Caribbean News
UK signs agreement with Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#UnitedKingdom, September 9, 2023 – The UK Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the amount of £2.7 million with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), for work to be done under the Small Island Developing States Capacity and Resilience (SIDAR) Programme, staying true to its COP26 promise to aid in fortifying Climate Resilience and Finance in the Caribbean region. This is according to a Press Release by the UK Government.
The signing was done on September 6th by David Rutley, Minister for the Americas and the Caribbean and Colin Young, Executive Director for the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC).
The Government in the press release, referred to the SIDAR programme saying that it “represents delivery on part of the UK’s overall commitment of £11.6 billion for climate finance, with a specific aim to support adaptation and resilience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS),” adding that it “aims to augment access to climate finance and support programmatic acceleration of climate resilient actions in selected Caribbean countries.”
Additionally, as informed by the release, the CCCCC will act as a channel through which the programme will help address the road blocks the Caribbean SIDS face in efforts to plan for, ” accessing, and effectively utilizing climate finance.”
The aim of the programme, it said, is to “facilitate sustainable increase in the flow of climate finance, enhance project development and implementation capabilities, and support simplification of the multilateral funding processes with
which they must engage.”
Not only that, the release pointed out that the programme will see to the establishment of a Help Desk to lend aid to Member States, catering to the development as well as the implementation of climate change projects. In fact, it is expected to bring about sustainable climate actions throughout the region through promoting “collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic leveraging of resources.”
The CCCCC, partnering with the CARICOM Member States, will provide support in the development of funding proposals aligned to national priorities “for submission to various financial mechanisms under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and other multilateral and bilateral financing partners.”
That in mind, with the UK backing and contributing to the efforts of the CCCCC, CARICOM member states will be strengthened in tackling the challenges they face in accessing climate finance, according to the UK Government in a press release.
And, in continued efforts, the release informed that “Non-Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible Member States will be invited to participate in lesson learning and virtual training activities.”
Furthermore, the UK’s, as the release described, “concerted effort”, is anticipated to assist the Caribbean in accessing a large sum of US$50 million over the next three years. “Dedicated resources will be allocated to beneficiary countries for project preparation grants, including readiness activities, with a target of mobilizing US$3 million in readiness support during the programme’s implementation,” the Government added in the release.
Optimism for the newly developed partnership is in the air as expressed by Rutley at the September 6th signing of the MOU.
“The implementation of this initiative under the SIDAR programme marks an important moment in our collective efforts to combat the impacts of climate change,” he said, later adding that “through close collaboration with” the CCCCC, “the UK is delivering on its promise to help unlock greater amounts of climate finance, strengthen resilience, and secure a sustainable future for SIDS, including those in the Caribbean.”
Colin, who also gave words on the partnership highlighted that he is “pleased to implement the SIDAR programme in the Caribbean,” adding that it will increase both the flow and scale of climate finance to CARICOM Member States to help build their resilience to escalating and adverse impacts of climate change, as well as strengthen their capacity to effectively utilize these resources.”
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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