Senator Samuda to Make Statement on Jamaica’s Participation in COP28

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, is expected to make a ministerial statement this week on Jamaica’s participation in the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP28).

The announcement was made by Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Information, Hon. Robert Morgan, during Wednesday’s (December 13) Post-Cabinet Press Briefing at Jamaica House.

“He will also be speaking on several other environmental issues that have been in the media as of recent. So, you can look forward to that this week, I suspect in the Senate,” Mr. Morgan said.

Senator Samuda led Jamaica’s delegation to COP28, which was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, where he delivered the country’s national statement, engaged in coordinating meetings and participated in a ministerial meeting on climate finance, among other engagements.

Senator Samuda, who is Minister with responsibility for Water, the Environment and Climate Change, reaffirmed Jamaica’s commitment to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources, targeting approximately 30 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

He stressed that there is a need for the global community to bolster international cooperation, facilitating the transfer of green technologies to developing nations.

In that regard, the Minister said the phase-out of fossil fuel should be pursued as a priority.

Senator Samuda also endorsed Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in fortifying disaster resilience along Jamaica’s coastal areas.

“NbS and current initiatives, such as protected area management (Special Fishery Conservation Areas), mangrove restoration, and coral restoration, exemplify the country’s commitment to building back better in the face of climate change,” he said.