Dominica: The PM of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit, while his recent visit to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines announced a $1 million donation to St. Vincent and the Grenadines on behalf of Dominica. The amount will help Grenada manage its costs during the recovery.
This gesture by the prime minister underlines the mutual support of Caribbean countries and the need for joint action to fight against climate change. During his visit he also spoke about the international concern that emphasized climate change in the developed world.
While speaking at a press conference at Argyle International Airport, the Prime Minister noted the urgent need for global action and support for countries affected by climate disasters, which cost millions in damages every year. The prime minister also addressed the negligence that the developed world shows in context to climate change.
PM Skerrit and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves noted that Caribbean countries have been dealing with climate change for decades, but support or effective action has yet to be implemented.
“We have been talking about climate change and the negative effects it has had on our society, our lives and our livelihoods for decades,” PM Skerrit said. “Their responsibility is recognized, but the fulfilment of promises is not.”
In his speech, Skerrit also highlighted the difference in response to various global crises, noting that large sums of money have been sent to the conflict in Ukraine. He questioned why the same amount was not allocated for the climate disaster experienced by small island developing nations.
“I have no problem with a country choosing to raise billions of dollars for war-torn Ukraine. But what about those who are caught in a war we didn’t start?” he emphasized
The Prime Minister spoke about the enormous challenges that the Caribbean country is facing after these natural disasters. The prime minister also highlighted the financial burden of Dominica’s current recovery efforts, revealing that 85 percent of the debt comes from reconstruction efforts after these disasters. The PM Skerrit also called for coordinated action in the Caribbean and across all sectors of society to come together and demand climate justice.
“The issue of climate change and its effects affects each of us, but we do not hear the protective voices of different sectors of society, neither the private sector, civil society, nor the church. consequently.” said the prime minister.
He continued that they were in Paris in 2015 when they reached the agreement, and that agreement contained promises that they still have to fulfil the international community because the injustice of the climate is like slavery.
PM Skerrit travelled to St. Vincent and the Grenadines with St. Kitts and Nevis Premier Terrance Drew and St. Lucia with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre to tour areas affected by Hurricane Beryl.