The 9th Meeting of the Council of Ministers, Environment Sustainability (COMES) was held in St Vincent and the Grenadines from 31st May to 2nd June 2022 at the Beach Combers Hotel Conference Rooms. Unfortunately, as it was my first month as Minister of Natural Resources & Labour I could not attend in person but had the opportunity to attend virtually and was honored to be present for my first meeting of this extent since receiving this ministerial portfolio.

 The Council of Ministers Environmental Sustainability Meeting is organized by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and is focused on issues relating to Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, Biodiversity Management, Renewable Energy, and Protected Areas to name a few.

The theme of the meeting was “Shifting to more Integrated approaches for Sustainability, Resilience and Prosperity in OECS SIDS” 

The Government of the Virgin Islands along with the other OECS member states have adopted, and are committed to the implementation of the Revised St. Georges Declaration of Principles for Environmental Sustainability (SGD 2040) to minimize environmental vulnerability, improve environmental management and protect the region’s natural resources. 

The focus of the meeting was for Ministers to recommend and endorse OECS projects for the upcoming calendar year that bridge the gap across priority environmental themes, and make linkages with key economic and social pillars for designing and accelerating sustainable policies and solutions. 

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour is committed to continued effective management of the natural resources of these islands, in a manner that ensures long-term sustainability for generations, and values the continued partnership and support rendered by the Environment and Sustainability Commission of the OECS. 

Madam Speaker, I will provide an update to this honorable House once the final report from the OECS is submitted with the ratified decisions of the Council.