Roseau, Dominica: President Sylvanie Burton started budget presentation for the 2024/2025 fiscal year in the parliament of Dominica. She talked about climate change, electoral reform, gender equality and other developmental projects for the small island nation.
Talking about the effects of climate change, President added that the small island states that are low emitter of the carbon footprints have been facing of the severe consequences of the climate change.
She gave an urgent call for strategic action from the developed world and held them responsible for the consequences faced by the small states due to climate change. She said that the SIDS have been on the forefront on the impacts of the climate change, but the developed world is not taking responsibility.
President said,”I am joining PM Roosevelt Skerrit as he gave call for the climate action on every stage. Small Island Developing States have been facing the consequences of the deeds done by the developed world.”
She said that the climate financing from the developed world is not the favour, it is their responsibility as they are the contributors behind the carbon emission.
President also hailed Dominica for its leadership role in resilience across the globe and said that the country turned out to be great example for the sustainability. She termed Dominica- a global leader in the resilience and sustainability.
She also highlighted the consequences faced by the Caribbean countries- Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, and Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl and strictly demanded strong and comprehensive actions from the developed world.
“Planet Earth is no threat and there is need of urgent action against the fury of nature,” said the president.
President Burton talked about the plastic pollution, ocean conversation, marine environment and said that the developed world should consider this issue priority.
Gender Equality- Small Island States Progressing
Further, President Burton talked about the gender equality and lauded the small island states for their role in bridging the gap between gender. She also represented Dominica at Gender Equality Forum in Antigua and Barbuda, aiming to enhance equality and sustainability agenda.
President stressed upon the women empowerment and said that there are several challenges faced by small island nations in their gender equality agenda.
