Acting Press Secretary Maurice Merchant (Photo by state media)
Director General of Communications, Maurice Merchant, says that the government of Antigua and Barbuda has yet to secure climate funding, despite the 2023 creation of a Loss and Damage Fund by UN climate. At a time when the government is preparing the country for the upcoming hurricane season, these much-welcomed funds are still currently unavailable.
“It’s a work in progress, and pledges have been made; unfortunately it takes a while before funds are secured”, said Merchant.
According to UN.org, as of 23rd of January, 2025, a total of $741 million has been pledged to the Loss and Damage Fund by 27 contributors.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne, a well known advocate for Climate Justice in small island developing states, has made it a priority to pursue the issue on the world stage. In a recent address to the UN, he noted:
“The fight for survival is not just about climate – it is also about financial justice, reparatory justice, other injustices and equity. The international financial system is skewed, outdated, and unjust – punishing the most vulnerable while rewarding the already rich and prosperous with favorable terms for their financial instruments. For too long, small states like mine have been shackled by debt we did not cause; debt that arose
from recovery spending on recurring disasters that are beyond our control.”
It would seem that so far, this impassioned plea has only resulted in pledges and promises as opposed to tangible compensation.
Merchant did highlight that countries have stated their intention to assist Antigua and Barbuda in the event of any natural disaster damages.
“Pledges in the form of assistance if there are disasters have been forthcoming,” he said. “And so countries are prepared to provide assistance, along with members of the international community, including the United Nations and some if its organs.”
After all the efforts of the PM on the world stagesssssssssssssss. It’s concerning and shocking and also confusing that Antigua and Barbuda has not yet secured climate funding, especially with the urgent needs arising from the upcoming hurricane season. The establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund by the UN is a significant step forward, but it’s disheartening to see that, despite the pledges, the funds are not yet accessible.
Merchant’s statement highlights the challenges in transforming pledges into actual support. The international community must hurry up and quicken the process of disbursing these funds, as vulnerable countries like Antigua and Barbuda need immediate assistance to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Hopefully, with continued advocacy and urgency in addressing these issues, we will see the necessary support materialize soon.
That money is safer where it is. Because as soon as ig given it will be misused
it’s like jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water . jack fell down…..BLA BLA BLA..
PM Browne is absolutely right. We didn’t create this crisis, but we’re paying the highest price. The funding delay is unacceptable.
This is why we need strong leadership on the international stage. Browne’s fight is not just for Antigua and Barbuda but for all vulnerable nations. He’s doing what any smart leader would do.
We’ve been hearing about these “pledges” since 2021. Maybe it’s time to stop grandstanding and start building actual partnerships that produce results. give me a break by now….. Just tell us we have to fight for ourselves now
If after donkey years we cannot collect on the WTO gambling judgement you really think is that we gonna get.
I can see u turning pink. Stop hold your breath