Roseau, Dominica: Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit attended the 47th meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government which was kicked off on Saturday in Grenada.
He represented Dominica and discussed climate action, food security and the issues of the small island developing states.
During the series of events, PM Skerrit took the chance to speak about the impact of the climate change which has recently showcased its impact on the Caribbean countries.
With other heads of CARICOM governments, he also visited the sites that were devastated by first hurricane season- Beryl. He assessed the damage and stated that the climate change is impacting the countries that are not even responsible for it.
Secondly, he shed light on the food security agenda and stated that the issue is the paramount for the Caribbean region.
PM Skerrit talked about the agriculture integration and food export, aiming to enhance the economic aspects of the region.
He said, ”I am in Grenada for the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting. Agriculture, technology, the impact of climate change and food security top the agenda in addition to international issues such as the stabilization of Haiti.”
Prime Minister Skerrit also focused on strengthening the free movement of people and agricultural integration to ensure Dominican crops can be exported and sold across the region.
Notably, the CARICOM meeting is underway in Grenada and will conclude on Tuesday as the chairmanship has now been handed over to PM Dickon Mitchell.
Before that, the CARICOM was chaired by President of Guyana- Dr Irfaan Ali who took the chairmanship from Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit.
The meeting featured several panel discussions and interactions about the matters of concern related to the small island states.
The small states have been facing the wrath of the climate change due to the ongoing Hurricane Season due to which the concerns were raised to tackle the issue.
The climate impacts and the strategic actions have also been featured in the meetings, stressing the significance of the steps that should be taken by the developed world.
In addition, the food security and agriculture enhancemrn5 was given importance to reduce the reliance on the foreign countries for the food. The 25% by 25 agenda was put in spotlight and the countries are urged to increase the food production.
The governments are asked to use the naturally grown products and enhance the local farmers by providing them with resources.
Meanwhile, Curacao became another country to be added into the CARICOM during the meeting.
