Saint Lucia Stands Out At UNGA! by Government of Saint Lucia

Issue 34 | 12 Oct, 2019

SAINT LUCIA STANDS OUT AT UNGA!

• Climate Change • World Economic Forum

• SIDS Progress Report • Financing For Development

DIALOGUE ON FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT

Strong Caribbean Leadership at UN Climate Change Summit

Saint Lucia at 74th UNGA: A Pictorial Look.

06 10

03. The 74th Session of the UN General Assembly

04. Dialogue on Financing for Development 05. -07. Statement by: the Hon. Allen Chastanet

A United Front

he words “United we stand, divided we fall. Let us not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs,” spoken by Patrick Henry could not have rang truer during the 74th United Nations General Assembly in New York last month. In the past, to the laypersonin Saint Lucia such meetings often appeared aloof, with world leaders speaking on subjects which appeared to matter little to the everyday person. Not this year! At the recent UNGA, thanks to the voices of a number of Caribbean leaders and thanks to relatable issues – not only did our people listen and take notice, but the rest of the world heard our voices loud and clear. No longer did we seem insignificant. No longer were we in the backseat. But one by one, our leaders united, to take up common positions on areas such as Climate Change, Disaster and Climate Resilience, Financing for Development, Universal Health Care and so much more. Not on longer were our leaders simply on the receiving end of “what you must do” but they were part of the decision making, part of the commitments to making the region a better place to live, work and play. World leaders from across the hemisphere were also making time to sit and talk with us, at special meetings outside the framework of the main agenda, to arrive at mutually beneficial agreements and policies.

08. -09. Strong Caribbean Leadership

We watched and listened in awe, realizing that indeed we do matter and we do have a voice.

10. Saint Lucia First Country to Implement the

In this issue of Our Saint Lucia, we feature the 74th UNGA, Saint Lucia’s participation as well as the voice of CARICOM lead by its Chairman Hon. Allen Chastanet.

at UN Climate Change Summit

Country Financing Roadmap

11. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet Delivers SIDS Progress Report

12. Saint Lucia at 74th UNGA: A Pictorial Look. 14. News Bites Cover: Hon. Allen Chastanet Prime Minister of Saint Lucia with UN Secretary General António Guterres

Editor Toni Nicholas

CARICOM leaders with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The 74th Session of the UN General Assembly: Saint Lucia and SIDS Stand Tall!

caused by the Hurricane and other adverse weather conditions, to underscore the island’s vulnerability to Climate Change, which was one of the central issues at the recent UNGA. On Monday, 23 September, the UN Secretary-General convened a Climate Summit, where Caribbean leaders and others, ensured that the issue remained at the forefront of the discussions and committed to finding solutions.

IMPORTANCE OF CARICOM to UN

In July of this year, while addressing the Tenth General Meeting of CARICOM, the United Nations (UN) Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Miroslav Jenča, lauded the multi-faceted cooperation between the UN and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), noting “we can all be proud of the great achievements that it has yielded.”

Among the subjects on the agenda at the 74th UNGA was;

CARICOM’s importance to the UN according to Jenča has also been underscored recently, by the UN Secretary-General’s attendance at the 40th Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government in Saint Lucia, in July.

he 74th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 74) opened on September 17, 2019 . The first day of the high-level general debate commenced on Tuesday, 24 September 2019 and among the many world leaders making their voices heard, were Caribbean leaders, including Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet. Not only did the Saint Lucian leader put forward a case on some of the issues affecting Saint Lucia, but his was one of the many voices in support of the issues affecting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and CARICOM.

• • • • •

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) UNGA high-level dialogue on financing for development (Ffd) The high-level meeting to review progress made in addressing the priorities of small island developing States (SIDS) Climate Change

The UNGA began just days after millions of young activists and their supporters marched in thousands of cities worldwide to demand greater action on climate change. It also came just weeks following the devastation meted out the Bahamas by Hurricane Dorian, a category 5 storm. A number of high profile Caribbean leaders including Barbados’ Hon. Mia Motley, Jamaica’s Andrew Holness and Saint Lucia’s Allen Chastanet, used the devastation

CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said then, that cooperation between the Caribbean Community and the UN System spawned the areas of economic and sustainable development at that meeting. They include debt sustainability, financing for development, crime and security, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the 2030 Development Agenda, youth and human resource development, food security, agriculture and fisheries, and health care including non-communicable diseases and HIV/AIDS.

During that conference which he also had the pleasure to attend, the UN Political Chief said it became clear once more how many priorities CARICOM and the UN shared, chief among which is the fight against climate change. During last month’s 74th UNGA, CARICOM continued to let their voices be heard in that fight and so many others as they stood tall and proud championing the causes that they hope will eventually lead to a better quality of life for the citizens of the Caribbean. While CARICOM as a body has observer status at the United Nations, individual member states continue to find ways to unite on issues, which are brought to the fore on international platforms like the United Nations General Assembly.

