Roseau, Jan. 19 (Prensa Latina) Canadian Minister for International Development Harjit Sajjan visited Jamaica and Barbados to improve ties with the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Caribbean News Now newspaper reported today.
During his visit to the first nation, the minister and government officials discussed common priorities such as justice, human rights, gender equality and health, including the Covid-19 vaccination campaign, the media reported.
“We have a very important relationship with Jamaica and also within the Caribbean. This is an opportunity to explore how we can work together,” he said, turning his attention to climate resilience and disaster relief.
As you know, this area is prone to many hurricanes and disasters, so we will assess the response to see possible help as well, he said.
Sajjan toured the sites of local projects being implemented by WUSC Caribbean with funding from Global Affairs Canada and exchanged views with beneficiaries experiencing agricultural expansion.
He highlighted climate-friendly approaches that generate income while using environmentally friendly farming practices.
In Barbados, Canada’s agency met Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade Kerrie D. Symmonds, with whom they reflected on the challenges of small island developing States’ economic recovery.
Also on the agenda were climate finance and cooperative solutions between Canada, this island and Caricom to address the humanitarian crisis in Haiti.
The Canadian minister traveled to the site where Barbados’ regional logistics hub is to be built to support communities hardest hit by climate-related disasters.
He concluded by saying that a significant outcome of his trip was the opportunity to learn about each country’s vision through meetings with government officials.
ro/znc