Environment Minister Eric Evelyn chairs 8th OECS meeting of Council of Ministers

St Kitts and Nevis: Minister of Environment and Cooperatives, Eric Evelyn is chairing the eighth meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Council of Members: Environmental Sustainability (COM, ES) which started virtually on May 20 and will end on 21st following the theme of “Unlocking a green, resilient and inclusive future for Eastern Caribbean SIDS.” The meeting, which will be held between the council of ministers and environmental sustainability, includes all of the ministers are responsible for the environment in each country of the OECS. It will also include overseas territories such as Anguilla, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands. On matters pertaining to the environment and sustainable development, the council of ministers is responsible for making recommendations to the heads of the government in OECS.

The meeting builds an opportunity for more regional collaborative partnership on environmental issues in the region. Minister Evelyn said that sustainable development remains the top priority of OECS member states.

“Achieving a sustainable development plan needs coherent coordination of policies. I believe that we are all confined to a sustainable agenda. The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Accord, and the many other multinational arrangements we have contracted on to, as well as development associates, have made a case for environmental sustainability as a core mainstay for transforming our common future,” said the environmental minister. “Let me display sincerest thanks for your continuing work and extended efforts to help us steer this space. To the OECS, I extend a special thank you for holding the sub-region on task and providing a platform for focused consideration.”

Minister further added that they are looking for their suggestions and discussions to prove beneficial to all members states.

“I support the agenda for these two days. These discussions will be crucial in bringing consciousness to the issues that will help to develop the required infrastructure to maintain sustainability at the centre. If climate change influences are to be sustainably discussed within the region, access to reliable data, as well as combining the data into the decision-making process at all levels, is critically essential,” said the minister. “There is an immediate need to build and develop on our data collection and data analysis methods which will eventually facilitate more trustworthy decision-making.”