DIALOGUE ON FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT

Hon. Allen Chastanet says member states exists in a complex financial environment

inancing for Development was one of the key issues which came up during the recent 74th UNGA in New York. Saint Lucia along with fellow CARICOM Member States have always reaffirmed the critical role that the implementation of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda has on the successful implementation of the SDGs. According to Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, the unique challenges faced by member states, in a complex international financial environment, compounded by limited domestic capacity, has always been articulated. “We have called attention to the rising debt servicing that competes with SDG investments. We have highlighted the challenges posed by the loss of correspondent banking and the difficulties in accessing timely and adequate climate financing” he said. “Today, Saint Lucia and the rest of CARICOM is encouraged that the UN Secretary General has committed to support the advancement of the ECLAC debt for climate adaptation swap proposal for SIDS. This initiative will go a long way to not only free up domestic fiscal space, but it will also establish a resilience fund to finance adaption projects. We look forward to engaging with the international financial institutions and our partners to forge ahead toward implementation of this critical initiative,” Hon. Allen Chastanet said.

ACHIEVEMENTS He went on to highlight some of the achievements of Saint Lucia in this regard, including a partnership with the World Economic Forum to be the first country to implement the Country Financing Roadmap. “The CFR is a platform that builds on the recommendations advanced by the UN Inter-agency Task Force on Financing for Development, the G20 Eminent Persons Group, and the GFC on Development Finance to support countries in making a paradigmatic shift from funding to financing,” the CARICOM head stated. “We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with WEF on an initiative that is inherently country led, which has as its aim to establish country specific solutions - attuned to our unique challenges - to promote the appropriate and adequate levels of financing for sustainable development. We are also encouraged that this platform has the potential to be replicated across Small Island States in need, he ended by saying.

High Level Political Forum As head of CARICOM Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet, spoke on several areas relating to matters affecting the CARICOM community. One such topic was the “High-level

Political Forum (HLPF)” under the 74th Session of the General Assembly. In his address Hon. Allen Chastanet reminded that as part of the Castries Call for Collective Commitment and Action on Sustainable Development, CARICOM Heads of Government had declared that the region is confronting unprecedented development challenges that are moving beyond their capacity to cope. Further, that the risk from climate induced natural disasters continues to grow. “Small Island Developing states require support to address those challenges that constantly reverse and retard our developmental gains. Given our unique vulnerabilities, SIDS must receive the investment and support necessary to reduce disaster risk and build the resilience of their economies and communities. There is an urgent need for a disaster fund to assist SIDS in addressing risk management and building back better post disaster.

CARICOM CARICOM, he pointed out, was acutely aware that the next decade represented a critical point in our region’s journey towards meaningful and comprehensive sustainable development. Member states he said, are fully committed to implementing the sustainable development goals by 2030. “But as we continue to underscore, our small size, limited economic resources and vulnerability to natural disasters puts us at a tremendous disadvantage in achieving these ambitious goals. It is clear that our ambitions have to be supported by the international community, by civil society, and the private sector,” he went on to underscore. The CARICOM Chairman went on to say that that sustainable development solutions have generally been tailored along a one-size fits all approach for developing countries, but there was now an urgent need for a more nuanced approach, for SIDS specific solutions to accelerate meaningful implementation of the SDGs. The need for states to meet their international Cooperation Commitments he added was also of importance. In closing Hon. Allen Chastanet, said that the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development represented the collective commitment of CARICOM to transform the world. “To implement actions and policies that will accelerate us all toward sustainable and resilient societies. We have a decade left to ensure that our work truly does not leave anyone behind,” he said.

STATEMENT BY

THE HONOURABLE ALLEN M. CHASTANET

PRIME MINISTER OF SAINT LUCIA AND MINISTER FOR FINANCE, ECONOMIC GROWTH, JOB CREATION EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE

On Friday September 27, 2019, Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet took to the podium at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, to not only articulate Saint Luciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position on a number of issues, but that of small island states in the Caribbean region. Prime Minister Chastanet spoke on the impact of Climate change as evidenced by recent devastating hurricanes and other adverse weather patterns impacting the region, the negative impact of blacklisting and the country financing roadmap. He also called for the participation of Taiwan, as an active member of the International Aviation Community and for a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Venezuela.

TO THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 74th SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

am pleased on behalf of the Government and People of Saint Lucia to once again address this global community of nations. It was an honour for me, and for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), to have had the Secretary General of this, our United Nations, AntĂłnio Guterres, join us in Saint Lucia this past July for our CARICOM Heads of Government meeting. At that meeting the Secretary General acknowledged the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States especially that of climate change. Importantly he noted the other obstacles to sustainable development for countries like ours notably the urgent and reliable access to development finance. Mr. Secretary General, we thank you for your words of support and for your visit to our brothers and sisters in the Bahamas,

noting first-hand how tenuous our grip on development can be in the face of climatic events. We are very encouraged by your commitment to support the advancement of the ECLAC debt for climate adaptation swap proposal for SIDS. This initiative will go a long way to not only free up domestic fiscal space, but it will also establish a resilience fund to finance adaptation projects. Saint Lucia looks forward to engaging with the international financial institutions and our partners to forge ahead toward implementation of this critical initiative.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Mr. President We opened this high level week with a focus on climate change and climate action. Saint Lucia along with our fellow small island developing states continued to make a strong case for urgent action. The disturbing fact is that

