Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Andrew Holness greet each other during just concluded summit in Jamaica (social media photo)
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, has urged the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to officially integrate the Debt Sustainability Support Servicing (DSSS) mechanism into its climate finance advocacy agenda, especially in preparation for the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil.
This appeal was made during Prime Minister Browne’s contribution to the thematic debate on Climate Change and the Climate Finance Agenda at the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, currently taking place in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Prime Minister Browne highlighted that the DSSS, a key initiative of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (ABAS), has received significant international backing, including support from the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) held in Seville, Spain, in June 2025. He encouraged CARICOM Member States to weave this initiative into their collective efforts in global climate negotiations.
“As we approach COP30, we cannot afford to lose momentum. Our survival as Small Island Developing States (SIDS) hinges on our collective and resolute advocacy. The DSSS must be a central part of that message,” he stated.
The DSSS aims to tackle the escalating debt burdens of vulnerable states by aligning debt relief and restructuring with investments in climate resilience and adaptation. Prime Minister Browne noted that this mechanism is already acknowledged within the United Nations climate change framework, creating a strategic opportunity for CARICOM to advocate for more equitable climate finance solutions.
He also underscored the urgent need for the replenishment and capitalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, a crucial financial facility designed to assist vulnerable countries adversely affected by the irreversible impacts of climate change. Many SIDS continue to struggle with limited access to this fund, despite being on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
“Climate finance must move beyond rhetoric to real solutions. That includes supporting tools like the DSSS, which provides a pathway to reduce unsustainable debt while investing in resilience,” he added.
In a proactive suggestion, Prime Minister Browne called on CARICOM leaders to consider establishing a regional carbon pricing market.
PM Browne is absolutely right, SIDS need bold, unified strategies like DSSS to survive the climate crisis. Caribbean leaders must act now, not later.
Carbon pricing could be risky. Who controls it, and how do we make sure it doesn’t hurt small businesses or the fishing industry?
PM Browne and Mia appears to be the two Caribbean leaders doing all the advocating for SIDS and climate change. We need the support of the other islands
Sometimes not matter how loud a cry is, these people won’t care.
Talk is cheap; resilience isn’t. If DSSS gets traction, SIDS won’t have to choose between building sea walls or paying loan interest. It could be a game-changer if* CARICOM backs it fully.