by Kevon Browne
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): On Day Four of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Friday, September 24, Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris delivered an address to world leaders in attendance whether in person or virtually.
During his address, Dr Harris gave a snapshot of our Federations response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and its impact.
“Healthy Lifestyles remain a central element in our fight against COVID-19. Particularly as we continue to prioritize the delivery of health care to people living with non-communicable diseases who, given their higher risk, are most vulnerable to the disease. The need to continue investing in a resilient health system and comprehensive public health services is paramount. The economic impact of the Pandemic will be felt for years to come. When it began, tourism, our biggest economic driver, ground to a halt, causing significant unemployment and underemployment. Businesses suffered as a result of lockdowns.”
Additionally, he also spoke to the effect of climate change on small island developing states, the other significant talking point during the UNGA.
“Climate change and climate-related events continue to threaten the existence of small island developing states, such as ours. As a climate crisis intensifies, we witness the erosion of coasts owing to rising sea levels. Fisherfolk [are] struggling to maintain their livelihoods from waning oceanic diversity. Families forced to relocate away from coastal areas due to the strength, intensity, and relentlessness of each pass in hurricane season.”
You can watch/listen to the full address here:
Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, used her address to express that calls for vaccine equity and unity are no longer enough; action is required.
Other leaders from the Caribbean also presented and delivered similar sentiments including, Prime Ministers Phillip J Pierre of St. Lucia, Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, Andrew Holness of Jamaica and Dr Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
