Grenada Calls for Permanent Mechanism for Resource Mobilization and Allocation in the Americas

Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell addressing OAS Permanent Council meeting

Washington, CMC

Grenada has called on the Organization of American States (OAS) to establish a permanent mechanism for resource mobilization and allocation in the Americas as part of its case for climate justice.

“We must make the case for climate justice. We must make every effort to establish in and through … a permanent mechanism for resource mobilization and allocation in the Americas,” Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said as he addressed the Protocolary Session of the Permanent Council of the OAS on Wednesday.

Climate Justice and Resource Mobilization

Mitchell said that the financial resources promised to small island developing states (SIDS) to victims of climate change’s adverse impact must materialize and be tailored to meet the unique needs of small islands.

“Our people cannot wait, and the time for bold, transformative solutions is now. This is certainly not too much to ask. As a nation, we have done little to contribute to the causes of climate change. Yet, we find ourselves disproportionately affected by its consequences,” he said as he called for climate justice and reform in climate finance.

Reform in Climate Finance

Mitchell said the mechanisms that deliver climate finance must be reformed to ensure that resources flow directly to where they are needed most.

“We are not asking for handouts; we are demanding the right to safeguard the future of our people and our nations,” said Mitchell, the current chairman of the 15-member regional integration movement (CARICOM).

Agricultural Sector and Climate-Smart Practices

Referring to Grenada as an example, he said that the island’s agricultural sector, which is a lifeline for thousands of people in his country, was severely impacted by Hurricane Beryl, and rebuilding this sector requires more than just aid, as necessary as that is.

“It requires investment in climate-smart agriculture, sustainable practices, and foundational assets upon which the resilience of our people can see the light of day,” he said.

Conclusion

Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell emphasized the need for a permanent mechanism for resource mobilization and allocation in the Americas, as well as reform in climate finance and the adoption of climate-smart practices. He urged the OAS and international partners to take decisive action to address the disproportionate impact of climate change on small island developing states.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of the permanent mechanism for resource mobilization and allocation in the Americas?
A: The purpose is to ensure that resources flow directly to where they are needed most to address the disproportionate impact of climate change on small island developing states.

Q: What is the current state of climate finance for small island developing states?
A: The financial resources promised to small island developing states remain largely inaccessible, and the mechanisms that deliver climate finance must be reformed to ensure that resources flow directly to where they are needed most.

Q: What is the role of multilateral institutions and international partners in supporting small island resilience efforts?
A: Multilateral institutions and international partners, such as the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the OAS, have a crucial role in supporting small island resilience efforts, but more than just financial resources are needed.