ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE THIRTY THIRD INTERSESSIONAL MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY 1-2 MARCH 2022
The Thirty-Third Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held on 1-2 March 2022. Chair of the Conference, the
Prime Minister of Belize, the Honourable John Briceño presided over the proceedings.
Other Members of the Conference in attendance were: Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda,
the Honourable Gaston Browne (virtually); Prime Minister of The Bahamas,
the Honourable Philip Davis; Prime Minister of Barbados, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley,
Q.C; MP; Prime Minister of Dominica, the Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit; Prime Minister of
Grenada, Dr. the Rt. Honourable Keith Mitchell; President of Guyana, His Excellency
Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali; Prime Minister of Haiti, the Honourable Ariel Henry; Prime Minister of
Jamaica, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness (virtually); Premier of Montserrat, the
Honourable Easton Taylor-Farrell; Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable
Timothy Harris (virtually); Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, the Honourable Phillip Pierre (virtually);
and President of Suriname, His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines was represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Transport, Works, Lands and Physical Planning, the Honourable Montgomery Daniel; Trinidad
and Tobago was represented by the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Senator the
Honourable Dr. Amery Browne.
Associate Members in attendance were: Bermuda represented by the Hon. Walter H. Roban
Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs; British Virgin Islands represented by Deputy
Premier, the Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley; and the Turks and Caicos Islands represented by
Premier the Honourable Charles Misick.
OPENING CEREMONY
Secretary-General, Her Excellency Dr. Carla Barnett, immediate past Chair, the Honourable
Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and Chair of Conference, the
Honourable John Briceño, the Prime Minister of Belize addressed the Opening.
The Secretary-General noted that the Community over the 49 years of its existence has been
bound together, particularly, in times of adversity and this was such a time. She advised that
going forward, as CARICOM celebrates its 50 th Anniversary, it must use its achievements as the
foundation for building a resilient Caribbean Community.
The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda stated that the Community must continue to be
vigilant in managing the threats to sustainable development including de-risking, the proposed
global minimum corporation tax and sanction-listing of so-called uncooperative jurisdictions by
the OECD and European Union.
Climate change, he said, remained the most significant existential threat facing all of humanity
and noted the hopes of people in so many countries around the world, for meaningful action on
the climate emergency, were dashed against the rocks of the obstinate and selfish attitudes of
developed countries and large corporations assembled at COP26 in Glasgow, last November.
The Chair of the Conference, Prime Minister of Belize stated that the Thirty-Third Inter-Sessional
Meeting was a particularly consequential meeting which was taking place at a time when
unprecedented and existential challenges coincided with our citizens’ expectations for relief
and prosperity.
He condemned in the strongest terms the unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russia and called
for an immediate cessation of hostilities and immediate and unilateral withdrawal of all Russian
troops from Ukraine.
The Prime Minister observed that CARICOM was contending with the worst economic recession
in modern history. To foster our recovery, he said the Community needed to rekindle the
founding vision of CARICOM both with respect to the scale of its ambition for integration, and
the speed which was needed to achieve its consolidation. Our recovery, he said should be
aligned to a new regional agenda that was centred around creating prosperity for the people.
All the Statements are available at www.caricom.org .
AGREEMENTS SIGNED
Agreement on the Return or Sharing of Recovered Assets – The Bahamas and Belize
Protocol to Amend Article 32 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas establishing the Caribbean
Community including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (with respect to the definition
of a CARICOM national) – Belize
Protocol to Amend the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas establishing the Caribbean Community
including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy to Allow Enhanced Cooperation among
Member States and to Address Related Issues – Barbados, Belize, Dominica and Grenada
Instrument of Ratification -Multilateral Air Services Agreement – Deposited by Jamaica
COVID-19 AND ITS IMPACT ON THE REGION
Heads of Government acknowledged continued comprehensive response to COVID-19 in the Region the
Caribbean Public Health Agency’s (CARPHA), the CARICOM Secretariat’s and the Pan-American Health
Organisation’s.
They agreed that Member States would continue to support the multi-sectoral and inter-sectoral
regional public health response that has been successfully led by CARPHA supported by the Regional
Security System (RSS) and other Regional Institutions.
