need for coordinated regional efforts.
Additionally, the Chair noted the need for adaptability and strategic engagement to navigate the complexities of international negotiations, ensuring that regional priorities and development goals are aligned.
“With key meetings on the horizon, it is crucial that we remain not only proactive, but also agile and responsive in our approach. We must continuously assess progress, identify emerging challenges, and adjust our strategies accordingly. Our ability to adapt and engage strategically will be critical in securing favourable outcomes that align with our regional priorities and development goals,” Joseph stated.
Dr. Wendell Samuel, Senior Economic Advisor to the Secretary-General, Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and Assistant Secretary-General (Ag.) of the Directorate of Economic Integration, Innovation, and Development, stressed the importance of enhanced coordination at both national and regional levels to tackle the increasing complexity of global issues.
He warned that in a world where national interests often prevail, the Caribbean Region has to prioritize its regional cooperation, given that their collective survival depends on it.
“Well, I don’t know why I came here tonight
I’ve got the feeling that something ain’t right
I’m so scared in case I fall off my chair
And I’m wondering how I’ll get down the stairs
… Clowns to the left of me
Jokers to the right
Here I am, stuck in the middle with you.”
Lets talk about the man made environmental disasters that have happened in Castle Bruce, Pagua Bay and a few other places in Dominica.
Roosevelt turned the whole of Dominica into a natural disaster. I guess the sins he committed to become prime Minister must be the reason for the curse we seeing. that’s the question all you need to get answered from him because surely Dominica is like a curse under Roosevelt. Memory verse
Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” Gen 4:19
Tell those ministers start by ensuring the laws in thier jurisdiction where they have a legal and national responsibility to uphold is applied and upheld. They cannot seem to execute thier national responsibility to ensure a clean and sustainable environment how the hell they want to go elsewhere. what caricom needs to do is set a basic standard based on science, information, technology and research that all member states must adhere to, create an internal oversight framework with consequences and then move forward. if you don’t do this and every darn island draft thier own law where they apply based on who is thier friends then we going nowhere. this sounds like another avenue for politicians to go stay in fancy hotels, take photos, wear expensive suits, talk a bunch of crap but we get worst on the ground. Why is the existing situation not working? incompetence.