Saint Lucia emphasizes need for livelihood opportunities
Monday, June 20, 2022
THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS ON ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY MET RECENTLY TO DISCUSS THE REGION’S SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA.

Saint Lucia and other members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), recently concluded the ninth annual meeting of the Council of Ministers on Environmental Sustainability (COMES 9) in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The meeting was convened under the theme “Shifting to more integrated approaches for Sustainability, Resilience, and Prosperity in OECS Small Island Developing States”.

While the meeting acknowledged the measurable achievements from its previous initiatives, there was equal recognition of the challenges ahead if there was to be accelerated and urgent efforts to address priority areas across the various environmental themes in the region. This recognition was supported by the regional and international development partners, who came forward to pledge continued and new support to the OECS Member States.

Saint Lucia’s Minister for Sustainable Development, the Hon. Shawn Edward shared his perspective and vision on the critical nexus between environmental sustainability and livelihoods. The Minister stressed the need to prioritize creating opportunities for people through the sustainable development agenda, especially the youth, noting that Saint Lucia has already taken the bold step in distinguishing a portfolio under the Prime Minister’s purview for a youth economy.

Minister Shawn Edward and other member state representatives remain cognizant of and expressed concerns on other issues such as the need to avoid duplication of efforts across multiple stakeholders and partners. Also discussed was the continued strain on already heavily indebted and vulnerable countries in accessing climate finance.

Ministers present took the opportunity to engage in further meaningful discourse with each other on a range of topics relating to promoting and exploring the critical link between natural and human ecosystems. They also offered their collective endorsement on initiatives tabled at the Council Meeting.