标签： Dominica

In the wake of the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states have rallied together to provide aid and financial support to Jamaica for its emergency response and rebuilding efforts. A coordinated regional response is being led by key agencies, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH).

Jamaica’s Prime Minister and CARICOM Chairman, Dr. Andrew Holness, announced on November 2 that discussions with regional partners had focused on enhancing coordination for Jamaica’s recovery. The talks emphasized mobilizing regional assistance, reconstructing resilient infrastructure, and safeguarding public health.

CDEMA’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Riley, expressed confidence in the agency’s efforts, which include collaboration with the Caribbean Development Partners group—a platform involving UN entities, private sector representatives, civil society, and member states. A Rapid Needs Assessment Team (RNAT) from CDEMA, comprising specialists from organizations like UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), and PAHO, is currently in Jamaica conducting multi-sector evaluations. These assessments will inform the government’s strategies across critical areas such as agriculture, education, health, infrastructure, and tourism.

The Caribbean Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU), composed of military, police, and firefighting personnel from across the region, remains on standby for potential deployment. Additionally, the Caribbean Operational Support Team (COST) is prepared to assist with ongoing recovery efforts.

CDB President Daniel Best reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to Jamaica’s recovery, emphasizing the importance of regional unity. During his visit to Kingston, he highlighted the need for coordinated resource allocation and psychosocial support for citizens and first responders, describing the initiative as a fully integrated post-disaster response.

Other regional institutions, including the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), The University of the West Indies (UWI), and the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS), are also contributing to ensure a comprehensive and effective recovery process.

The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) Net-Zero Framework (NZF), designed to combat climate change through green shipping, faces significant hurdles due to economic and political resistance. Approved for circulation in April 2025, the framework aimed to establish global standards for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the shipping sector. However, its adoption was delayed in October 2025 due to opposition from key players, including the United States and Saudi Arabia. The U.S. labeled the initiative a ‘Global Green New Scam Tax,’ fearing increased shipping costs and economic repercussions. Saudi Arabia, a major petroleum exporter, proposed a one-year delay in voting, further stalling progress. The framework’s core elements—a global fuel standard and an economic measure—aim to reduce emissions through a carbon credit trading system. Ships exceeding emission limits would pay penalties, while low-emission vessels would earn credits. Despite its potential to drive sustainable shipping, concerns over rising consumer prices and the economic impact on oil-dependent nations have fueled resistance. Caribbean states, vulnerable to climate change but reliant on imports, abstained from voting, highlighting the complex balance between environmental and economic priorities. Economists emphasize the need to address both transition costs and the urgent realities of climate change. The pause in the NZF’s adoption underscores the challenges of aligning global climate efforts with diverse national interests. Moving forward, IMO members must work collaboratively to address concerns and advance a viable plan for reducing shipping emissions.

Delegates from twelve Caribbean nations convened in Barbados from October 30 to 31, 2025, to bolster regional efforts in climate resilience and sustainable land management. The summit, organized under the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), aimed to strengthen collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This meeting followed resolutions from the 4th PISLM Ministerial Council held in Grenada earlier in June 2025, which called for a robust regional framework to enhance access to international climate funding. Hon. Adrian Forde, Barbados’s Minister of Environment and National Beautification and PISLM Council Chair, emphasized the Caribbean’s disproportionate vulnerability to climate change despite its minimal contribution to global emissions. He advocated for “concessional, rapid, and predictable finance” as both a necessity and a right for the region. Forde also expressed solidarity with Jamaica, acknowledging the challenges it faces and the potential policy hurdles in addressing climate-related issues. Dr. Ronen Francis, PISLM Executive Director, highlighted the organization’s commitment to restoring degraded lands, improving ecosystem services, and enhancing community livelihoods. He stressed the importance of collaboration among governments, development partners, and local communities to achieve sustainable land management and drought resilience. The conference also showcased progress in various GEF-funded projects, including the SOILCARE initiative, Integrated Landscape Management in Carriacou, and the Caribbean Drought Initiative. PISLM reaffirmed its role in translating global environmental commitments into actionable local strategies, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for the Caribbean.