It is for this reason, that the Community must continue to strongly advocate for climate justice and climate finance. Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who assumed the Chairmanship of CARICOM on 1 July 2025, pledged that his country will be a “strong advocate” on the climate front. He made the commitment at the opening ceremony of the Forty-ninth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM on 6 July in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Climate finance, a matter of “the Region’s survival and prosperity”, was one of the key items on the agenda of the Meeting.

“For others, the issue of climate change may be an academic discussion between scientists trying to determine whether the data set is accurate or whether historically, climate has changed overtime, and therefore climate changing now is nothing new. But last year, just around this time, Jamaica was staring down the earliest forming and perhaps the quickest forming Category 4 hurricane, which devastated a third of our island. So, for us, climate change is not an academic discussion; climate change is real. We live it almost every day. The impact of this has to be understood at the fiscal level, need for financing, but certainly because of our size,” he pointed out during his address at the opening of the Conference.

Dr Holness added that as the Region prepares for COP30 in Brazil later this year, “our call is urgent and clear: the promises of the Paris Agreement must be met—both in emissions reductions and access to climate finance at the level and scale required.”

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group announced the initiative last week, indicating that the people of the English-speaking Caribbean stand to benefit from the development of the regional green finance taxonomy that will lead to greater investment in climate-friendly projects and help drive more inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Under the cooperation agreement, the CARICOM Committee of Central Bank Governors and the IFC will develop guidelines and parameters to clearly define green assets. The new taxonomy will deepen climate finance options in the English-speaking Caribbean, encouraging more lending and investment to support each country’s climate mitigation and adaptation goals, and boost green jobs creation, a press release from the IFC said.

“This partnership with IFC represents a pivotal moment for the Caribbean’s financial resilience and climate adaptation efforts. While our region contributes less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, we face disproportionate climate impacts. By establishing clear green finance guidelines, we’re creating the infrastructure needed to channel more private capital toward climate-resilient projects—from renewable energy systems to hurricane-resistant infrastructure,” said Dr. Kevin Greenidge, Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados and Chairman of the CARICOM Committee of Central Bank Governors. 

“This taxonomy will help our financial institutions better assess and fund the green investments our economies desperately need to build back better and stronger after each climate shock.”

“As rising sea levels and increasingly frequent extreme weather events threaten lives and livelihoods, Caribbean Small Island Developing States face a climate finance gap of nearly $55 billion by 2030,” said Ronke-Amoni Ogunsulire, IFC Regional Manager for the Caribbean. “A robust private sector and deeper climate finance markets are essential to supporting the region’s adaptation efforts and unlocking a sustainable future for its people. We are proud to partner with CARICOM in this critical endeavour.”

Welcoming the initiative, the CARICOM Secretariat said it aligns with the mandate given by the Conference of Heads of Government that regional institutions should work towards ramping up domestic resource mobilisation to build economic and climate resilience and drive inclusive growth and sustainable development in the Community.

Read more here

As we prepare for the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, Prime Minister Holness has shared a message outlining his vision and priorities for the Community.

Please click below to view his message.

“Although the [Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre] is charged with the responsibility of leading the Region’s technical work associated with climate change, it behoves all of us as a Community to redouble our efforts to protect our planet and secure the prosperity of our people.”

The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), also known as the 5Cs, marked a significant milestone on 25 June—its 20th anniversary. The celebration was nothing short of inspiring, with a banquet and award ceremony that brought together champions of sustainability from across the Region and beyond.

For two decades, the 5Cs has stood at the helm of the Caribbean’s climate resilience efforts. From empowering communities to partnering with governments and international allies, the Centre has been driving bold, innovative action to build a more sustainable, climate-smart future for the Region.

During his address at the ceremony, CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General Dr Armstrong Alexis highlighted the Centre’s impressive body of scientific work. He emphasised that its efforts are guided by a research-driven agenda that places the Caribbean’s unique needs and realities at the heart of global climate discussions.

“You stand shoulder to shoulder with others in the international community, and you have represented us well. You have produced findings from research that have grounded your interventions in the reality of our people, and you have increased the knowledge and awareness of our citizens on matters of climate change.”

Please read Dr Alexis’ remarks below.

It really is a distinct pleasure for me to be addressing this momentous celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (known affectionately to us as the 5 Cs).

