St. Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew met with the Executive Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (5Cs) – Dr. Colin Young to had discussion on climate resilience, sustainability and innovative solutions for the twin-island nation.

With 5Cs, the St. Kitts and Nevis government continued to push towards a Sustainable Island State association with regional and international climate organizations, in order to remain vital in securing a greener and more resilient future for the nation.

Recently, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis took another significant step towards addressing the issues of climate change with the ratification of the agreement to establish the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC or 5Cs).

The agreement signed between the twin-island Federation and the 5Cs advised on coordinating climate change-related policies in the region.

An official Hand-Over and Ratification Ceremony was also held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, to deepen and expand the relationship between St. Kitts and Nevis and the 5Cs, via mobilization of climate finance to contribute the vision of federation in becoming a Sustainable Island State.

Moreover, the Ratification will assist in the execution of impactful environmental projects and provide comprehensive policy and technical support in the area of climate change and related issues.

The important ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Prime Minister – Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Minister of Climate Action and Environment – Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister Konris Maynard and Executive Director of the 5Cs – Dr. Colin Young.

Deputy PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley spoke on behalf of Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew at the occasion and emphasized the strategic vision of the government for a sustainable future. The Ratification ceremony underscored the importance of attracting climate finance to supplement national resources.

Minister Hanley highlighted the crucial behind-the-scenes work of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment to secure funding and partnerships to advance the climate resilience agenda of the St. Kitts and Nevis.

Dr. Hanley also went on acknowledging the global financial challenges faced by the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and called for innovation and strategic engagement with international financial institutions.

The Deputy PM also welcomed the adoption of the Multi-dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) by the United Nations that recognised the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS and enhanced their access to development assistance. He also mentioned that the continued advocacy and innovation are required to address the pressing climate needs of the nation.

Major highlights of the event were the formal recognition of the 5Cs by the St. Kitts and Nevis government. Dr. Hanley added that under the guidance of Dr. Colin Young 5Cs has successfully mobilized the funding from international partners, including the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund, USAID, the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Efforts by 5Cs have resulted in tangible climate adaptation and resilience projects that directly benefit the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Hanley further stated that the work of the 5Cs is to achieve project milestones, drive meaningful impacts and strengthen the resilience by safeguarding the future. He pointed that such are the types of partnerships that they value, which align with the national priorities and deliver tangible results for the citizens.

Reinforcing the alignment with the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA), St. Kitts and Nevis formally ratified the agreement, for which Dr. Geoffrey Hanley noted that the climate resilience remained a central pillar of SISA, with its seven interconnected pillars, including Food Security, Water Security and Energy Security, forming the foundation of the long-term sustainable development vision of the country.

Hanley reaffirmed that as a government they remained unwavered in the commitment to take bold actions fortifying these pillars. Necessary steps have been taken to ensure the long-term security and prosperity of St. Kitts and Nevis that will take them without hesitation.

The Deputy Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis encouraged all and urged to move forward with determination, resilience and hope for a brighter tomorrow.