CARICOM deputy secretary-general pledges support of sustainable economic development

Caribbean Employment Services Inc. CEO Joseph Boll likewise supports regional move to embrace sustainability in economic development 

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS — As “sustainability” becomes a buzzword among Caribbean nations alongside increased focus on climate change, CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Armstrong Alexis said his organization is seeking to enhance partnerships to assist with the move towards more sustainable economic development.

Speaking at an Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Programme meeting this week, Dr. Alexis noted, “Our region faces a future that is both worrisome and pregnant with opportunities…

“We cannot build a sustainable future if the very islands and low-lying coastal states upon which we live are under the threat of rising sea levels, drought, floods and unpredictable weather patterns that threaten food security and food production in our community.

“We, however, see opportunities folded in strong partnerships, resolute engagements and inter-regional commitment [that] bode well in our pursuit of improved livelihoods, economic development, sustainability and expansion of a better way of life for our citizens.”

Dr. Alexis’ comments come as many CARICOM member states have turned their attention to bolstering their agriculture industries in an effort to feed their citizens amid global supply chain challenges, as well as diversifying their economies in favor of more sustainable models of economic development.

Moving towards a sustainable future 

With the regional move towards increased sustainability, Dr. Alexis said CARICOM supports the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s proposal to meet with small island developing states that are particularly vulnerable to climate change and that therefore need enhanced focus on sustainable development.

His comments align with those of Joseph Boll, CEO of Caribbean Employment Services Inc., who likewise supports the focus governments, organizations and companies in the Caribbean are now placing on sustainability and its importance to the future.

“The hospitality and tourism industries are taking a proactive approach to sustainability and we’re proud to work with a number of businesses, including some of the leading hotel groups, who are committed to reducing their impact on the environment and protecting our beautiful islands and those who live, work and visit them,” said Boll.

“Increasingly, the businesses we work with understand the importance of sustainability in protecting our stunning islands, its contribution to preserving our ecosystem, improving the quality of our lives and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.”

Dr. Alexis also noted CARICOM’s intention to “prioritize interventions in disaster risk reduction, adaptation, food security, management and conservation of fisheries and access [to] climate finance”.

For more information on how Caribbean Employment Services Inc. supports sustainability, visit https://caribbeanemployment.com/sustainability.

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