I thank Dr Young and his team for putting on such a memorable series of events, including this afternoon’s panel discussions and this evening’s banquet.

Earlier today, we were enlightened about the origins of Centre by its founding fathers, Amb. Byron Blake, Dr Ulric Trotz, Amb. Carlos Fuller, and the indomitable Dr Ken Leslie. This Caribbean region, which we call home, has led with significant interventions to proactively secure a sound future for its citizens. Our pioneers have bequeathed to us a Region that today stands as an equal partner in climate resilience and adaptation, mitigation and low-carbon development, access to climate finance, and climate research.

So Neville, Carlos, Ken Leslie, Byron, Leonard Nurse, Cletus Sprinker and all the other stalwarts who are here with us this evening, please stand and take a bow.

As we gather today, we invoke the words of Sir Isaac Newton and proclaim that we are standing truly on the shoulders of giants. I want, therefore, to start my brief remarks by commending the vision, hard work, dedication, and path-breaking pursuits of all those whose sterling efforts have us here celebrating today.

The vulnerabilities that we face need no litigation. We live it every day, and daily, we are faced with the deleterious impact of a crisis that we have contributed little to nothing towards. We, however, do not have the luxury to simply bemoan our circumstances. We have to act not only in response to but must stay ahead of the inevitable consequences accompanying the climate crisis. I must commend the 5Cs for all its contributions to our Region. I note the extraordinary scientific work that is done at the Centre. You have led a research-driven agenda to place the needs and realities of the Caribbean at the centre of the international climate discourse. You stand shoulder to shoulder with others in the international community, and you have represented us well. You have produced findings from research that have grounded your interventions in the reality of our people, and you have increased the knowledge and awareness of our citizens on matters of climate change. Simply put, you have done well, and on behalf of the Caribbean Community Secretariat, I commend you on your 20 years of pertinent, useful and purpose driven contribution in the broad sphere of climate change, and I look forward to many more years of your service to the people of our Region.

I leave you with a not-so-sobering thought that we, as Homo sapiens, cannot survive if the very planet on which we live is dying. Although the 5Cs is charged with the responsibility of leading the Region’s technical work associated with climate change, it behoves all of us as a Community to redouble our efforts to protect our planet and secure the prosperity of our people.

Our magnificence as a Caribbean civilisation rests in our resolve to utilise our collective intellectual capacities and experiences to identify, address and resolve the issues that confront us. 5Cs has blazed a path of remarkable success. As our premier agency on climate change, you have been central to the understanding of the unique circumstances SIDS region like ours face and through your research, modeling, and evidence-based programming, you have contributed to a body of knowledge that has attracted attention to our needs and unique circumstances. You have mobilised finances and have an impressive array of valuable project interventions that address the real needs of our communities.

Congratulations once again. Keep up the good work, and thank you for your contribution to regional development.

In closing, I wish you much success as you embark on the next decade and more engagement on behalf of all of us who call the Caribbean home.

I thank you.

The Meeting convenes 6-8 July, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, with Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, as the Chair. Prime Minister Holness assumes the six-month rotating Chairmanship of the Community on 1 July 2025.

Discussions will be held under the theme: ‘People, Partnerships, Prosperity: Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future’, which Secretary-General Barnett said reflects CARICOM’s strategic focus on working collaboratively to ensure that “future generations of our Region will be resilient, and safe, and will thrive.”

In a video message ahead of the Meeting, the Secretary-General said the Heads of Government will also focus on emerging geopolitical issues, including the impact of US tariffs on the Region, and how the provisions of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) can contribute to national and regional growth and sustainable development.

“Our expectation is that this Meeting of the Conference will engender those discussions and decisions that will lead to meaningful outcomes for the Caribbean Community,” she said in the message.

Listen to the message below:

This milestone marks two decades of steadfast leadership, scientific innovation, meaningful collaboration, and measurable progress in advancing climate resilience across the Caribbean.

To commemorate this historic occasion, the CCCCC will host its 20th Anniversary Banquet and Awards Ceremony at the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City on Wednesday, 25 June 2025. The evening will celebrate the CCCCC’s remarkable journey, honour its pioneers and visionaries, and acknowledge the invaluable partnerships that have shaped the CCCCC’s evolution, growth, legacy and regional influence.

