September 3, 2021
Climate Change and Covid-19 were the main issues discussed as Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Her Excellency Carla Barnett accepted the credentials of the new Ambassador of the United Kingdom to CARICOM Her Excellency Jane Miller.
During the accreditation ceremony at the CARICOM Secretariat’s Georgetown, Guyana Headquarters they both agreed on the critical importance to the Region and the wider world of the upcoming 26th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP 26) to be held in Glasgow, Scotland in November.
Secretary-General Barnett stressed the need for the voices of the Small Island and low-lying coastal Developing States (SIDS) such as those in CARICOM to be heard in the discussions in particular with regard to achieving the goal of keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees. “It is no mere slogan for us in CARICOM that we need 1.5 to stay alive,” she added.
Ambassador Miller said the UK respected “the powerful voice CARICOM holds and we will continue to amplify your calls for greater climate ambition.” She pointed out that “we work with CARICOM on many issues but perhaps none as important as the fight against Climate Change.”
Secretary-General Barnett took the opportunity to thank the UK for its donations of Covid-19 vaccines to CARICOM Member States. This she said was vital to assisting in controlling the spread of the virus and “spurring the economic revival so urgently needed in our Community.”
Ambassador Miller recognised the “extraordinary efforts” of CARICOM in protecting its people from the ravages of the pandemic.
“The UK will remain committed to working with our friends across the Caribbean in supporting a green and resilient recovery,” she added.
