Climate change, the upcoming conference in Paris, and Barbados’ greening initiatives were among the topics discussed during a recent courtesy call with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Rotary International’s first female President, Jennifer Jones.
During a meeting at Parliament recently, Prime Minister Mottley told Ms. Jones about the country’s ongoing social and economic activities to improve the lives of Barbadians.
She also mentioned the Bridgetown Initiative; Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s support in championing the interests of CARICOM and small island developing states; Barbados and Canada’s shared interests on climate resilience, and access to concessional financing.
Ms. Mottley informed Ms. Jones that Barbados and Canada were co-chairs of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocates Group and both countries were excited to “do something very special for the planet” before year end.
Meanwhile, the Rotary International President praised the Prime Minister for her leadership, adding that she was “held in high esteem for her intelligence” on climate change-related matters.
Like Ms. Mottley, Ms. Jones noted that preserving the environment was one of the several areas of focus for the organisation, in keeping with the United Nations’ SDGs.
The Rotary President also gave a synopsis of some of the projects being undertaken by Rotary International, which include a programme to empower girls and young men and the possible launch of a black feminist fund in Barbados later this year.
Ms. Jones was accompanied by her spouse, Nick Krayacich; Past District Governor David Edwards and his wife Donna Edwards; Rotary Past District Governor, High Commissioner for Barbados to the United Kingdom, Milton Inniss, and Rotarian Senator Andrew Mallileau.