The Bureau of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), comprising Incumbent Chair Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica; Outgoing Chair, Hon. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; and Incoming Chair, Dr. the Hon. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, convened virtually on 21 July 2025, to deliberate on several issues, including West Indies Cricket. The Chair of the Prime Ministerial Sub Committee (PMSC) on Cricket, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, participated in the Bureau Meeting and led the discussion on this agenda item. The Bureau requested the PMSC on Cricket to release this statement.

The PMSC on Cricket is conscious of the economic, emotional, developmental and cultural importance of cricket to the people of the Caribbean Community.  Cricket has, for decades, been a platform through which our small nations have collectively stood tall on the world stage.  West Indies Cricket is very much a “public good”.

The PMSC is deeply concerned, as has also been widely expressed by various sectors of the Community, about all aspects of the current state of the game in the Region, particularly in its long form.  The concerns extend from youth development and talent retention to governance arrangements and long-term strategy.

The PMSC believes that the Team’s recent performance is a moment of reckoning for this cherished Caribbean institution.  Every cricket match in which our West Indies Team competes, resonates far beyond the boundary.

We reaffirm our unwavering interest in strengthening the governance and planning of the future of West Indies Cricket.  Once again, we urge Cricket West Indies (CWI) to undertake a thorough and transparent review of its governance, leadership, management, economic models and development frameworks, underpinning the sport.

Multiple reports on West Indies Cricket have been prepared over the years, including:

1. The Patterson Report on the Governance Committee on West Indies Cricket of 2007;
2. The V. Eudine Barriteau Report of the Review Panel on the Governance of Cricket of 2015; and
3. The Wehby Report on Governance Reform of Cricket West Indies of 2020.

We are troubled by the lack of real progress on the implementation of these recommendations.  We urge CWI, yet again, to take the concrete actions outlined in these Reports.

The PMSC on Cricket is establishing a special Committee of diverse stakeholders, including our Cricket Legends, the private sector and academia. We will, with this Committee, review the multiple high-level Reports on West Indies Cricket, synthesise the various recommendations that they contain and propose an Action Plan. Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the National Cricket Associations will be invited to be a part of the consultation and review process.

CARICOM remains committed to engaging with CWI and the regional public to support bold, strategic reforms that will be designed to rebuild public confidence and restore West Indies cricket to the pinnacle of global cricket excellence in all formats of the game.

23 July 2025

CARICOM has consistently called for an immediate, unconditional, and sustained ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access. These urgent calls have largely gone unheeded, leading to a crisis of unparalleled proportions. Relentless military operations, including indiscriminate bombardment and direct attacks on aid-seeking civilians, flagrantly violate international humanitarian law.

We are appalled by UN and humanitarian reports depicting widespread hunger, disease, and displacement, deliberately exacerbated by deprivation of basic necessities such as food, water, medicine. Critical fuel shortages further threaten to halt all lifesaving services. The weaponization of essential resources is morally repugnant, intolerable and unconscionable.

We unequivocally condemn all violence against civilians, including the abhorrent 7 October 2023 attacks and hostage-taking. We equally condemn the disproportionate military response, actions contravening international law, and systematic undermining of peace by illegal settlement expansion. The unacceptable dismantling of humanitarian mechanisms, replacing UN-led coordination with military control, demonstrably leads to further civilian casualties.

CARICOM reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a two-state solution as the only viable path to comprehensive, just, and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, consistent with UN Security Council Resolutions and international law. We lament the belligerent and continued disregard for these resolutions, urging the international community to redouble efforts for strict adherence and enforcement.

We, the Heads of Government, urgently demand an immediate ceasefire.  There must be full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Gaza, ensuring vital aid, including fuel, medical supplies, food, and water, reaches all in need without delay. We call for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and detainees. We demand an end to forced displacement of Palestinians and protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law. It is imperative that there is accountability for all violations of international law, with perpetrators brought to justice.

We, the Heads of Government, reiterate our solidarity with all victims and urge maximum diplomatic efforts for a durable solution to the legitimate security and humanitarian concerns of all parties. The international community cannot stand idly by while this catastrophe deepens.