They also acknowledged that the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has required that
Member States re-imagine their development strategies and global economic engagement towards
building back better with more sustainable and resilient economies. In that regard they mandated the
Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), to coordinate the formulation of a regional resource mobilisation
strategy to raise the funding required to drive the economic recovery programme.
Heads of Government stressed the need for the continuation of public health measures including masks,
testing, isolation and quarantine and supported CARPHA’s recommendations for safe and sustainable air
and sea travel to protect the Region.
Heads of Government noted the challenges in achieving desired levels of vaccination. They therefore
agreed to mount a regional campaign to combat the disinformation that encourages vaccine hesitancy.
Heads of Government agreed to explore a regional strategy for manufacturing vaccines in the Region.
CARICOM SINGLE MARKET AND ECONOMY (CSME)
Heads of Government agreed that implementation of the CSME is the Region’s best option for
responding to the current development challenges and for building a more resilient Region.
They further agreed that immediate urgent action on CSME implementation was imperative. In
that regard they endorsed the Action Plan for an Effective CSME and proposals for immediate
action involving the Organs of the Community, Cabinets and Ministries of Member States,
stakeholders, particularly the private sector, and the CARICOM Secretariat to hasten
implementation.
Heads of Government adopted and opened for signature the Protocol to Amend the Revised Treaty of
Chaguaramas Establishing the Caribbean Community including the CARICOM Single Market and
Economy to allow Enhanced Cooperation among Member States and to address Related Issues.
They agreed that Suriname would assume the portfolio of Industrial Policy in the CARICOM
Quasi-cabinet of Heads of Government.
Heads of Government also agreed to review the governance systems within the Community to
facilitate more effective decision-making and to ensure follow-up on the Community agenda.
They requested that urgent attention be given to the strategy for development of the energy
sector including the CARICOM Energy Policy (both in respect of fossil fuels and renewables) as
well as to address the issue of local content.
Heads of Government established an Open-Ended Working Group on Local Content for Sunrise
Industries with core membership from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Guyana,
Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. They also agreed that the CARICOM
Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) would participate in the Working Group.
They mandated the Secretariat to undertake further work on identifying ten (10) major non-
food items imported into the Region for which there is production capacity and potential and
significant demand considering that these could constitute priority products for investment and
trade within the Community
Heads of Government agreed that early decision-making as well as cross-sectoral inter-agency
regional and national actions were needed to support the economic recovery and
transformation of CARICOM Member States.
They therefore agreed to resuscitate the CARICOM Economic Recovery and Transformation
(CERT) Working Committee under the guidance of Prime Minister Mottley, to serve as a
clearinghouse for the many recommendations being tabled and to guide the economic recovery
and transformation process in the Community.
They also agreed that the Working Committee would be open-ended, with core membership
comprised of The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago,
and the Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB); and would be coordinated by
the Secretary-General. They further agreed to include the President of the Caribbean
Development Bank, the Chief Executive Officer of the CARICOM Development Fund and the
Chair of the CARICOM Commission on the Economy as members of the Committee.
REGIONAL FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY
Heads of Government commended the Ministerial Task Force (MTF) on Food Production and
Food Security, and the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali, President of the
Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Lead Head of Government in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet for
Agriculture, on the work completed in advancing the CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Agenda.
They highlighted the importance of addressing key issues, including Climate Smart Agriculture,
Land Reform, Transportation, Regional Infrastructural Development, Public-Private
Partnerships, Legislative Reform, improving production and productivity, and incentives to
encourage the sector.
Heads of Government agreed to modernise current production methods including digitalization
and greater use of technology, emphasise human resource development including youth
involvement, and focus on research and development.
Heads of Government recognised the challenges to the achievement of the reduction of the
Region’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025 and the need for increased financial support,
including though national budgets. In that regard, they committed to addressing the
investment required and the attendant implementation timelines to achieve that objective and
agreed to the staging in Guyana of an Agricultural Investment Conference on 19-21 May 2022
to accelerate the process of identifying alternative financing solutions.
They welcomed Guyana’s offer of 25,000 acres of land to facilitate corn and soya production as
well as to train 30 persons in the construction of shade houses aimed at increasing agricultural
productivity and output.
Heads of Government also welcomed the offer of Suriname of land for agricultural production.
Heads of Government undertook to intensify efforts to remove all Non-Tariff Barriers to intra-
regional trade.
ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR
Heads of Government received a presentation from the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation
(CPSO) and undertook to review the proposals put forward.
SECURITY
Heads of Government received a report from the Chair of the Council for National Security and
Law Enforcement (CONSLE).
Heads of Government agreed that the support and cooperation of major partners, both
nationally and regionally, including strong information and intelligence sharing were required to
win the battle against Transnational Organised Crime.
Heads of Government agreed to support the development of a regional Crime Guns Intelligence
Unit which would function as an early warning system and a support mechanism for national
firearms investigations.
Heads of Government also agreed that there was urgent need for both intra-regional and
international cooperation to address effectively maritime and cyber threats.
Heads of Government agreed that the Caribbean Automated Biometric Identification System
(CABIS) was necessary, especially as the Region moved toward full implementation of the
CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), in support of the free movement of CARICOM
citizens and residents.
They mandated the CARICOM Secretariat and CARICOM IMPACS to conduct needs assessments
for a regional data privacy policy as well as the legislation required to cover such a System.
HAITI
Heads of Government received a presentation on the situation in Haiti from interim Prime
Minister the Honourable Ariel Henry. The Prime Minister underlined that democracy is in
decline, institutions are dysfunctional and collapsing. He spoke of the need to restore
democracy and the constitutional framework through elections, to address insecurity, and to
lay the foundation for future development.
Heads of Government expressed concern over the protracted political impasse, the ongoing
humanitarian crisis and mounting insecurity, and the repercussions for the Region of escalating
instability.
Heads of Government requested clear direction from the Government of Haiti with regard to
the assistance required and, in this regard, agreed to the establishment of a CARICOM Team to
interface with its Haitian counterparts and with the international community.
Heads of Government welcomed the suggestion from the Prime Minister of Haiti that the
Community could assist in facilitating dialogue, addressing insecurity, building democracy,
staging the elections, training the police, and assisting the investigation into the assassination
of President Jovenel Moïse.
Heads of Government stressed the importance of ensuring good governance and respect for
the rule of law and human rights as set out in the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society and
underlined the importance of including civil society in the process of dialogue.
Heads of Government commended Guyana for its commitment to provide rice to Haiti in view
of the ongoing humanitarian crisis
COP26 – FOLLOW-UP
Heads of Government expressed concern that the overall COP26 package did not adequately
address the pressing and urgent needs of Small Island and low-lying coastal Developing States
(SIDS), in confronting the accelerating impacts of climate change and in meeting the
requirements for climate resilience and adaptation.
They reiterated their urgent call for a systematic global response to provide SIDS with adequate
and predictable financial support to address loss and damage. They further noted that the
decisions were largely focused on process, so were unlikely to go far enough to keep 1.5 C alive.
Heads of Government stressed the need for the financing of adaptation to be grant funds or not
to be included in the debt profile of SIDS. They reiterated their support for the use of a Climate
Vulnerability Index as the determining factor for access to concessional financing instead of
GDP per capita.
Heads of Government agreed to convene a special meeting on Access to Climate Finance and
for a team to work on preparations for this special meeting.
Heads of Government also agreed to support Antigua and Barbuda as Chair of the Alliance of
Small Island States for the convening of a UNGA Special Session on the dire findings and
projections of the latest International Panel on Climate Change report.
Heads of Government agreed to remain fully engaged in the Global Climate Change Agenda and
mandated the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) – Environment to convene
no later than June 2022, to further review progress on the achievement of the Region’s goals
and priorities in relation to Global Climate Action and its related multilateral processes and to
report to the next meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government.
Heads of Government called on the CARICOM Secretariat and the Caribbean Community
Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) to follow up on the recommended Next Steps of the COP 26
assessment matrix , to monitor the Roadmap to COP 27 and to update the COTED as necessary.
Heads of Government agreed that the Community should pursue financial support from donors
to assist the CCCCC to facilitate Regional consultations and coordination regarding the global
goal on adaptation, the new quantified goal on climate finance, and the Glasgow Dialogue on
Loss and Damage.
They mandated the CCCCC to continue to explore options to enhance support to Member
States in their efforts to access funding for further elaboration and implementation of climate
adaptation plans, long-term strategies, capacity building for transparency, and other identified
priorities.
