Canada to strengthen Canada-Caribbean economic and climate resilience
Bahamas/Ottawa, May 10 (IBNS): Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canadian Federal Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, on Wednesday concluded a three-day visit to the Bahamas, Caribbean Islands, where she attended the 21st meeting of the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM’s) Council for Foreign and Community Relations, media reports said.
In the meeting Bibeau had discussed key issues such as enhancing relations, and strengthening long-term economic and climate resilience in the region.
Established in 1973, CARICOM aims to foster regional economic integration and includes 15 members: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
"Canada-Caribbean relationship and addressing key issues of regional importance, such as the impact of climate change, as well as enhanced trade and investment. That is why, as part of our 2018 G7 presidency, development and finance ministers as well as central bank governors will meet this month to discuss solutions that will support climate and economic resilience in this time of need," Bibeau said.
Canada had provided over $2 million for humanitarian assistance in response to hurricanes Maria and Irma in the fall of 2017.
Later during UN-CARICOM conference in Nov 2017, Canada pledged an extra $100 million over five years on reconstruction and climate resilience in the Caribbean region.
A number of bilateral meetings with Caribbean partners were also held by Bibeau and on behalf of Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, attended the launch of The Bahamas’ Delivery Unit, an initiative to improve accountability and achieve results to improve lives in the region.
At the Summit of the Americas in Peru, in April 2018, Trudeau had announced an additional $25 million for two initiatives that will improve climate-resilience efforts in the Caribbean.
Theme of Investing in Growth That Works for Everyone would reportedly be discussed by G7 development and finance ministers and central bank governors in a meeting from May 31 to June 2, 2018, in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada.
Bibeau reiterated, throughout her visit, Canada’s commitment to support post-hurricane reconstruction and long-term climate and economic resilience in the region.
She noted Canada’s commitment to championing the interests of vulnerable Caribbean states in international forums, such as the G7 and the United Nations.
Importance of promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, were highlighted by Bibeau, as the main motive of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, which would build economic growth that leaves no one behind.
(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
Image: Marie-Claude Bibeau/Facebook
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