CARICOM stands ready to support all constructive initiatives for a lasting peace that meets the legitimate aspirations for security, dignity, and stability of all Israelis, Palestinians, and peoples in the wider Middle East.

Agreed 8 July 2025

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Remaining deeply concerned and alarmed bythe surge of gun crime and violence across the Caribbean Region, driven by the proliferation of illegal firearms and activities of gangs and/or organised criminal groups, which continue to pose a serious threat to the Region, its institutions of governance, and the very fabric of our societies,

Underscoring our commitmentto addressthe concerns of our peoples, regarding the impact of organised crime and illicit trafficking on their communities, livelihood, and security,

Cognisant of the current global security threats and the potential impact on the stability and socioeconomic progress of our societies,

Recalling the decision to collaborate on implementing measures to address crime, violence, and national security, and the implications for public health, that directly result from gang activities and the illegal importation of guns into our Region,

Renewing ourcommitment tostrengthening the Region’s response by implementing effective measures to monitor new trends in illicit firearms trafficking, enact robust legislation to include stringent penalties for firearm and gang-related offences, and to strengthen public awareness on the issues relating to the prevention and prosecution of all forms of organised criminal activities,

Determined to create societies characterised by productivity, prosperity, peace, and security,

1. Reaffirm our commitment to continue efforts to complete a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system to, inter alia, address criminal terrorists with a focus on the proactive management of investigations, prosecutions, and sentencing, while also expanding programmes aimed at the early identification and positive redirection of young people who may be at risk of social exclusion or vulnerability to crime;

2. Agree to strengthen the regional institutional security structures, to include the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), and implementation of programmes such as the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), to effectively enhance collaboration and  sharing of information, to disrupt criminal networks, as well as, leverage shared resources to enable law enforcement and support border security efforts;

3. Reinforce national anti-gang strategies to more effectively monitor and disrupt gang movement and their linkages to cross-border firearm-related crimes within CARICOM;

4. Recognise the importance of undertakingthe development or amendment of national legislation to effectively combat gun crimes, the illicit trade in arms and ammunition, trafficking offences in all forms, especially human trafficking as one of the most heinous crimes against humanity;

5. Commit to the development and implementation of comprehensive counter-narcotics strategies through enhanced cooperation, resource sharing, and sustained policy engagement.

6. Resolve to integrate into the formal economy, rule of law, and governance systems, undergoverned spaces that provide, or can provide safe havens to criminal organisations.

Issued in Montego Bay, Jamaica on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, on the occasion of the 49^th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

A twelve (12) member CARICOM Election Observation Mission (CEOM) arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on 21 April and will depart on 30 April 2025. The Mission is comprised of nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and supported by staff from the CARICOM Secretariat.

The CEOM’s primary role is to observe preparations for the conduct of the Parliamentary Elections and to provide an independent, impartial, and honest assessment of the electoral process, taking account of all factors that may impinge on the overall credibility and transparency of the elections.

It is noted that the elections had 161 candidates representing 17 political parties.

Prior to and on Election Day, the team observed the Special Voting in addition to the procedure for the sorting of special envelopes and the intermixing of ballots on Election Day.
The CEOM also engaged with various stakeholders including the Elections and Boundaries Commission, representatives of political parties, trade unions, civil society, religious bodies, academia, other institutions, and the media.

On polling day, the team visited 202 polling stations across 12 constituencies, including in Tobago. The team observed the polling activities, which included the opening of the polls, the voting process, the closing of the polls, and the counting of ballots.

Based on the team’s observations, the pre-poll and opening procedures were followed. The polls were opened on time in the polling districts. All polling stations observed were fully staffed and most had at least two Polling Agents present. Most polling stations were conveniently located and easily accessible to the voters, although in some instances, it was noted that accessibility presented challenges for persons with disabilities, and the elderly. The Mission further observed that there was a sufficient supply of the required voting materials at all polling stations.

Additionally, the Mission noted that there were few queues at the opening of the poll. The CEOM observed that voting proceeded in a peaceful and orderly manner.  Most polling stations were divided into two streams, which aided queue management.

