Saint Lucia and Antigua launches joint programme to enhance sustainability

Castries, Saint Lucia: The new joint programme launched between Saint Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda with a vision to promote greater financial inclusion for the most under-served groups. This programme is anticipated to benefit under-served groups with a US$1.4 million UN Sustainable Development Goals Fund.

Notably, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J Pierre and Antigua’s PM, Gaston Browne joined UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Didier Trebucq. They were accompanied by key government, UN officials and representatives of SDG Joint Fund for the on-line launch of the joint programme “Optimizing Innovative Finance for Underserved Groups to Build Resilience and Accelerate the Achievement of the SDGs in Antigua & Barbuda and Saint Lucia.”

Both the leaders of their respective nations aim to promote greater financial inclusion for the under-served groups through strengthening their legal and regulatory capability as well as securing their digital financial services. The programme will play a huge role in bridging the financial gaps of under-served groups with a vision to lead both the nations, Saint Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda towards their agenda of becoming a sustainable development island.

During the launch ceremony of the programme, PM Philip J Pierre stated that the concept of this programme truly aligns with several crucial policies of the Saint Lucian Government. He extended gratitude and expressed delight that this programme would touch the lives of vulnerable and marginalized community of Saint Lucia and would give them an opportunity to exercise and enjoy their right of living a comfortable life.

Moreover, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne also expressed delight with the launch of this joint programme and focused on optimizing finance for underserves groups to build resilience and lead the nation towards sustainability.

The UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Didier Trebucq also noted that the programme would contribute to build resilience and accelerate the SDGs in both the Caribbean nations.