Deputy Premier Dr. Kedrick Pickering touted the May 2013 Caribbean Challenge Initiative as a model for inter-island partnerships related to sustainability at an Aug. 31 United Nations forum, which was part of the international Small Islands and Developing States Conference.
Dr. Pickering, who is also the natural resources and labour minister, called the CCI a “bright spot in the area of public-private partnerships.”
He added that such “multi-sector partnerships,” especially when they include international cooperation, are far more effective at finding solutions to global and regional problems than when a single government tries to solve problems alone.
He also urged the UN to consider changing its approach to granting aid to SIDS “based on political status,” arguing that widespread environmental issues, such as the invasive lionfish, don’t restrict themselves based on such political distinctions.
He went on to thank the conference organisers for including overseas countries and territories in the SIDS conference.
Watch Dr. Pickering’s full address below:
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