In all polling stations visited, a sample of the ballot paper and relevant instructions were clearly displayed. Signage was also visibly displayed outside polling stations.
Adequate police security was in place at all locations visited. The polling officials conducted their duties with professionalism, transparency, diligence and dedication. They were helpful to voters especially the elderly and persons with disabilities.

This contributed to the level of calm which accompanied the day’s activities. Generally, the poll workers were focused as they steadily carried out the required procedures, thereby ensuring that all eligible electors who turned out to vote were able to exercise their franchise.

The initial assessment of Election Day activities by the CEOM is that the voters were able to cast their ballots without intimidation or fear, and that the results of the 28 April 2025 Parliamentary Elections reflect the will of the electorate of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Mission extends its appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs for its assistance and congratulates the staff of the Elections and Boundaries Commission; poll workers; the political parties and their candidates; stakeholders; the security forces and the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, on the level of maturity displayed in the conduct of the Election Day activities.

Finally, we thank the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for their warm welcome and cooperation, which contributed to the success of the Mission.

A full Report will be prepared by the Chief of the CEOM for submission to the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

IAN S. HUGHES
CHIEF OF MISSION
CARICOM ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION

29 April 2025

CARICOM strongly condemns any attempt to replace the transitional arrangements by force and violence. These arrangements were put in place by Haitian stakeholders to pave the way for free and fair elections by February 07, 2026, and to return Haiti to constitutional authority.

Moreover, any further organized violence will only exacerbate the existing humanitarian crisis.  The International Organisation on Migration (IOM) reported that in mid-January of this year there were 1,041,000 internally displaced Haitians, some of whom are already risking their lives in attempting to leave by any means necessary.  Over the last month alone, close to 60,000 Haitians have been displaced. Increased violence will simply hurt those who are least capable of protecting themselves.

This too is completely unacceptable.

In view of the looming threat, CARICOM has been in consultation with Haiti and its  international partners to urgently provide further security assistance to Haiti.

CARICOM salutes the efforts of the Haitian security forces and the MSS spearheaded by the Kenyans to enforce order and to protect the citizens of Haiti.

CARICOM urges the international community, including the United Nations and the Organisation of American States, to take all necessary steps to support the Haitian authorities as they address this crisis.

CARICOM will continue to monitor the situation closely.

13 April 2025

This follows his announcement at the 48^th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government held in February in Barbados, of $38 million in new funding for several initiatives. These include biodiversity governance; gender equality; recovery and reconstruction efforts following the passage of Hurricane Beryl in 2024, and reproductive education.

CARICOM deeply values Canada’s commitment to our strategic relationship founded on a shared commitment to democracy, respect for human rights and the rules-based international order, and which aims to advance common foreign policy, trade, security, and development priorities, including climate change.

The Community reaffirms its commitment to a multi-faceted, enduring, and vibrant partnership with the Government of Canada.

10 March 2025

Earlier today, 1 March 2025, CARICOM was informed by the President of Guyana, H.E. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, of the interaction of Venezuela’s military vessels with one of the Floating Production Storage and  Offloading (FPSO) platforms in Guyana’s maritime territory.  

All such acts of aggression and provocation are contrary to international law and the 2023 Argyle Declaration.

Expressly too Guyana and Venezuela are enjoined to avoid unnecessary confrontational actions.

This provocative incident of 1 March 2025 initiated by Venezuela runs counter to the agreed commitment of CARICOM and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to ensure that the Caribbean region remains a Zone of Peace. It is critical that there be a peaceful resolution of the border controversy as is expected under the International Court of Justice, which already has conduct over the dispute.

Against this backdrop, CARICOM calls on Venezuela to order the urgent removal of the vessel from Guyana’s waters and further, to refrain from engaging with the FPSO platforms, as has been reported.  

What is required now, more than ever, is patience, calm and non-provocation, on both sides. As was contemplated in the Argyle Declaration, a resolution of this controversy, remains entirely possible without any acts of provocation or aggression.

CARICOM reiterates its well known position which is unequivocal and unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.

1 March 2025

The protection of civilians and the respect for human rights in all circumstances is sacrosanct.

