Small states need help ahead of worst hurricane season
Ahead of the hurricane season which begins June 1, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has called for urgent global support for small island nations like the BVI that are disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis.
The call came at the 4th International Small Island Developing States (SIDS) conference which concluded yesterday in Antigua and Barbuda and was made in recognition of what is expected to be an intense and destructive Atlantic hurricane season.
During the conference, leaders from the Caribbean and the Pacific met with the WFP delegation to highlight the need to address the existential threats faced by small island states and to seize opportunities for resilient and sustainable development in these regions.
Small island nations are in the crossfire of multiple crises; the climate crisis, the socio-economic fallout from the pandemic, fragile ecosystems, a heavy reliance on food imports, and high debt burdens.
“Small island developing states are right on the frontlines of the global climate crisis, even though they have done almost nothing to cause it and face growing threats to the lives and livelihoods of their communities. Island nations urgently need global support to protect themselves from severe climate and economic shocks,” warned WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. “We must come together and address these challenges head-on to help build resilience and give vulnerable communities the tools they need to thrive.”
The Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to be one of the most active on record, further endangering the fragile balance of these nations.
WFP is working with governments in the region on emergency preparedness, strategically positioning food supplies in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti while working with local suppliers in other Caribbean countries to rapidly mobilize food in emergencies.
The BVI has been at the centre of calls for more climate financing support for small island nations, especially amid the work the territory is doing to recover from the 2017 hurricanes — Irma and Maria which continue to have a great impact on the territory’s development.
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bvi cannot need help after that music fest
we don’t want any help from them island people ” we Aight ” the only thing is any storm touching down here , might humbug our groove as far as free jamz & festivals is concerned \ oh , and we want the drew freed and weed legalized
BVI seems to believe it has all the necessary assets to solve its own problems without help from the outside without having to be accountable. One of nature’s little secrets you might say.
UK wpale bout go sid down from peddling division and hate among the people.
Some ah all yo really think Black peole stupid.
All yo UKites have been spreaaading that line of divide the people and trying forever through this racist UK supported news site to divide and conquer us. NAH go appen. , cause we see yah.
The BVI is a small colony NOT a small state. The mother country will take care of their eastern Caribbean islands after any damaging weather:
France: Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Martin, St. Bart
Netherlands: Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Marteen
UK: Anguilla, Montserrat, BVI
The remaining islands are small island states in 2024 and should be self sufficient but are not.
No one can foretell a hurricane season. In spite of our battering in 17 , hurricanes have actually declined in both numbers and intensity in recent years.
And after 50 years of panic mongering , what exactly are the evil results of the so called climate crisis?