KINGSTON, Jamaica—Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Alando Terrelonge led Jamaica’s delegation to the 11th summit of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, where he represented Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

The summit was held from March 27 to 29 under the theme ‘A Transformed and Renewed OACPS in a Changing World’, bringing together representatives of 79 member states to advance South-South cooperation on sustainable development, climate action and partnerships amid evolving geopolitical and economic challenges.

During the summit, Terrelonge called for urgent global climate action. He also participated as a panelist at the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) forum, where he underscored the urgent realities facing vulnerable island states.

He highlighted the impact of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, which resulted in damage estimated at over US$12 billion, equivalent to approximately 56.7 per cent of Jamaica’s gross domestic product.

“For Small Island Developing States, climate change is not a scientific or academic discussion; it is an existential threat that disrupts livelihoods, damages critical infrastructure, affects food and water security, and undermines economic growth – particularly in climate-sensitive sectors on which our economy is heavily reliant, such as tourism, agriculture and fisheries. In extreme cases, it also costs lives. It is therefore imperative that global action matches the scale and urgency of the crisis,” the Minister said.

Terrelonge also reaffirmed Jamaica’s call for equitable and accessible climate financing, stronger implementation of global climate commitments, and formal recognition of the special circumstances of SIDS within international frameworks.

He further reiterated Jamaica’s call for reforms to strengthen the organisation’s governance, operational efficiency, and financial accountability, noting that a more responsive OACPS is necessary to meet the needs of its members.

He highlighted its role in advancing multilateral cooperation, deepening intra-ACP engagement and promoting sustainable development across member states.

The summit reinforced the importance of coordinated engagement among ACP States on climate finance and sustainable development, issues of priority for Jamaica in ongoing multilateral negotiations.

“Jamaica will continue to utilise international platforms to advocate for decisive, equitable, and urgent action in support of Small Island Developing States,” Terrelonge said.

The OACPS was established in 1975 through the Georgetown Treaty. The organisation’s key goals are sustainable development and poverty reduction among member states coupled with their enhanced integration into the global economy.