Incoming Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Bahamian Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis says the regional body continues to make strides.
“Regional co-operation has never been more urgent and necessary. The shock of and response to the COVID-19 pandemic was a stark illustration of the limitations of working alone.”
“Working alone, none of us will be able to overcome the existential threat posed by climate change. Working alone, none of us will be able to fully seize the opportunities of the new world order, where old certainties are fast disappearing, and new technologies favor the agile and the clever.”
Davis said CARICOM and The Bahamas share common histories— trials, traumas, and triumphs.
“As regional neighbors, we have, through the years, encountered many of the same hurdles, beat down the same walls, and conquered the same challenges. And indeed, we owe it to ourselves and each other to recognize that we are and always have been in this together.”
“We are at a tipping point, where it is imperative that we build on and strengthen the foundations of the past 50 years. There is already much on the agenda,” he added.
“Our community is making great strides towards ensuring food and nutrition security. And we are on track to reduce our food import bill by 25 percent by 2025.”
According to the Bahamian prime minister, with the help of international partners, “we also want to make further progress on our plans to increase the use of renewable energy. This is not only an alternative to expensive fossil fuel-based energy, but a critical means of reducing carbon in the fight against climate change.”
He added that CARICOM will also continue to work closely and vigorously with other Low-lying Coastal and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) “to continue our advocacy on the many issues relating to climate change, which impact us all. In particular, we will aggressively push for the ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ agreed at COP27 in Egypt, to be made fully operational.”
Concerning Haiti, Phillip Davis said the regional body is also determined to help the country resolve its challenges.
“The beleaguered people of Haiti desperately need respite from the political, economic and security crises which have engulfed the country. We will continue to support all stakeholders to craft a Haitian led solution. For CARICOM, the resolution of the immediate crisis will be a first step towards the crafting of a long-term sustainable development plan for Haiti.”
“My thanks to the President of Suriname, His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, for his superb stewardship of the Community over the past six months. With the help and support of my colleague Heads of Government, I look forward to building on his legacy.”
“This New Year holds much promise for our Caribbean Community. Over the next 50 years, we will continue to seek to strengthen our partnership, so that the lives of all of our peoples are made better. A Prosperous and Productive 2023 to you all!”
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