CARICOM has welcomed a new partnership with the European Union saying that it is important for the Caribbean to have opportunities to access sustainable funding within the regional platforms

On Tuesday, an agreement was signed, paving the way for CARICOM countries to access millions of dollars.

Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett says the launch of the Caribbean-EU Partnership 2021-2027 the region allows CARICOM to access thematic programs in areas such as human rights and democracy, civil society organizations, peace, stability, and conflict prevention, and global challenges, whether through negotiated access or in a competitive environment.

“We look forward to being able to access those resources. The EU remains a valuable development partner of the Caribbean, for which I express my appreciation on behalf of the region,” Barnett said.

However, according to her, there is a lot of work to be done to develop these areas of cooperation.

Additionally, she said that the Caribbean member states and the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) Secretariat look forward to working together with the EU “in the spirit of partnership to develop and implement actions that contribute to the sustainable development of our nations and our peoples”.

Barnett recalled that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had this week warned that the “worst is yet to come” as a third of global economies will face recessions next year.

“This warning should not shock us since the world is facing multiple crises simultaneously. In this regard, developing countries are facing the worst crises. We are gripped by the fallout from the pandemic, continuously impacted by disasters, and burdened by debt – some of which are caused by the disasters, climate change impacts, and food and energy insecurity, the development path of the Caribbean are unsteady at best.”

Adding, “the proposal to center work on the SDGs that relate to human development and education, including poverty eradication, zero hunger, health, education, access to energy, and reducing inequalities is important if we are to not only survive but to thrive.

“Furthermore, the emphasis on the international development agenda, in particular on climate change, biodiversity, and financing for development, is at the core of Caribbean calls for meaningful sustainable development. In an increasingly fractured multilateral environment, the principles underlying our work are even more critical,” she said.