The devastating 2017 Atlantic hurricane season caused extensive damage to several Caribbean islands. These Category 5 hurricanes have reminded the world that these small island states are on the front line of climate change.
Caribbean countries are now seeking assistance from the international community for their immediate reconstruction and for their climate adaptation needs.
Today at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)-UN High Level Pledging Conference in New York, Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, announced Canada’s pledge of $100 million to support reconstruction and climate resilience efforts in the Caribbean region over the next five years.
Canada’s contribution will help the most vulnerable people, including women and children, to rebuild more resilient communities so they can be better prepared for natural disasters. Particular attention will be given in the coming months to specific projects aimed at reconstructing essential services, improving disaster risk management and emergency preparedness practices, supporting the role of women as leaders in reconstruction and adopting climate-adaptation measures at the community level.
Canada is working together with international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank, to mobilize support for reconstruction efforts. Canada represents many Caribbean nations on the Board of Governors of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. At the World Bank Annual Meetings in October, Canada and participants reaffirmed their solidarity and support for the affected countries and communities
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