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Minister of Tourism and Sustainable Development the Hon. Carlos James has called upon the OECS region to develop stronger, more focused harmonised policies to champion the cause for Small Island States.

His comments came as this country hosts the ninth meeting of the OECS Council of Ministers on Environmental Sustainability Conference.

The Conference brought together representatives from across the OECS to discuss several issues of concern including the impact of Climate Change.

Delivering remarks at the opening of the ceremony, Minister James said citizens from across the region continue to grapple with the vulnerabilities and shocks of Climate Change resulting in droughts and rising sea levels which affect Eco Systems, Food Security and Sustainable Development.

Minister James who now serves as the Chair of the Council of Ministers called for the creation of a policy framework focusing on strategic actions to minimize environmental vulnerability and to improve environmental systems while at the same time accelerate climate action in negating and adapting to Climate Change impacts.

The Council Chairman, however, noted that Small Island Developing States with small budgets have allocated significant resources to deal with mitigation, adaptation loss and damage, precious resources, which he said could have been allocated elsewhere.

He said this is in contrast to many larger countries with huge budgets who do not try to reduce their emissions and in turn create climate crisis for smaller states.

Minister James called on the OECS to join in one collective voice in order to protect the region’s people and livelihoods.

SOURCE: Agency For Public Information