MEPs laud Dominica’s resilience efforts in discussions with Financial Secretary Denise Edwards

The Financial Secretary of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Denise Edwards, met with various European Members of Parliament to discuss the partnership between the European Union and Dominica in Brussels on Thursday, June 23, 2022. Edwards represented the country with great pride and astutely presented the island and its potential to the European Union (EU). There were warm exchanges between Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Stéphane Bijoux. The President of the Cariforum pledged support for Dominica and its efforts to become climate-resilient. Dominica's Financial Secretary exchanged greetings in Creole with the new MEP from Martinique, Max Orville. The EU was bowled over by Edwards and her passion for her country. During her presentation, Financial Secretary Denise Edwards showcased Dominica's journey to becoming the world's first climate nation. MEP Stéphane Bijoux lauded Dominica's response to climate change and the efforts to build resilient infrastructure.

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Referring to the beauty of Dominica, Bijoux said, "We have to protect the paradise,". He also acknowledged Dominica's efforts to promote sustainability and eco-tourism with great intentions to protect marine life and ensured the complete cooperation of the EU in helping Dominica achieve its development goals. Bijoux has been a voice against climate change in the European Parliament and has advocated solidarity among all without geographical limits. "Climate change threatens everyone. It is an emergency for everyone. It is also our responsibility to accompany developing countries because the solidarity cannot stop at the geographical limits of our continent," said Stéphane Bijoux. "Climate change is not just a simple race against time. It is a race against death," MEP added. The European Union had been assisting Dominica in meeting the sustainable development goals and helping recover from the effects of the global, economic and financial crises, and restoring macro-economic stability. After the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria and Tropical Storm Erika, the European Union has been at the core of interventions in the country. In 2015, after the Tropical Storm Erika, the EU allocated an additional €8.9 million under the European Development Fund (EDF).

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The damage caused by the recent hurricanes in Dominica is unequivocal proof of how vulnerable small island nations in the Caribbean are to climate change and its effects. The European Union under the 11th EDF also assisted the Dominican government in supporting the energy sector of the country, reinforcing the growth and social protection strategy (GSPS) with the upfront allocation of €4 million. Dominica has also gained access to regional programmes supported by the Caribbean Regional Indicative Programmes as a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and CARIFORUM. The CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), a comprehensive free trade pact with a heavy emphasis on development cooperation, is another agreement that Dominica has signed. Persuading its pledge to become the world's first climate-resilient country, the government of Dominica is providing concrete houses to over 5,000 families in the country that can withstand any category 5 hurricane. The government has already completed the construction of nearly 1,500 homes in which many families live without fearing the adverse impact of natural catastrophes. Housing units have been distributed in various regions such as: Bellevue Chopin, Roseau City Square, Cotton Hill, Georgetown, Jimmy, Castle Bruce, Grand Fond, Delices, La Plaine, San Sauveur, etc. Apart from this, the government is also aiming to construct a geothermal energy plant to produce clean energy, which can light up over 23,000 homes in Dominica. It will not only produce renewable energy, but it will also reduce carbon footprints while simultaneously creating jobs for locals. Under the National Resilience Development Strategy (NRDS) 2030, the government has outlined 43 resilience goals aimed at ensuring the climate-centred development of the country. The strategy includes overall planning of each sector, including health, under which healthcare centres and hospitals are constructed in every community of the nation.

MEPs laud Dominica’s resilience efforts in discussions with Financial Secretary Denise Edwards

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