Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 27, 2022 (SKNIS): Senator, the Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Environment and Climate Action in St Kitts and Nevis, convened a series of important meetings in Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday, August 25, where she met with the Honourable Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Environment, Health and Wellness, and civil society organizations, to discuss pertinent matters relative to both countries, and the region on a whole.
During a courtesy call, Senator Dr. Clarke and Minister Joseph discussed key environmental concerns facing both islands, including water access. Minister Joseph noted that the regional conversations were important for readying the Caribbean leaders for the upcoming United Nations Conference of Parties (COP 27) where issues of loss and damage and adaptation finance would be a priority for Antigua and Barbuda and the rest of the region. Importantly, the conversation focused on Dr. Clarke’s primary reason for the visit which is her engagement with CSOs for Feminist organizing around Climate Justice in the Caribbean.
Minister Dr. Clarke described the interaction as fruitful, adding that “the visit with Minister Joseph and the Staff at the Department of Environment, Health and Wellness in Antigua and Barbuda reinforced the need for continuous regional dialogue in charting a course for a climate-resilient Caribbean.”
Minister Joseph expressed his desire to see Antigua and Barbuda (an accredited entity to the Green Climate Fund) work with other Caribbean countries in building climate resilience. Both ministers agreed on the need for collaboration to support Climate Action in the region.
Additionally, Dr. Clarke engaged in a series of meetings with relevant civil society organizations including Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) and Women Voices for Leadership in the Caribbean (WVL). Minister Clarke also engaged in a special news feature on ABS Radio and TV stations with Climate and Gender Specialist Ayesha Constable, who is spearheading the regional conversation for the Global Fund for a Women funded project dubbed Movement Led Approach for Feminist Organizing and Climate Justice in the Caribbean.
The Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke is expected to attend another meeting today, Saturday, August 27, where she will be providing support for the regional project.
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