Heads of Government indicated their support for Vanuatu in its pursuit of an Advisory Opinion
from the International Court of Justice on the rights of present and future generations to be
protected from Climate Change.
A Declaration outlining CARICOM’s assessment of the Outcomes of COP 26 and its expectations
for COP27 is attached.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS/SELF-GOVERNANCE
Heads of Government expressed deep concern about the lack of transparency and the manner
in which the UK-backed Commission of Inquiry into the British Virgin Islands was called and is
operating without having obtained all the legally required approvals.
Heads of Government reiterated their call for the constitutional position of the duly elected
Government to be respected and for self-governance to be upheld and not impeded.
Heads of Government called for the implementation of the UN resolution on the question of
the British Virgin Islands adopted by the 76th UN General Assembly on 9
December 2021, which calls for self-governance and self-determination in the Virgin Islands to
be respected.
Heads of Government agreed to adopt a unified position at the relevant UN decolonization fora
in support of the self-determination of the British Virgin Islands.
BORDER ISSUES (Caucus)
Belize-Guatemala Relations
Heads of Government received an update on the status of Belize and Guatemala relations,
including Guatemala’s Territorial, Insular and Maritime Claim (Guatemala/Belize) at the
International Court of Justice. They noted that Belize will submit its Counter Memorial by June
2022.
Heads reiterated the importance of Belize, Guatemala and the OAS continuing to fully
implement the existing Confidence Building Measures. They also reiterated their call for both
countries and the OAS to finally fulfil their commitment to design a mechanism of co-operation
for the Sarstoon River.
They expressed appreciation for the role of the OAS in accompanying the process and called on
the international community to increase support for the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone.
Heads of Government reaffirmed their steadfast support for the sovereignty, territorial
integrity and security of Belize.
Guyana-Venezuela Relations
Heads of Government received an update on the most recent developments in the controversy
between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
They noted that Guyana will be submitting its Memorial on 8 March 2022 in accordance with
the schedule set by the International Court of Justice to hear the case on the merits of Guyana’s
application concerning the validity of the Arbitral Award of 1899 and the related question of
the definitive settlement of the land boundary between the two countries.
Heads of Government reiterated their full support for the ongoing judicial process that is
intended to bring a peaceful and definitive end to the long-standing controversy between the
two countries and urged Venezuela to participate in the process.
Heads of Government reaffirmed their firm and unwavering support for the maintenance and
preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.
ROAMING RATES IN CARICOM
Heads of Government welcomed the signing of the Declaration of St George’s Towards the
Reduction of Intra CARICOM Roaming Charges to Facilitate the CARICOM Single ICT Space and
the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. They noted that while the new roaming arrangement did
not provide for complete elimination of roaming charges within the CARICOM space, operators
indicated that savings would be on the order of 70-98 per cent depending on the service and the
market.
Heads of Government stated it was an interim but significant milestone with respect to the
Single ICT Space Roadmap.
Heads of Government agreed to the establishment of a single regulatory space for
telecommunications in CARICOM.
Heads of Government commended the Prime Minister of Grenada, the lead Head of
Government with responsibility for Science and Technology in the Quasi-Cabinet and the Prime
Minister of Barbados the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley for leading this exercise.
ORDER OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY
Heads of Government agreed to bestow the Order of the Caribbean Community on the former
Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque of Dominica for his service to the Community.
THE COMMONWEALTH
Heads of Government expressed their overwhelming support for the re-election of Baroness
Patricia Scotland as Secretary-General of The Commonwealth.
DATE AND VENUE OF THE FORTY-THIRD REGULAR MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE
The President of Suriname will assume the Chair of the Conference for the six-month period
commencing 1 July 2022. The 43rd Regular Meeting of the Conference will be held in early July
2022.
STATEMENT OF THE CONFERENCE OF CARICOM HEADS OF GOVERNMENT
ON THE WAR AND HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN UKRAINE
We, the Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean Community
strongly condemn the military attacks and invasion of Ukraine by the Russian
Federation and call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to all acts of
aggression, the urgent withdrawal of Russian military forces in Ukraine. Any
concerns the Russian Federation may have must be resolved diplomatically
and not through warfare.
We reaffirm the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and
call for respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.
We call on all parties involved to urgently intensify diplomatic dialogue and
to immediately de-escalate hostilities and work towards sustainable peace.
