A CARICOM prime minister has reiterated the call for developed countries to assist Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in their quest to combat the effects of climate change.
The St. Lucian leader, Allen Chastanet, said time is running out for small states such as those in the Caribbean as they struggle to develop infrastructure capable of withstanding changes in weather conditions.
“I am going to keep pounding on the table and letting my voice be heard explaining that the SIDS cannot wait,” Chastanet said while speaking at a ceremony for the exchange of notes for Japanese grant aid of EC$35 million to the government of St. Lucia for the reconstruction of two major bridges.
According to Caribbean 360 News, Chastanet said time is of the essence and referred to Haiti which was struck by Hurricane Matthew on October 4 last year leaving widespread damage.
He said “in terms of upgrading the country’s already expensive infrastructure, time is against small states like St Lucia in their fight to develop the road network and bridges capable of withstanding weather changes.”
