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PM Holness Calls on SIDS to Begin Dialogue on Building Resilience

By: , November 26, 2018

The Key Point:

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has encouraged leaders of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to engage in fruitful discussions with its international partners on building resilience in the Caribbean.
PM Holness Calls on SIDS to Begin Dialogue on Building Resilience
Photo: OPM
The Most Hon Andrew Holness speaking at the International Monetary Fund Conference in the US capital, Washington DC on Monday, November 26, 2018.

The Facts

  • Speaking at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Conference this afternoon (Monday, November 26) in the US capital Washington DC, Prime Minister Holness underscored that the discussions on building resilience must include impacts such as increases in sea temperatures, which, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is causing the bleaching of reefs at an unprecedented rate.

The Full Story

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has encouraged leaders of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to engage in fruitful discussions with its international partners on building resilience in the Caribbean.

Speaking at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Conference this afternoon (Monday, November 26) in the US capital Washington DC, Prime Minister Holness underscored that the discussions on building resilience must include impacts such as increases in sea temperatures, which, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is causing the bleaching of reefs at an unprecedented rate.

“Caribbean nations require the immediate attention and requisite funding to build resilience to this specific climate impact. This climate impact that we don’t usually speak about, poses a clear and present danger to us in the Caribbean – especially given our heavy reliance on our reefs and shell fish industry,” explained Prime Minister Holness.

The Prime Minister stressed the urgency of the discussions as the effects of climate change are increasing rapidly. In that regard, Prime Minister Holness said he is seeking to create and strengthen the national platforms for hazard risk reduction including measures to incorporate them into land use practices and forward-thinking urban planning.

In the meantime, Prime Minister Holness announced that he will sign with the Inter-American Development Bank, a new kind of loan product – A Contingent Credit Facility for $285 million. This facility will provide immediate financing during the emergency recovery phase after a sudden event.

“Governments in the Caribbean must continue to acknowledge the importance of including disaster risk management in fiscal policy frameworks to efficiently and financially safeguard future development,” said Prime Minister Holness.

In his closing remarks, The Prime Minister said he anticipated that SIDS will find alternatives to ultimately enhance disaster risk management capacity and the ability to respond to the increasing impacts of climate change. He also extended gratitude to various international partners.

“We are thankful for the teams at the IDB, IMF and World Bank for the continued support that your organizations are providing to our region with respect to climate resilience building. That support has been helpful in the pursuit of a development pathway that is consistent with Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals,” expressed Prime Minister Holness.

Last Updated: November 28, 2018

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