CARICOM calls on Israel to allow the UNRWA to continue to operate within the framework of UN General Assembly mandate 302 (IV) of 18 December 1949 in providing essential humanitarian services to Palestinian refugees in areas controlled by Israel, notably in Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Further, CARICOM reiterates its call for a permanent cease fire and the immediate release of hostages and the provision of humanitarian support for all civilians affected by the military action in Gaza and other affected areas.

The Caribbean Community remains steadfast in support of efforts towards a two-state solution within secure borders.

Honourable Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

It is my honour to address you on behalf of His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. As a nation blessed with an abundance of biodiversity, we understand the profound responsibility to protect our natural heritage while pursuing economic growth that benefits our people. Today, I reaffirm Guyana’s commitment to advancing sustainable development through the careful integration of biodiversity conservation and economic progress. 

His Excellency, President Ali, recently announced two key initiatives that are directly aligned with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030. First, we are leading a global alliance for biodiversity financing, which focuses on the Amazon Basin. This initiative seeks to mobilise resources and develop innovative financial mechanisms to conserve biodiversity while tackling the climate crisis. Second, in collaboration with Harvard and Oxford Universities, Guyana is establishing a new International Centre for Biodiversity. This centre will promote cutting-edge research, expand nature-based solutions, and drive the development of biodiversity credits, all of which are central to our sustainable development agenda. 

These initiatives are vital components of the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, which remains the cornerstone of Guyana’s national development framework. The biodiversity credits programme, modeled after the successful forest carbon credits under the Guyana-Norway Agreement, is a prime example of how we plan to integrate economic progress with ecosystem conservation. This mechanism will ensure that biodiversity protection is not only an environmental priority, but also a driver of sustainable economic development. 

The Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 serves as a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable development, recognising the value of our forests and ecosystems. We are demonstrating that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.  

As part of our ongoing efforts, Guyana has undertaken a preliminary revision of its national biodiversity targets through an inclusive and consultative process. We engaged stakeholders across all levels — Indigenous Peoples, local communities, civil society, and the private sector — to ensure our targets reflect both global ambitions and local realities. 

Guyana’s vast forests, which cover more than 85% of our land area, are critical not only for biodiversity but also for global climate stability. As a developing, oil-producing nation with ambitious infrastructure projects, we face the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental preservation. However, through the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, we are committed to ensuring that development proceeds without compromising our natural capital. Our forests will continue to serve as vital carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots, supporting both climate action and ecosystem resilience. This will be boosted by the expansion of our protected areas from 9% to 30% land mass by 2030. 

The inextricable link between climate change and biodiversity loss is undeniable. In Guyana, we see this relationship firsthand. Our forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by capturing carbon, while our rich ecosystems provide resilience in the face of environmental challenges. It is for this reason that our leadership in biodiversity financing and the development of biodiversity credits is so essential—not just for Guyana, but for the global community. 

We also recognise the invaluable role of indigenous peoples and local communities in biodiversity conservation. These communities have been the guardians of our ecosystems for generations, and their traditional knowledge is crucial to our efforts. We are committed to ensuring their full participation in our national biodiversity strategies, as their contributions are key to the success of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the forthcoming update of our NBSAP. 

As we look ahead, 2030 is not far away. The collective efforts of Parties, with the invaluable support of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, are essential to making timely and strategic decisions that will determine the success of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. We must act with urgency and purpose to implement the framework in ways that will leave a meaningful impact on biodiversity conservation for both present and future generations. Strategic and decisive action is required now, if we are to protect our planet’s ecosystems and ensure that biodiversity continues to sustain life on Earth. 

Thank you. 

“In an effort to provide constructive solutions, we believe there is room for CARICOM Regional Institutions, sensitive to the regional and national capabilities of CARICOM Member States and capable of providing clear direction, guidance, and timely feedback to the CBD and the GEF national focal points’ organisations, particularly those with limited manpower, to plan and implement the NBSAP-related projects and be accredited to the GEF to implement projects and programmes. Considering this, we request that the Caribbean Development Bank consider being accredited to the Global Environment Facility.”

The Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have been engaged in an extensive international environment agenda which will evolve with key decision-making on Biodiversity, Climate Change, Land Degradation and Plastics. While the negotiating agenda remains challenging for our limited national capacities, we remain committed given the clear and present danger that inaction in these spheres pose to the livelihoods of current and future generations of citizens of the Caribbean Community.

Biodiversity COP 16

CARICOM Member States are deeply committed to the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) as well as monitoring and reporting on its implementation. To this end, Member States are committed to updating and aligning National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPS) to the Global Biodiversity Framework. We also place priority on the completion of finance strategies to accurately cost activities but note that these are dependent on the successful completion of the NBSAPs.

However, the Community, remains concerned about the slow pace of the NBSAP update and alignment processes due to challenges encountered with procurement processes outside the control of the Member States. While Member States appreciate the support provided, it is critical that administrative processes be expedited to ensure that more valuable time is not lost.

In an effort to provide constructive solutions, we believe  there is room for CARICOM Regional Institutions, sensitive to the regional and national capabilities of CARICOM Member States and capable of providing clear direction, guidance, and timely feedback to the CBD and the GEF national focal points’ organisations, particularly those with limited manpower, to plan and implement the NBSAP-related projects and be accredited to the GEF to implement projects and programmes. Considering this, we request that the Caribbean Development Bank consider being accredited to the Global Environment Facility.

As a Community, we have observed that for effective implementation of Global Biodiversity Goals, there must be closer synergies with other Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm and Minamata (BRSM) Conventions. The time for developing actions to advance synergistic implementation is now, especially considering limited human and financial capacity for implementation.

We recognise the need to strengthen the Region’s capacity in biodiversity by, among other things, enhancing training and local expertise; developing research infrastructure; and strengthening regional institutions dedicated to biodiversity

We therefore welcome the nomination of the CARICOM Secretariat to serve as a host sub regional Technical and Scientific Cooperation Centre (TSC) under the Convention of Biological Diversity to support the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework and continue its efforts to support Member States to elevate the importance of biodiversity management.  In this regard, we call on regional and international partners to support the CARICOM Secretariat in progressing the work of the TSC.

The issues of Invasive Alien Species, Marine and Coastal ecosystems, the 30 x 30 target, Digital Sequence Information and its linkage to Access and Benefits sharing and restoring degrading ecosystems, are all shared concerns for our Region. These issues are underpinned by the need for increased public awareness and strengthening data and information systems. There are also issues that speak directly to our vulnerabilities such as post-disaster recovery and the need to restore critical island ecosystems such as tropical and mangrove forests, as well as sustainable resource management in extractive industries such as mining and forestry and how these help with the fight against the impacts of global climate change.

For these reasons, this Community remains hopeful, but realistic, regarding implementation of the GBF. Despite our inherent vulnerabilities and fiscal challenges, we continue to be ambitious and innovative. We look forward to working with parties, civil society and international development partners, to make positive changes for planet and people.

Climate Change COP 29

The climate change crisis is not abating. Our Region remains in the direct path of impacts from extreme weather events to slow onset events, all of which threaten our people, their livelihoods, our economies, and our environment. Continued global inaction will result in an overshoot of 1.5 degrees Celsius in this decade. The consequences will be devastating for island economies dependent on agriculture, fishing and tourism as evidenced following the passage of Hurricane Beryl through our Region, and the significant impacts of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems and marine biodiversity.

Following the outcomes of the First Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement goals, the COP 28 United Arab Emirates (UAE) Consensus was endorsed to put the world on track to achieve the 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature goal and to protect the most vulnerable via an energy transition package, a global resilience framework, and the newly operationalised loss and damage fund. 

CARICOM is committed to the full implementation of the UAE Consensus. We expect that the Baku Climate Change Conference (COP 29) will build on the Consensus, deliver on the climate finance goal for its implementation, and safeguard the interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

There must be sustained efforts for the conservation, protection and restoration of forests, nature and ecosystems in general to achieve the 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature goal, including through enhanced efforts directed towards (i) halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, (ii) other terrestrial and marine ecosystems acting as sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases, and (iii) biodiversity.  Carbon markets and other financing mechanism are crucial to resourcing these efforts.