The invasion of Ukraine is causing untold loss and destruction of life and
property for the civilian population of Ukraine, including women and
children, in violation of international humanitarian law, and has caused a
growing humanitarian crisis.
We express appreciation to the Governments and people of neighbouring
countries who are extending humanitarian services to refugees fleeing
Ukraine. We are particularly concerned about the plight of and
discrimination against non-European nationals and call for the guarantee of
the safety and security of nationals of the Caribbean, Latin American and
Africa and from those countries who are seeking to leave Ukraine. In this
regard, we underscore the importance of respect for human rights and the
human dignity of persons in keeping with international commitments.
We reiterate that the principles of respect for sovereignty, territorial
integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of another sovereign state,
the prohibition on the threat or use of force, and the peaceful resolution of
all disputes must be adhered to by all nations.
The Caribbean as a Zone of Peace
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is concerned that the military
confrontation taking place in Europe could have repercussions in the Region.
The Community strongly rejects any attempt to deploy military assets that can
elevate tension and threaten the peace, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of
this Region.
The Community is resolute in its affirmation of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace
and calls on all countries to refrain from actions that undermine the Declaration
made in 2014.
2 March 2022
Ambergris Caye Declaration on COP26
Outcomes and CARICOM Expectations in the
lead up to COP27: “A Pathway from Ambition
to Action”
Recalling the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Declaration on the 1.5 °C Ambition to Defend
the Most Vulnerable
Recalling further the regional priorities and expectations for the Glasgow Climate Change
Conference aiming to consolidate global solidarity to close the gap for 1.5 °C ambition
Taking note of the Glasgow Climate Pact and the decisions adopted by the respective governing
13
bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol,
and the Paris Agreement
Appreciating that the Glasgow Climate Change Conference focused the narrative of ambition on
1.5 °C and confirmed the role of science in informing ambition and accelerated action,
Acknowledging that the Glasgow Climate Pact establishes work programmes to strengthen the
2030 emissions reductions targets, to support measurable progress on the global goal on
adaptation, and to determine a new collective goal on climate finance by 2024, and further
recognizes the start of the global stocktake and its importance to urgently address gaps in
mitigation ambition, adaptation, loss and damage, and finance this decade to meet the goals of
the Paris Agreement,
Noting also the decision to initiate the Glasgow Dialogue on Loss and Damage and the
finalization of the Paris Agreement Work Programme on common timeframes, transparency and
article 6,
Expressing grave concern that notwithstanding the pledges for net zero announced at the
Conference, together with the range of voluntary initiatives launched during its Summit,
according to the updated NDC Synthesis report, global warming is still projected to be 2.7°C in
2100, which confirms the latest findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change AR6
Report, that on these trends 1.5 °C could be breached as early as this decade,
Alarmed that emissions are expected to continue to rise to record breaking levels as countries
emerge from COVID-19, with 2021 seeing the second largest annual increase in CO2 emissions
in history,
Deeply concerned that developed countries support for climate action is incommensurate with
the needs of developing countries to justly transition their societies and economies to low
emissions climate resilient pathways and the increasing costs they face with rising emissions,
the fast approaching or otherwise breached tipping points, the compounding effects of the
cumulative impacts of climate change on sustainable development, and unavoidable loss and
damage,
Particularly worried that despite being the least contributors to the climate emergency, Member
States of the CARICOM face unsustainable and disproportionate debt burdens as they confront
escalating climate impacts,
Emphasizing thus the inexorable need to increase near term ambition, to accelerate urgent
climate action, and increase and deliver timely support to developing countries, in this decade,
Reiterating that limiting global warming to 1.5°C requires rapid, deep and sustained reductions
in global greenhouse gas emissions, including reducing global carbon dioxide emissions by 45
per cent by 2030 relative to the 2010 level and to net zero around mid-century, as well as deep
reductions in other greenhouse gases,
Underscoring the need for an unequivocal political commitment that no effort shall be spared to
strengthen emissions reduction targets of the major emitters as early as the end of 2022, and to
enact the necessary measures to unlock and fast track the great potential of humanity, taking a
an urgent and systematic approach, in line with principles of the Paris Agreement, and ensuring
