Matters relating to climate change were discussed today when government officials and members of local and international organisations met with Global Americas representatives.
The meeting, which took place in the Committee Room at Parliament, was Chaired by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary with Responsibility for Matters Related to Climate Change, Small Island Developing States and Law of the Sea, Elizabeth Thompson.
Ambassador Thompson noted that the meeting followed Global Americas representatives, President and Chief Legal Officer, Guy Mentel, and Lead Project Officer, Jackson Mihm, tour of the island to look at some of the impacts of climate change and the work carried out to mitigate its effects on the coastlines.
She stated that following their visit it is hoped that Global Americas would share with U.S. Congress a true picture of how climate change has affected Barbados, and make representation for both financial and technical assistance.
Mr. Mentel, in sharing some background information about Global Americas, said that the organisation operates out of Washington, D.C., and is a modern day take on the traditional think tank. Its team of experts provide change makers in the Western Hemisphere with up-to-date research and analysis on key areas and issues affecting countries in the region.
Global Americas also engages policymakers, academics, journalists, civil society leaders, and Latin American enthusiasts to ensure they have the necessary tools to promote a safer, more stable, just and prosperous hemisphere.
Mr. Mentel stated that Barbados is a country of “immense beauty and talent”, and he and Mr. Mihm “came to see, touch, feel, and hear” about the effects of climate change, so they could be in a better position to truly report and represent the plight of the region to the U.S. Congress.
Other matters discussed included Caribbean-specific climate research, data collection and analysis reports; economic and climate vulnerabilities of small island developing states; the Bridgetown Initiative; the national coastal risk information and planning platform; marine spatial planning; agriculture; medicinal cannabis and trade.
Also in attendance were Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds; Minister of the Environment and National Beautification, Adrian Forde; Minister of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security, Indar Weir, and senior government officials and representatives from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, United Nations Development Programme and the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association.