The Anniversary Banquet will be preceded by a series of afternoon panel discussions beginning at 1:30pm, which will explore the factors that led to CCCCC’s establishment, its operationalisation and expansion, and its future direction in the face of intensifying climate challenges.

Guests in attendance will be a wide cross-section of dignitaries, including Heads of Government, regional ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, academic leaders, private sector stakeholders, civil society champions and CCCCC staff.

Their presence underscores the growing importance of climate leadership, regional and international collaboration and strategic partnerships, and affirms the central role the CCCCC has played since its official opening in 2005.

“For two decades, the CCCCC has stood as a pillar of knowledge, support, and innovation in the region’s collective response to climate change,” said Colin A. Young, PhD Executive Director of the CCCCC.

“From strengthening water security in drought-prone nations and safeguarding coastlines through nature-based solutions, to unlocking over $200 million in climate finance for our Member States, the work of the CCCCC continues to impact lives and livelihoods across CARICOM and beyond. This celebration not only honors our shared past and the individuals who helped build this institution – it also sets a vision for where we’re headed as a region in the decades ahead.”

The 20th anniversary celebration will highlight major achievements, recognise the dedication of staff and partners, and honor individuals and institutions who have made significant contributions to the Caribbean’s climate agenda. Attendees will also get a glimpse of the CCCCC’s forward-looking initiatives in climate innovation, data services, and sustainable development.

Belize’s Prime Minister, Honourable John Briceño, a long-standing advocate for climate action and whose government hosts the CCCCC’s headquarters, lauded the CCCCC’s enduring legacy and leadership.

“Since its establishment in Belize in 2005, the CCCCC has evolved into a true Centre of Excellence—advancing climate science, supporting national and regional policy frameworks, and mobilising climate finance for adaptation and mitigation across our Caribbean nations.”

As the CCCCC looks ahead to the next 20 years, it is driven by an ambitious vision to deepen its regional footprint, deliver value to its Member States, expand access to inclusive climate finance, foster greater awareness and knowledge of climate change among our citizens, and strengthened partnerships that prioritize the most vulnerable communities across the Caribbean.

The CCCCC extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Member States of CARICOM, the Government of Belize, development agencies, international partners, implementing partners, academic institutions, and grassroots organisations whose support has been critical to the CCCCC’s mission. Their contributions have sustained the work of the CCCCC and helped steer the Caribbean toward a more climate-resilient and sustainable future for all. (CCCCC Press Release)

About the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC)

The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre is an intergovernmental organisation established by the Heads of Governments of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to coordinate the region’s response to managing and adapting to climate change. The CCCCC also serves as a delivery partner for climate finance for the Region, a repository for regional climate change information and data provider of climate change-related policy advice and guidelines to the CARICOM Member States.

“We are not interested in inheriting a planet in crisis wrapped in promises. We want to help manage it—now.”

This was the call to action from St Kitts and Nevis CARICOM Youth Ambassador (CYA), Aquanjé Robinson, during his remarks at the opening of the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025, which was held in St. Kitts and Nevis from 25 – 30 May.

The summit comprised a series of in-person events dedicated to advancing sustainable development across islands worldwide. Building upon the momentum of the 2024 SIDS4 Conference, the summit addressed the pressing challenges faced by island communities, focusing on water sustainability and the energy nexus, agricultural resilience and climate adaptation, Climate-Health Interactions, and Geothermal Energy.

Vanessa Burke, Dean and CYA for the Cayman Islands; Samantha Rampersad, CYA for Trinidad and Tobago and Vice Dean of Regional Initiatives; and Joshua Andall, CYA for Grenada, also participated in the summit. 

Aquanjé strongly advocated for youth involvement in the Region’s strategy for climate resilience.

He stated, “We were born into this digital, climate-altered era. This age did not slowly reveal itself to us; it greeted us as a native land. How can we not be trusted to lead in the very world we were born to navigate?

So today, I issue a clarion call to leaders, policymakers, parliamentary secretaries and the like. Let spaces like these not end at speeches. Let them feed real policy. Let them open doors to planning, to budgeting, to impact. Exploitation is built into the DNA of humanity, and as long as we turn a blind eye to the vulnerable suffering under its oppression, we will never escape those origins. We’re not just leaders of tomorrow. We are capable contributors today.

Aquanjé provides an in-depth explanation of the importance of youth involvement in climate resilience below.