GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – The Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett says the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa when it passed through the region in late October, underscores the urgency of addressing the existential threats posed by climate change.

Addressing the 61st regular meeting of the Caricom Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), Barnett spoke also of the Council’s critical role in advancing regional trade and economic resilience even as the 15-member regional grouping continues to experience climate-related shocks.

Hurricane Melissa tore into Jamaica on October 28, leaving 45 people dead, 15 others missing and an estimated US$9 billion in damage. Earlier this week, four Caricom leaders paid a visit to the island in what has been described as a tangible demonstration of regional solidarity and a catalyst for additional support.

The Category 5 storm also affected Haiti and Cuba.

“The experience leaves us in no doubt about the urgency of addressing the existential threats posed by climate change and the need to redouble our efforts to build resilience and foster sustainable development across our region,” Barnett told the COTED meeting.

“Strengthening our trade and economic performance is a critical part of this, and COTED must continue to play its important role in this regard,” she said, adding she is “encouraged to see that the agenda of this COTED include important initiatives that will help us to respond collectively and strategically to these challenges as well as continue the push for growth that the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) is intended to help us realise.

The CSME allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labour and finance across the grouping.

Chair of the meeting, and Belize Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Marconi Leal, emphasised the central role of COTED in addressing issues of trade and economic development.

“We are meeting amidst complex global geopolitical and domestic challenges that are testing the resilience of individual member states and the Community at large.

“The recent passage of Hurricane Melissa provided another stark reminder of the region’s extreme vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters.,” he said, highlighting the Council’s consideration of key CSME initiatives, including advancing the free movement of Caricom nationals, implementation of the Community’s Industrial Policy and Strategy 2035 and support measures for the application of Article 164 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.