ST JAMES, Jamaica — The issue of how the fight against climate change will be funded is expected to be high on the agenda Monday as the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) continues.

“Our discussions will give special attention to COP 30 preparations and climate finance which remain the defining issues for our region’s survival and prosperity,” Caricom Chair and Prime Minister of Jamaica Dr Andrew Holness said Sunday evening during the opening ceremony.

“As we prepare for COP 30 in Belém, Brazil, our call is urgent and clear: the promises of the Paris agreement must be met both in emission reduction and access to climate finance at the level and scale required,” he added.

During his address, Holness called for more emphasis to be placed on climate change and financing.

“For us, climate change is not an academic discussion. Climate change is real. We live it almost every day,” he pointed out.

“Therefore, we must continue to strongly advocate for climate justice and climate financing. You have my assurance that Jamaica will continue to be a strong advocate for climate justice and climate finance,” assured Holness.

He said in the months ahead, Caricom will engage the world through the second Caricom Africa summit in Ethiopia and during the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

Delegations from 48 countries are currently in attendance at the Caricom meeting which is being held from July 6-8 under the theme, “People, Partnership, Prosperity — Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future”.