GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — The regional integration movement, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), on Thursday celebrated the 51st anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas.
In a message, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett said the anniversary comes at a time when several Member States are assessing the extensive damage and destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl, the oldest Category 5 hurricane recorded in the Atlantic Ocean and one of the most dangerous weather events the region has experienced.
She also pointed to the postponement of this year’s summit.
“These circumstances have forced us to postpone the 47th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government, scheduled for 3-5 July in Grenada.”
“Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique suffered extensive damage with almost 100 percent destruction of homes and other infrastructure. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, similar infrastructure was severely damaged or destroyed in the Union Islands, Canouan, Mayreau and Tobago. In Barbados, the fishing sector has been devastated and fishermen’s livelihoods will have to be rebuilt from scratch. Initial reports from Jamaica indicate damaged infrastructure, road closures, flooding and losses in the agricultural and fishing sector. We are awaiting information on the impacts on the Cayman Islands and, potentially, Belize as Beryl crosses the Yucatan Peninsula,” she said.
The Secretary-General added that this is a frightening start to what is predicted to be a very active hurricane season.
“The devastation that has hit our region has brought sadness to everyone. My heartfelt condolences go out to those who have lost family, livelihoods and property.”
She also commended CARICOM countries for coming together to provide emergency support to one another.
“The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the national disaster management authorities, which jointly coordinate the emergency assessment and response across the region, the Regional Security System (RSS) and the regional private sector, including the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO), have so far mobilised to respond to the needs of those affected and others stand ready to help in various ways. We urge you to provide each other with immediate care and support within your communities, especially for the elderly and young children.”
She added that the intensity of the hurricane “underscores the urgency of our continued calls for the international community to act in line with previously agreed climate change commitments. The excessive heat experienced earlier this year will warm oceans, threatening fragile marine ecosystems and making storms such as Beryl more likely during this hurricane season, which is still in its early stages. The urgency of keeping 1.5 degrees within reach is clear. Vulnerable countries that have not caused climate change continue to bear a disproportionate burden of its impacts. The socio-economic destruction caused by the extreme intensity of weather systems intensified by climate change will have devastating consequences for the lives and livelihoods of their people.”
According to Barnett, Caribbean Community member states have experienced economic recovery over the past few years following the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She added that despite the devastation caused by the hurricanes, “the immediate focus must be on restoring normalcy to our people and communities and building resilience as we face the remainder of the hurricane season and beyond.”
“Today, CARICOM Day 2024, marks the 51st anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas and affirms our solidarity and recommits to supporting each other in the face of adversity. In both happy and difficult situations, our enduring integration movement is characterized by our unity and our willingness to assist in times of need. Our goal is constant and clear: together, we will build on the achievements of regional integration and address the challenges of recovery and sustainable economic growth and development, creating an inclusive, resilient and prosperous community for all our people,” the Secretary-General said.