every September when we gather here, it is against the backdrop of yet another devastating extreme weather event. Have we already forgotten what befell Dominica in 2017, when Hurricane Maria ravaged that island causing a loss of 226 percent of GDP? Have we forgotten Barbuda, laid to waste by Irma? Or the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla? I saw the devastation in the Bahamas first-hand, when I visited in my capacity as Chairman of the Caribbean Community. I saw the faces of people, absolutely lost and desperate, as they attempted to rationalize what had happened and what will happen next. They cried, they yelled, but ultimately, after the initial reflex empathy and emergency aid, they remain voiceless. We need to let them know by our actions that we hear them, we see them and we will not forget them.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 establishment of a special purpose vehicle dedicated to SIDS, through which we hope to mobilize financing for resilience. We truly hope that we will be able to interest member countries to join us in this very vital initiative. In that vein we applaud Norway and Germany who led the charge in renewing and doubling their contributions to the Green Climate Fund, and thank those who followed. The GCF however, will require an amendment to its policies to allow for the urgent and efficient approval of projects.

MAKING A CASE FOR THE REGION

Many of the victims of these devastating extreme weather events, have to focus on surviving one day to the next, they no longer have the luxury to anticipate and plan for the future; when they cannot contemplate where their next meal will come from. We should act with the same urgency as a mother searching for her lost child, we should act with the same desperation of a father who has seen the roof of his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home blown off. Let us recognize the awesome responsibility that has been placed on us, those of us in a position to give hope to the hopeless, and tangible assistance to those most in need. To date, despite the overwhelming evidence, the tragic loss of lives and the destruction of peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dignity, we have failed. We are failing as world leaders to act with urgency, instead allowing too often the denials of a few, to paper over the real and existential threat to the lives and livelihoods of so many. Where is the action to deploy with immediate effect, the resilient solutions; and the commitment to wrestle to the ground the fact that a heating planet is to blame - and the fact that we are the ones heating it. For the few who stand with us and have provided tangible assistance as we fight for our survival, we are grateful for the support thus far. But I daresay that given the magnitude of the problem, we have only begun to scratch the surface.

GLOBAL FINANCE Associated with our fight for survival, it is abundantly clear that the international financial architecture - the systems, mechanisms and rules that govern global

finance - are moving too slow to pivot, to address this new normal for Small Island Developing States like mine. The inability and at times, unwillingness to change the status quo as it relates to graduating countries out of programs and creating new financing vehicles can no longer be tolerated. While we face the reluctance of global financial institutions to heed our calls, we are left to attempt to develop our own solutions, and lean on new friends in our times of need. In fact, in the face of this new climate change reality, we are being forced to consider every and all options to ensure our survival and that of our people. One such step is the

My island home of Saint Lucia is small, just 238 square miles with a population of under 200,000. We are however fortunate to be members of strong regional institutions. Explore a little and you will note that as a sub-region, eight countries within the Eastern Caribbean, including Saint Lucia use what has become one of the most stable currencies in the world, the Eastern Caribbean dollar. We share a single court system, and we pool our resources in providing a large number of services for our people. In our wider Caribbean community, we cooperate in even more areas: a University of international renown, our own development bank, a Common market, and a regional security mechanism, are but a few of our successes. I highlight these achievements to signify that we are not a region of people who sit on our hands waiting to be rescued.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

In fact, as a region we have worked diligently post-independence, to establish the institutions and fashion the responses to deal with the challenges that confront us, and we have achieved much success in so doing. Saint Lucia like all other nations of the world has a goal to chart a sustainable development path that benefits every last citizen, leaving no one behind. A goal to ensure that all are clothed, fed, and have a roof over their heads, with access to proper education, health and security - to provide these basics that lay the foundation that will promise a better future. Is that not the aspiration that we leaders all have for our people? Yet in the face of our ambitious sustainable development goals, we SIDS continue to have to battle with insurmountable challenges, many as a result of rules and systems that do not create the mechanisms and the requisite urgency to address our unique challenges. Some of these rules impose restrictions on states, in the absence of credible evidence to support claims of wrongdoing. Our islands are being blacklisted, a demeaning and unfair practice that results in some instances, to effect irreversible damage to our reputations. So for countries like Saint Lucia which has the ambition to be selfsufficient and aid free, we are precluded from participating in the financial services sector; an area in which we have a comparative advantage.

