Dominica: Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit talked to the members of the media after returning from the 4th International conference for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The event was hosted in Antigua and Barbuda last week and was attended by many leaders from across Caribbean.
The conference, where the Prime Minister met and interacted with several notable regional leaders regarding Climate Change. He stressed that the developed nations of the world must support the Small Island Nations in their struggle against Climate Change
He started his press conference by paying his heartfelt tribute and extending condolences on the death of Cardinal Kelvin Felix.
He highlighted the remarkable services that he had provided to the catholic community of the region. He was also proud to announce that Cardinal Felix was awarded the highest honour of the country, Dominica Award of Honor.
Following this, he informed the media that he was attending the fourth international conference for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Antigua and Barbuda. He highlighted that the conference focused on the multiple crisis that the SIDS are facing.
Dr Roosevelt Skerrit then recollected the challenges, saying that the states reviewed the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development. The challenges, including Climate Change and the economic and social fallout of the covid-19 pandemic have made the nations vulnerable.
Accordingly, the leaders gauged their abilities to meet goals like the 2030 agenda and its sustainable development goals. They also proposed solutions for building resilience and achieving prosperity in the small island developing states.
The Prime Minister, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit noted that he had the opportunity to highlight the disproportionate challenges faced by small vulnerable States like Dominica.
He reiterated that the Nation is currently dealing with the affects of climate change and worsening weather events. In the same breath, he noted that the leaders of the Small Island Nations convened to explore the role of developed countries in providing solutions.
PM Roosevelt Skerrit said that would have preferred less talk and for more action especially from the developed world. The Prime Minister observed that the developed nations only give SIDS empathetic comments rather than solutions.
The Prime Minister called on the leaders of these developed nations to come forward and give the SIDS the support that they need. The Prime Minister noted that the support of these nations is crucial to build resilience and mitigation against the impacts of climate change.
In absence of any action from the developed nations, PM Skerrit highlighted that, “Where there is injustice one must not be wary.” He asserted that they continue to fight as Small Island Developing States.
The Prime Minister believes that in light of their constant struggle, one day the developed nations will come to their pragmatic realization that they need to assist us. PM Skerrit noted that they have observed that the same countries are able to support their friends.
They can mobilize their resources to support their friends and allies in war efforts. He asserted that they do not have any issues with the support that they extend to these nations.
However, Small Island States expect that the same level of urgency and exemplified action should be had in respect to how they treat their commitment and responsibility for climate change.
Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit highlighted that sometimes citizens and groups may fail to understand and appreciate the existential threat which climate change poses to our countries. He also highlighted that it is extremely costly to deal with the aftermath of natural disasters which are becoming more frequent and more ferocious.