REMARKS BY PERMANENT SECRETARY

IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT,

NATURAL RESOURCES AND CLIMATE CHANGE

DR. RONALD SMITH-BERKELEY

ON THE OCCASION OF

THE COCKTAIL AND RECEPTION CEREMONY OF THE

ON THE ORGANISATION OF THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN STATE (OECS) 11TH COUNCIL OF MINISTERS: ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24TH, 2024

Honorable Ministers, Distinguished Delegates, Partners, and Friends, good afternoon

It is lovely to see each and everyone of you here with us today, welcome!

Welcome to the 11th Meeting of the Council of Ministers: Environmental Sustainability, as we commonly know as COM:ES. It is a privilege to gather under the compelling and inspirational theme, "From Aspiration to Focused ACTION" and I do emphasize ACTION! This theme not only sets the tone for our discussions but also encapsulates our shared mission which is to transform our collective aspirations for environmental sustainability into targeted, effective actions that yield tangible benefits for our region. This meeting represents a pivotal moment for us to harness our shared goals, prioritize critical initiatives, and implement strategies that deliver measurable results in minimizing environmental vulnerability, improving management practices, and protecting our rich natural and cultural heritage.

Article 24 of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre specifically mandates our council to coordinate regional efforts in environmental management, to set policies that protect our ecosystems, and to foster cooperation among Member States. This legal framework is instrumental in ensuring that our actions are not just aspirational but are backed by a strong governance structure, clear responsibilities, and a commitment to uphold regional agreements.

The 10th COM:ES meeting, which was held in Anguilla 2023, further crystallized our strategic direction with the endorsement of the "COM:ES Road Map to 2030," which outlines a clear path forward, focusing on six thematic areas critical to our sustainability goals: Climate and Disaster Resilience, Biodiversity and Ecosystems, Land and Water Management, Chemicals, Pollution, and Waste, Ocean Governance and Fisheries, Sustainable Energy.

These thematic areas are not just strategic focal points; they represent the arenas in which our aspirations must translate into concrete actions. The recent impact of Hurricane Beryl, a stark reminder of our region's vulnerability to climate change, underscores the urgency and relevance of our work. As we support recovery efforts and build resilience, we are reminded of the importance of collaborative action and the need to align our initiatives with the broader goals of sustainable development.

COM:ES 11 is a pivotal and vital opportunity to reaffirm our commitment, strengthen our collaborative efforts, and drive focused actions that will lead to sustainable transformation across our region. We are delighted to host this crucial gathering here in the British Virgin Islands, a place known for its natural beauty and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. It is our sincere hope that being here in the British Virgin Islands, surrounded by the inspiring landscape we seek to protect, will further energize and inspire our collective efforts.

We warmly invite all delegates to experience the unique natural heritage of the British Virgin Islands, which stands as a testament to the values we uphold and the future we envision for our region. Let us engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights, and work together to turn our aspirations into reality.

Thank you for your continued dedication and for joining us in this critical endeavor. Together, together, together we can achieve lasting positive change for the benefit of all our people and future generations.

Welcome once again, and let us move forward with purpose and resolve.