TTHE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM Our Government believes that every single person matters, every person

has a contribution to make. However to genuinely say they matter, we must give them the ability to be able to participate. If we are constantly moving from one crisis to another, our people are not going to be able to participate in the necessary changes. For the last three years Saint Lucia has been focused on trying to take control of our destiny. One such way is our new partnership with the World Economic Forum, to be the first country to implement the Country Financing Roadmap. The CFR is a platform to support countries in making a transformative shift from funding to financing. It will harness the collective intelligence from the WEFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expansive networks, and promote consensus on the main challenges that limit capital flows to Saint Lucia. It will also leverage coordinated action to move from a holistic diagnostic to a country specific tangible action plan. We are grateful for this opportunity to be the test case for this initiative and look forward to its success being replicated across those states in need.

A CASE FOR TAIWAN IN ICAO Last April, the Foreign Ministers of the G7 expressed their support to the substantive participation of Taiwan as an active member of the international aviation community in ICAO forums. Saint Lucia endorses this call, as we believe that the exclusion of active members for political purposes compromises aviation safety and security. The G7 has now added its voice, to those who have long advocated for the inclusion of Taiwan in the work

of the global community. As we continue our strides to implement the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, the participation of small states and all states in the various UN agencies and processes is critical to achieving our collective goals. We have to remain true to the agendaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clarion call to leave no one behind. Similarly, we express our solidarity with the people of Cuba and question the continued application of the embargo.

VENEZUELA CRISIS On the issue of Venezuela, Saint Lucia continues to believe that this crisis should be resolved peacefully and through dialogue. Military action is not the answer. But let me be clear, the continued instability in that country is a threat to us all in the hemisphere. This cannot be overlooked or swept under the table.

THE CONCLUSION Mr. President I would like to be able to boast of a United Nations where small nations like mine receive a fair hearing and genuine empathy when appropriate. A United Nations where once the case is made, there is an examination of conscience followed by a commitment towards change. To some this may seem like a high ideal but I submit that it is the minimum owed to states like Saint Lucia - it is indeed the object and purpose of the United Nations.

Climate Change Resilience: A United Caribbean Approach!

CARICOM Chairman Leads Fight at UN Climate Change Summit

mall islands are on the front lines of the Climate Change fight and time is against us. That was the strong and pointed message delivered by Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet as he addressed the Climate Action Summit held at the United Nations on Monday September 23, 2019. The Prime Minister demanded that nations that are the highest contributors to the crisis finally put their words into action. “We are currently in a hurricane season and nine months away from another hurricane season and yet our voice is not heard,” Prime Minister Chastanet, who is also current CARICOM Chairman, told the room filled with world leaders. He referred to the lack of access to adaption funds that would allow small islands to build resilience. “We have said repeatedly that the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) needs to change the way they classify developing countries and we are asking them to adopt the vulnerability index that was established by the Commonwealth. There needs to be a dedicated fund,” he stated, while added that the rules that govern the fund must reflect the urgency of the situation. “Please allow the SIDS to build the adaption that is required in order for us to deal with all the issues we have to deal with. There is a new cost of these hurricanes and that is refugees,” noted the Prime Minister, adding that the situation in the Bahamas is a clear example, as thousands of people have to be evacuated before the country can rebuild.

PM Allen Chastanet on SIDS Panel

“Who is going to sustain the people? What jobs are they going to have? These are the practical realities that we are dealing with. We don’t have the luxury of time. We are your incubator.” Prime Minister Chastanet has maintained that investment in climate action, especially for adaptation and resilience building, provides benefits not only to SIDS but to the global community at large, as we collectively learn how best to protect our people in face of the worsening climate crisis. “Climate Change does not discriminate,” he reminded the UN delegates. “It has started with us but it is soon coming to your doorsteps. Allow the SIDS to be that lab to figure out how we are going to deal with this climate change issue. Through our solutions you will also be helping yourself in the future.” The SIDS panel for the Climate Summit included Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Palau President Tommy Esang Remengesau Jr., Maldives President Imbrahim Mohammed Soli and Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency Franceso LaCamera. Photo 1: Prime Minister Allen Chastanet on SIDS Panel

Caribbean Leaders Discuss Debt for Climate Adaptation Swap, Caribbean Resilience Fund The UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) Executive Secretary, Alicia Bárcena, highlighted the potential of a ‘Debt

for Climate Adaptation Swap’ initiative during several events that convened during the UN Climate Action Summit at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly’s (UNGA) High-level Week. ECLAC has advocated for such an initiative at a number of events leading up to the 2019 Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit. According to ECLAC; • The Caribbean region has experienced over 385 climate-related disasters since 1990. • Since 2000, the region has suffered eight disasters with an annual cost of between 33% and 200% of the affected countries’ gross domestic product (GDP). • Annual losses from catastrophic climate events in the Caribbean are estimated at USD 3 billion dollars. In addition to these vulnerability challenges, Caribbean countries are among the most highly indebted in the world. • In 2018, the average Caribbean debt was 70.5% of GDP. The Debt for Climate Adaptation Swap initiative aims to respond to the Caribbean’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters and the region’s high level of debt. Bárcena met with the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Allen Chastanet, and the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, on 23 September, on the sidelines of UNGA 74, to discuss the Debt for Climate Adaptation Swap initiative and establishment of a Caribbean Resilience Fund. Bárcena explained that the proposal

youth leaders meet with UNICEF reps

Secretray General Antonio Guterres speaking with youth attendees goes beyond traditional debt restructuring because it “links debt relief to investment in sustainable development and green economy projects.” She said the proposal offers a strategy to direct increased resources towards investment in climate adaptation projects and green industries to build resilience while also providing “fiscal space and relief to economies overburdened by public debt and debt serving costs.”

