Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew emphasized the urgency of unity and taking collective action in addressing multidimensional crises in the region while delivering his address at the 8th meeting of CELAC on Friday, March 1st, 2024.
As per the information, the 8th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) took place at the newly built Sandals Resort at Buccament, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew was among thirty-two (32) leaders who participated in the meeting. The CELAC was aimed at fostering unity and promoting socio-economic development across its member countries.
During the summit, he stressed the need to take proactive measures collaboratively against these multidimensional crises in the region. He also confronted several economic issues affecting the regions at a deeper level. These issues include Climate Change, Food Insecurity and the effect of wars etc.
Further, While focusing on his vision to achieve Climate resilience in the region, PM Drew also underlined the need for climate action. He addressed these concerns regarding the droughts faced by St Kitts and Nevis.
Further, PM Drew also outlined the importance of finding meaningful solutions to such challenges and said that his federation has been taking several bold initiatives towards development.
“We have come up with the sustainable island state model to deal with adaptation and development within the region. This plan makes the bold statement that we are not seeking sympathy, we are seeking partnerships because we are well aware that we cannot go it alone,” he added.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister also expressed his concern over the rising crises in Haiti and underscored the region’s support to stand in solidarity with the Haitian people and the need to take immediate action. He added that this is distressing to see their first black republic and the nation’s fight towards seeking survival.
“The situation has now worsened beyond anything we could have imagined. A destabilized Haiti creates a destabilized region which compounds the many challenges that we already face. But, we cannot sit by and watch the sufferings of the Haitian people,” he mentioned.