Acting Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw has stressed the need for practical and accessible technical assistance to help Caribbean countries address climate-related loss and damage.
Bradshaw was addressing a regional workshop hosted under the Santiago Network initiative, where representatives discussed strengthening support systems and improving access to climate finance for vulnerable countries.
The sessions included contributions from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, as well as experts from the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund and the Caribbean Development Bank. Discussions focused on how technical assistance could help countries access financing for climate loss and damage priorities.
Bradshaw said platforms such as the Santiago Network must continue to provide “practical, accessible, and responsive technical assistance”, while emphasising the importance of strengthening capacity, improving coordination and sharing knowledge across the region.
She said she hoped the workshop provided “a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences, identify solutions, and strengthen collaboration,” while encouraging participants to focus on outcomes that would bring tangible benefits to communities and countries.
Vice-President (Operations) at the Caribbean Development Bank, Isaac Solomon, said the bank was pleased to support the initiative and help member states connect global climate commitments with national priorities.
“At a time of escalating risks, CDB plays a vital role in convening governments and partners, identifying urgent technical needs, and turning Santiago Network support into concrete reforms and bankable investments that safeguard lives and livelihoods,” Solomon said.
Organisers said the Santiago Network Secretariat would continue working with participating countries to refine technical assistance requests and strengthen coordination across the climate loss and damage framework. (PR)