Caribbean Youth Feature at Youth Climate Summit The historic UN Youth Climate Summit was held on Saturday, September 21 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York prior to the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit on Monday, September 23. It served as a platform for young climate change activist leaders to bring to the table their solutions at the UN, where they were able to have meaningful engagements with decision makers. Their message to world leaders; we need to act now to address climate change and that there was a need for far swifter action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the Youth Climate Action Summit brought youth climate champions together from more than 140 countries. The outcomes of the Summit, was

Zanickia Emilien of Saint Lucia

expected to feed into the Climate Action Summit, which was attended by heads of state and Government as well as business CEOs and civil society leaders. Mr. Guterres, calling this generation of young people “essential” in combating the climate crisis, said the gathering was a critical milestone ahead of the Climate Action Summit, where he has asked world leaders to come with bold, concrete plans. He credited youth for shaking up leaders’ “laissez-faire” approach to climate change. “We are not yet there,” Mr. Guterres said, adding that we are “still losing the race” against climate change. “But there is a change in momentum. Largely this change in momentum was due to your [Greta Thunberg’s] initiative, and to the courage with which you have started this movement.” Greta Thunberg, the young activist from Sweden, chastised world leaders for their “betrayal” of young people, by the inaction and indifference, towards climate change, at the United Nations Youth Climate Change summit. The Youth Climate Summit featured young activists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and change makers committed to combating climate change at the pace and scale needed to meet the climate challenge. Among them were a number of Caribbean youth climate activists including Giovanni

Henry and Zanickia Emilien of Saint Lucia. The Saint Lucian pair lent their voices to calls for the focus to be placed on food security as it relates to climate change. “Attending the first Youth Climate Summit” at the United Nations Head Quarters in New York, was one of the most phenomenal experiences that a young climate change activists such as myself could have attended. This event created a platform for advocates to have a sit at the table and to actually be the ones speaking and not the ones listening,” Zanickia Emilien told Our Saint Lucia. The young Climate Change activist went on to say that post this summit, her desire to advocate and raise awareness for climate change has definitely increased. “I am looking forward to engaging young people in Saint Lucia in activities that will educate and increase their knowledge in the potential threats that climate change has on our small developing island, our wonderful archipelago of Caribbean islands and the earth at large,” she said. She went on to explain that as an island that is on the front lines as it relates to being prone to climate change effects , she believes that everyone needs to be sensitized and well aware of this, and as a nation we should come together as one to fight this precarious issue of climate change.

Saint Lucia First Country to Implement Country Financing Roadmap

aint Lucia has joined the World Economic Forum in a partnership which will see our country become the first to implement the Country Financing Roadmap (CFR). Prime Minister Honourable Allen M. Chastanet speaking at the United Nations General Assembly announced the partnership and said it is part of Saint Lucia’s focus on trying to take control of our destiny. “The CFR is a platform to support countries in making a transformative shift from funding to financing. It will harness the collective intelligence from the WEF’s expansive networks, and promote consensus on the main challenges that limit capital flows to Saint Lucia,” noted the PM. “It will also leverage coordinated action to move from a holistic diagnostic to a country specific tangible action plan. We are grateful for this opportunity to be the test case for this initiative and look forward to its success being replicated across those states in need.” The Country Financing Roadmap is a unique opportunity to build on the efforts Saint Lucia and its partners have already made. It will harness collective intelligence and leverage global expertise to engage stakeholders around one common vision and action plan to catalyse private sector investment and unleash SDG financing for Saint Lucia, as the prototype for small island states.

PURPOSE OF ROADMAP The purpose of the Country Financing Roadmap is to provide countries with the actionable next steps, tools and networks to unlock capital at the scale and speed needed to meet their sustainable development goals by taking a more holistic and strategic approach to SDG financing and leveraging the SDGs as a mechanism that can drive the long-term

of deliverables within the health sector. “Consequently, we recognize the importance of building more resilient health systems as a critical element towards a more resilient society,” she said. Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet with World Economic Forum Director competitiveness of the country. The Roadmap builds on publicprivate collaboration and bringing the international (financial) community and countries together to identify the conditions for an investable environment that can increase the number of financing sources available to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs and create National Integrated Financing Frameworks, as recommended by the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, that are both coherent and “private capital viable”.

Some of the successes for Saint Lucia in Health Care • • • • • •

•

What is the World Economic Forum? The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for PublicPrivate Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. It was established in 1971 as a not-forprofit foundation and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It is independent, impartial and not tied to any special interests. The Forum strives in all its efforts to demonstrate entrepreneurship in the global public interest while upholding the highest standards of governance.