CARICOM emphasises that implementation of the UAE Consensus is urgent. The transition away from fossil fuels is fundamental to keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. We encourage all Parties to the Paris Agreement to contribute to this global effort by implementing current nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and elaborating their next NDCs due in February 2025. We call particularly on the Group of 20, who are responsible for 80 percent of global emissions, to bring forward 1.5 aligned NDCs as soon as possible. Our future is dependent on your action and ambition.

CARICOM is actively engaged across the climate agenda to ensure that the processes and institutions of the climate regime are fit for purpose for SIDS because of our unique circumstances.  As Parties flesh out the process for follow-up to the global goal on adaptation, the mitigation work programme and the just transition work programme, as well as the Global Stocktake itself, CARICOM asks that these be responsive to SIDS.

While just transition has traditionally emphasised the transition of workforce from fossil fuel industries, the transition of people in our countries from their traditional livelihoods because of climate change impacts is less understood but no less important and critical now.  SIDS must be a central part of the conversation and the solutions.  CARICOM insists that no SIDS shall be left behind.

We welcomed the commitment made at COP26 to double climate adaptation financing by 2025 and emphasise the importance of its swift materialisation and operationalisation, and also call for monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure this goal is achieved.

Our Region’s ongoing challenges in the loss and damage space is unprecedented. Extreme heat, extreme weather, sea level rise, and warming ocean temperatures are creating a perfect storm that can reverse all our gains suddenly or progressively because of their cascading and compounding impacts. Accordingly, CARICOM welcomes the selection of the Philippines as the host of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage and the selection of the first Executive Director of the Fund who will begin his four-year term on 1 November 2024.

CARICOM urges the Board together with the Executive Director to move swiftly to put in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the Fund is fit for purpose for small island developing states and can deploy resources as soon as 2025. We want to be able to access resources quickly, simply, and directly and in amounts commensurate with actual needs. CARICOM underscores the urgency of our needs. To date, with less than a billion dollars in commitments, it is nowhere near what the Fund will need to help any vulnerable country anywhere in the world.

The public climate finance landscape reveals that there is a significant finance gap for keeping global warming below 1.5. It also reveals that our countries, and other small island developing states, did not cause the climate crisis but are paying for the climate crisis. Furthermore, the small island developing states receive only 2 percent of the global public climate finance which is not evenly spread across SIDS. The picture worsens when considering the debt of small island developing states. According to the World Bank, over a third of SIDS have relatively high public debt ratios. Fourteen SIDS were assessed as being at high risk of sovereign debt distress and three more are assessed as having substantial, elevated or significant risks largely because of vulnerability to macroeconomic shocks and natural disasters.^[1]  Not only are we paying for the climate crisis, we are also committing future generations to debt because of lack of international support. 

The Baku Climate Finance Goal will have to contribute to addressing the climate finance gap and it must also address the climate finance injustice perpetuated on SIDS and least developed countries. CARICOM notes that 100 billion is the minimum floor for climate finance today.  Accordingly, the quantum of the goal has to be materially consequential given the trillions in needs and the urgency of ambitious action.  

CARICOM emphasises that action and ambition must come together to prevent the permanent overshoot of 1.5 degrees Celsius.  For this to happen, COP29 must deliver a climate finance goal that is credible and consequential for 1.5; that provides timely, predictable, sustainable and equitable finance for SIDS and LDCs, and mobilises even greater resources for climate action. The goal should provide a framework where SIDS and LDCs are enabled to simply and directly access finance. We should be prioritised for grants for adaptation, and loss and damage. The framework must also feature transparency and annual reporting arrangements and review processes. Without these features, CARICOM does not consider that the climate finance goal nor its framework will be suitable for our needs. If the goal cannot protect the most vulnerable, it will not protect anyone.

[1] Brownbridge, M. et al, Climate Change Vulnerability, Adaptation and Public Debt Sustainability in Small Island Developing States, Policy Research Working Paper 10787, World Bank Group, June 2024.