PM Philip J Pierre participates in 2nd Caribbean Heads of Govt meeting on Climate Change

Castries, Saint Lucia: Philip J Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, who also serves as the CARICOM Lead Head on Climate Change, is currently in Grenada to participate in the 2nd Caribbean Heads of Government meeting on Climate Change and the Environment.

The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and the Caribbean Community will attend he two days government meeting on Climate Change, which is scheduled from September 28 to 29, 2023. The CARICOM leaders will forge a more cohesive strategy and action plan as a regional bloc in furtherance of preparations for COP 28, scheduled for November and taking place in Dubai, UAE, according to the update shared by the government of Saint Lucia.

Prime Minister Pierre was welcomed by Minister for Climate Resilience, Environment, and Renewable Energy Kerryne Z James, who also highlighted that this is “a monumental day for our beloved Caribbean.”

The Prime Minister of Grenada – Dickon Mitchell, hosted the CARICOM Heads of Government at the Second Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) High-Level Dialogue on Climate Change from September 28 to 29, 2023, at the Radisson’s Grenada Beach Resort.

“My heart swells with pride and excitement as we unite to amplify our unified voice on Climate Resilience and Adaptation,” Minister James wrote on her official Facebook account.

She furthermore mentioned that as SIDS, the Caribbean nations stand at the forefront of climate change impacts, and this dialogue is a chance to strategize, adapt, and thrive. The discussions on financing the transition to renewable energy, understanding the impacts on the Caribbean’s rich biological systems, and accelerating e-mobility are not just topics; they are the future.

“They are our commitment to building stronger national systems for climate transparency,” she noted.

Minister for Climate of Grenada also highlighted that the significance of this event is monumental for the SIDS. “We are uniquely vulnerable, yet incredibly resilient. Our collective voice will resonate at the upcoming COP 28 in Dubai, showcasing our dedication, unity, and determination to combat climate change,” she expressed.

Minister James added, “And as your Minister for Climate Resilience, Environment, and Renewable Energy, I am honoured to deliver the welcome remarks, setting the tone for two days of impactful dialogue.”

Accordingly, in addition, the UNFCCC Secretary-General, Simon Stiell (our son of the soil), will be gracing the event with his presence – his first official visit back to Grenada since his appointment. The Minister of Climate anticipated that his address to be enlightening, inspiring, and supportive of SIDS.

The government has announced that the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Ernest Hilaire, will serve as the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia until September 30, 2023 (Saturday). It is to be noted that Dr Hilaire also acts as the Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information.