Health System Strengthening Project During the 74th UNGA in New York Hon. Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, Minister with responsibility for External Affairs delivered a statement at the High-level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage. According to Minister Beaubrun, the meeting was an opportunity to; “take stock of, and recommit our efforts to building a healthier world as Saint Lucia lends its voice in support of Universal Health Coverage. In the context of the adverse impacts of climate change on our people, our way of life, our infrastructure, and of course our health systems, one natural disaster or extreme weather event Minister Beaubrun said, has the potential to set back advances made in the improvement

High immunization coverage Low infant and maternal mortality Provision of free drugs to diabetic and hypertensive patients Access to thirty-three wellness centers across the island. Saint Lucia’s Commitments Prioritizing resources, actions and innovation to ensure strongest outcomes for women’s and maternal health. Investments in preventative health and education to ensure the sustainability of Saint Lucia’s health care system, leading to ongoing strides in our efforts to provide sustainable health care to all citizens, and advance health outcomes for all.

Challenges • •

High incidences of chronic noncommunicable diseases The high cost of health care and the heavy burden it poses on fiscal operations.

Universal Health Care and the SDG Target “These circumstances involving the commitments and challenges,” according to Minister Beaubrun, “continue to remind us of the importance of Universal Health Coverage and we recognize that more needs to be done if we are to achieve UHC and deliver on SDG Target 3.8.”

The Vision: The Government of Saint Lucia has embarked on a Health System Strengthening Project which is financed by a USD$20 million credit, towards the implementation of a mechanism and supporting structures that would facilitate Universal Health Coverage. • Saint Lucia also aims to deepen its commitment to the Primary Health Care Approach. • The engagement of all sectors including private, public and civil society, in the health discussions, recognizing that a multi-sectoral approach is needed, if gains in health are to be achieved and more importantly sustained.

According to Hon. Allen Chastanet, CARICOM has made clear that the absence of accelerated, meaningful, actions to implement agreed goals; and the reluctance to fulfill agreed commitments and obligations; threatens the very existence of small island states in this global community.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet addressing UN meeting

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet Delivers SIDS Progress Report

aint Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, who is the Chairman of CARICOM, delivered the small island developing states progress report at the 74th UNGA. The high level meeting was held to review progress made in addressing the priorities of SIDS through the implementation of the Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway. In addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Chastanet said that the sustainable development story of a small island developing state can be told in four parts - climate change, adequate healthcare, the implementation of the sustainable development goals and financing. “While each part is distinct, they are intrinsically linked and form the foundation upon which the developmental ambitions of SIDS are determined,” Chastanet said. “Each meeting presented the opportunity for CARICOM to illustrate the variety of ways that our sustainable development is under threat from combined and interrelated development challenges that are beyond our capacity and resources to adequately address. We expressed alarm at the escalating and deadly impacts of climate change. We emphasized the imperative of universal health coverage. We highlighted the debilitating effect that high debt and limited access to concessional forms of financing have on our economic development,” the CARICOM head went on to say.

CARICOM Meets with India Prime Minister Prime Minister Allen Chastanet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

During the fifth and final summit to review the SIDS programme of action, Hon. Allen Chastanet said it was important to note that the SAMOA pathway, recognizes that genuine and durable partnerships are essential to advancing the sustainable development of SIDS. “CARICOM applauds and commends the partnerships that have developed and solidified since the adoption of the pathway in 2014. We are grateful to those who play an important role in advancing the sustainable development of SIDS. We continue to emphasize that international cooperation and support is a critical enabler for SIDS to eradicate poverty and build the necessary resilience to economic and environmental shocks,” he stated. Further, as we look ahead beyond this week, it is clear that there is an urgent need for a renewed commitment from our partners - from member states, civil society and the private sector. We urge the development of SIDS specific tailored responses to address the unique and considerable challenges that continue to bedevil all SIDS”. According to the CARICOM Chairman, SIDS remain a special case for sustainable development. “CARICOM will continue to advocate for meaningful action, not sympathy from the global community, to urgently advance the sustainable development of SIDS. There remains much work to be done, and we cannot do it alone. The Caribbean Community remains resolute; we share the conviction of all our fellow SIDS to work toward achieving the objectives of the SAMOA pathway. We emphasize that we are small but not insignificant; vulnerable but not powerless; constrained but not uncommitted,” Hon. Allen Chastanet ended by saying.

While at the recent 74 United General Assembly in New York, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, who is also the current Chairman of CARICOM, lead a meeting between CARICOM heads and the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, on September 25th 2019. India’s historic and warm relations with the countries of the Caribbean was solidified at that meeting which saw Prime Minister Modi meeting with 14 leaders of the CARICOM group of countries on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting was attended by the Heads of Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Vice President of Suriname, and Foreign Ministers of Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Haiti and Guyana. It was the first-ever meeting of PM Modi with CARICOM leaders in a regional format. PM Modi laid emphasis on partnering with CARICOM countries in capacity building, development assistance and cooperation in disaster management and resilience. He invited CARICOM countries to join the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. He expressed his condolences on the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian in the region and the worst hit island of Bahamas to which India has provided immediate financial assistance of USD 1 million. PM Modi also announced a USD 14 million grant for community development projects within CARICOM and another 150 million Line of Credit for solar, renewable energy and climate- change related projects.