accountability and transparency,
Desiring thus for 2022 to initiate a roadmap from ambition to action with milestones for
governments and non-state actors alike with COP27 as our first way point on the path to 1.5°C ,
the CARICOM Heads of Government,
Affirm that for the Caribbean keeping global temperatures below 1.5°C is not an option, it is
a matter of survival.Urgently call upon the international community to uphold its responsibility to protect the
most vulnerable and maintain a central focus on the special case and particular
circumstances of small island developing states (SIDS),Affirm that “Securing a safe climate future for the Caribbean” will remain under close
consideration of the CARICOM Heads of Government with a view inter alia to elaborating
further on the regional roadmap from ambition to action with a focus on articulating
regional needs and priorities, forging new partnerships across the whole of society, and,
strengthening CARICOM political engagement in multilateral processes to advance regional
priorities,Endorse a Paris 2030 delivery agenda to include for 2022:
a. At COP27 if not earlier, major economies plan for strengthened 2030 emissions
reduction targets in line with the 1.5 °C Paris temperature goal and Low-emissions
Development Strategies;
b. Leading up to COP27, a US$100 billion finance dashboard progress report and at
COP27, and during the High-level Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Finance,
clarification on plans to scale beyond the floor of US $100 billion in the period
through to 2025 taking into account the parity between adaptation and mitigation,
and the additionality of loss and damage finance;
c. Measures of progress on developed countries commitment to double adaptation
finance from 2019 levels and to ensure that vulnerable countries are accessing and
benefitting from these finance flows;
d. Timely progress of technical work as called for in the Glasgow Climate Pact noting
with appreciation the efforts of the COP Presidencies of the United Kingdom and of
Egypt to accelerate the work programmes geared towards clear deliverables at
COP27;
e. A timebound reform agenda for climate funds, multilateral development banks, and
other finance providers to address SIDS access to grants and other concessionary
finance arrangements in line with our urgent needs and priorities; and in this regard
urge implementation and further elaboration of the call to action emanating from
the second roundtable dialogue on SIDS and access to finance ;
f. Allocation of an envelope of resources to SIDS under the Global Environment Facility
Eighth Replenishment Process for capacity building and technology transfer including
for the implementation of the enhanced transparency framework;
g. Conclusion of elements for the full operationalization of Article 6 consistent with 1.5
°C ambition, accountability, transparency and environmental integrity;
Welcome the focus of the UK COP Presidency on delivery , and urge the continued
collaboration with the incoming President of COP27 (Egypt), to ensure consistency,
coherence and implementation of commitments in line with the principles and goals of the
Paris Agreement;Also take note of the UK COP Presidency Glasgow Breakthrough Initiatives and the launch of
the Global Checkpoint Process and encourage the UK COP Presidency to engage with
CARICOM Member States to identify how the region can benefit and champion SIDS specific
breakthroughs;Urge the convenors of other fora intended to mobilize support for the UNFCCC process,
including the Major Economies Forum, the Ministerial on Climate Action and the Petersberg
Dialogue, to marshal efforts to support a Paris delivery agenda;Note the policy priorities of Germany’s G7 Presidency under the overarching objective of
“Progress towards and equitable world” including the focus in particular on a sustainable
planet;Take note further of the G7 Presidency’s intention to establish a global Climate Club to foster
ambitious, climate action and encourage the G7 Presidency to engage with the Caribbean
and other small island developing states as partners to jointly identify how such an alliance
can directly address the SIDS needs in the near term particularly for addressing adaptation,
and unavoidable loss and damage and avoid any unintended consequences;Note also that the Indonesian Presidency of the G20 has identified energy transition as a
policy priority, and express the hope that the focus on sustainable energy transition will be
framed in light of the temperature goal of 1.5°C and so lend support to strengthened 2030
emissions targets that could be brought forward to the COP27, underscoring that in so doing
the G20 together can keep 1.5°C within reach;Calls also for global recognition of the SIDS need for finance for loss and damage to cover
the costs of impacts and risks to which we cannot adapt;Urge all leaders to confront the reality that climate change poses an existential threat to
SIDS and that its impacts represent a “Code Red for Humanity” and thus require immediate,
global action to reduce greenhouse emissions and provide accessible and affordable finance
in line with the science to keep 1.5°C within reach.
There is no more time for equivocation and no more time for delay; we, the CARICOM Heads of
Government, demand action now.
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