Saint Lucia at 74th UNGA:

A Pictorial Look. As one of the 193 Member States of the United Nations, Saint Lucia has held a seat at the International organization, since we gained Independence in 1979. The platform of the United Nations has been used to advance our position on matters such as; international trade, international peace and security, human rights, Climate Change and matters of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian nature. At the 74th United National General Assembly, Saint Lucia not only took its seat proudly among the nations of the world, but spoke boldly and loudly on matters affecting us and other small island states. Apart from the main agenda items, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Hon. Allen Chastanet and his delegation were able to hold fruitful talks with a number of leaders and agencies.

Hon. Allen Chastanet with India’s PM Narendra Modi

Youth Climate Change activist Zanickia Emilien at the UN

Part of Saint Lucia’s delegation at the 74th UNGA

Saint Lucia receives support from the diaspora in New York Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and Saint Lucia’s delegation meets with The Secretary of State of His Holiness The Pope Cardinal Pietro Parolin

India’s Narendra Modi, Allen Chastanet of Saint Lucia and Mia Mottley of Barbados

India/CARICOM Leaders meeting in progress

Prime Minister and NY Diaspora talk participation and empowerment

Hon. Allen Chastanet engages the audience on Building a New Saint Lucia

he Government of Saint Lucia, over the last few years has been seeking more meaningful ways at strengthening ties between Saint Lucians and the Saint Lucian diaspora. It is for this reason that in 2018, the first Ambassador to the diaspora H.E. Jocelyn Fletcher was named. Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet, has also met with various Saint Lucian groups and organizations representing the Saint Lucian diaspora in places like London, Toronto, Miami and New York. In September, while in New York for the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet, again took the opportunity to meet with Saint Lucians from the Tri-State area and elsewhere, for a town hall meeting. The plan to “Build a New Saint Lucia” and how it is taking shape was the main discussion as Saint Lucians living in New York and surrounding areas, got a chance to meet with the Prime Minister on Sunday September 29, 2019 at the special Town Hall Meeting, which was held at The Marriot Hotel conference room. In a frank discussion with scores of Saint Lucians who showed up, Prime Minister Chastanet spoke about Government’s plans to empower people to take advantage of the opportunities being created. The Prime Minister reiterated the power of the Diaspora and assured Saint Lucians living all over the world that they have a part to play in supporting the development of the country. “We have put the structures in place to facilitate the Diaspora in coming back home, and investment opportunities as well,” said PM Chastanet. “We want Saint Lucians to be proud of their country and feel empowered to drive further development. We all have our part to play. When Saint Lucians themselves are in charge of their own destiny and

Taking in the discussions at the Town Hall meeting

businesses, they then naturally become ambassadors of their country. Because we are no longer doing it for other people we are doing it for ourselves.” The Prime Minister spoke about various sectors that have shown growth and development including agriculture, tourism and education. The questions from the audience were on diverse topics including the status of agricultural lands, the cultivating of cannabis, the state of healthcare, village tourism and education opportunities. The audience was very excited about the developments at home especially as it related to infrastructural development such as roads, the Hewannorra International Airport, the Castries market and several hotel developments earmarked for the north and south of the island. The Prime Minister was joined at the conference by Minister responsible for External Affairs Hon. Sarah Flood Beaubrun, Ambassador to the Diaspora H.E. Jocelyn Fletcher, Ambassador to the United Nations H.E. Cosmos Richardson

and Ambassador to Caricom H.E. Elma Gene Isaac. Following the presentation and Q&A segment, attendees got an opportunity to meet one on one with the Prime Minister and his wife Mrs. Chastanet as well as other Government officials. The event also featured a performance by Saint Lucian performer Gozilay performing his Country song “Born Lucian.”

Hon. Sarah Flood Beaubrun addresses Saint Lucians

News Bites

Chastanet, Senate President Honourable Jeannine Giraudy-McIntyre and Minister for Infrastructure, Ports, Energy and Labour Honourable Stephenson King were also part of the Saint Lucia delegation in Taiwan.

Independence Monument Unveiled On Thursday October 3, an Independence Monument was unveiled as part of Saint Lucia’s 40th Independence Anniversary Celebrations. The sculpture by Jallim Eudovic was erected at the roundabout near the Castries Waterfront at the intersection of Jn. Baptiste Street and the John Compton Highway. “The Koudmen Les Peche”/”Boat of dreams” piece, symbolizes the collective vision and ideals of our people and is a symbol of our togetherness.

Ronald Boo Hinskon performing in Taiwan

Ronald Boo Hinkson performed at the Taichung Jazz Festival at the Taichung Civic Square on Saturday October 5th. Boo wooed thousands of concert attendees with his own style of music fused with jazz and Afro-Caribbean undertones. Boo’s next performance is on the 14th at the Taichung Jazz Festival where it is expected that over 40,000 persons will be in attendance. He is also scheduled to perform on October 15th in Taipei at a gala concert organized by the Saint Lucia’s Embassy in Taiwan.

Saint Lucia Recognized With Multiple Condé Nast Awards

Prime Minister and Saint Lucia Delegation Participate in Taiwan National Day Celebrations The Republic of China (Taiwan) celebrated the country’s 108th National Day on Thursday October 10th 2019. As part of the celebrations a Saint Lucian contingent travelled to the Republic of China (Taiwan) to participate in the Taichung Jazz Festival, the Taichung Instruments Festival and the Taiwan National Day parade. The Department of Culture announced last week 14 persons from Carnival Band Tribe of Twel, led by Senator Adrian Augier, would be taking part in the Taiwan National Parade. Ronald “Boo” Hinkson, five members of his band, and technical personnel also attended the celebrations. The festival also featured a parade consisting of Saint Lucian students studying in Taiwan, depicting Saint Lucia’s national costumes. Prime Minister Honourable Allen M.

Condé Nast Traveler on Tuesday October 8, 2019, announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards with Saint Lucia recognized as the #8 Island in the Caribbean & Atlantic, while seven resorts in the destination were named in the Top 50 Resorts in the Caribbean Islands list. Resorts earning a spot on the Top 50 Resorts in the Caribbean Islands list include Jade Mountain (#15); Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort (#17); Cap Maison (#20); Anse Chastanet Resort (#27); Ladera Resort (#33); The Landings Resort and Spa (#34); and Rendezvous Resort (#49). More than 600,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers across the globe submitted a recording-breaking number of responses rating their travel experiences to provide a full snapshot of where and how we travel today.

Tech Entrepreneur To Represent Saint Lucia At World Event Martin Hanna continues to make strides in the technological and entrepreneurial spheres as he has been selected to attend the Entrepreneurship World Cup in

November 2019. The 20 year old resident of Rodney Bay, is the founder and CEO of Penny Pinch; a digital savings platform allowing businesses to connect to shoppers via cashback, coupons & rewards. With Penny Pinch, Hanna will take on the best and brightest entrepreneurs worldwide hoping to impress the judges and captivate investors around the globe. The Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) is an international competition organized by the Misk World Forum in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network. Martin was selected as the national finalist to represent Saint Lucia at the EWC, among 100 eligible entrepreneurs from 100, 000 entries worldwide and will compete in the early stage category. Earlier this year, he won the 2019 TEN Habitat Caribbean Startup Summit’s pitch competition.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet Thanks Crew and Doctors of Comfort Medical Mission The Department of Health & Wellness has announced that the United States Naval Ship USNS Comfort Medical Mission held from Monday, September 23 to Tuesday, October 1, 2019 was a success.Clinics were held for six days at the Owen King EU Hospital and the National Cultural Centre where clients received services in adult medicine, pediatric medicine, dental and eye care along with other specialized medical services. A total of seventy nine Saint Lucians received surgical procedures aboard the USNS Comfort. In addition, forty eight clients received echocardiograms. A total of 4846 clients benefitted from services at the two medical sites over the time period: adult medicine was 1665 clients, pediatric medicine was 264 clients, dental services was 756 clients and eye care was 2161 clients. “On behalf of the government and people of Saint Lucia I would like to extend our sincerest gratitude and appreciation for the medical assistance provided to the thousands who came from all over Saint Lucia seeking medical care,” Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet said following a visit to the United States Naval Ship USNS on October 1. “Thanks Capt Amersbach, and your entire crew, for touching the lives of so many Saint Lucians”.

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Dominic Fedee

www.facebook.com/dominicfedee October 3 Repairs to the Venus road commence

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October 8 It gives me the greatest of pleasures on behalf of the Government and People of Saint Lucia to congratulate the Government and People of Taiwan on the 108th celebration of National Day of your country. A celebration for Taiwan is a celebration for Saint Lucia and our people wish you all the best as you continue to seek to make your mark in the world. Taiwan is a strong and resilient nation and this occasion is a significant one for your people, where you can recognize the greatness of Taiwan.

Dr. Gale T C Rigobert

www.facebook.com/galerigobert758 October 5 The training of Public Officers in Gender Concepts and introduction to Gender-based analysis was successfully completed this week. The next training will be on November 11 - 14 (Gender budgeting trainer of trainers ) and 18 to 20 (Gender concepts and intro to GBA+). Project officers and finance/accounts officers from all departments received training under this same project in June of this year.

Lenard â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spiderâ&#x20AC;? Montoute

www.facebook.com/lenardspidermontoute September 23 We promised that the Cas en Bas Road Reconstruction Project would commence today and we have stuck to this promise. Residents and all road users are encouraged to monitor and be guided by the traffic and directional signs posted for public safety.

Ezechiel Joseph

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Stephenson King

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Herod Stanislas

Sarah Flood Beaubrun

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Hermangill Francis

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