Commonwealth _ Dominica made a significant announcement on Tuesday, revealing its intention to confer the second-highest national award on the United Kingdom and Canada. The honor is in recognition of their pivotal roles in assisting the island nation in its journey to becoming the world’s first resilient nation. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed his gratitude during a ceremony marking the closure of the Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica (CREAD), acknowledging the indispensable support from international and regional partners.
Skerrit emphasized the vital contributions of the United Kingdom and Canada, acknowledging their faith in Dominica and their substantial investments toward the ambitious goal of creating a safer and more sustainable future for the citizens. In appreciation of their support and commitment, Dominica plans to bestow upon the United Kingdom and Canada its second-highest national award, the Sisserou Award of Honour.
The Prime Minister reflected on the journey Dominica embarked upon nearly seven years ago, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria, a catastrophic Category 5 storm, on September 18, 2017. This tragic event spurred the nation to adopt a “build back better” principle, aimed at minimizing the loss and damage from such disasters. Skerrit highlighted the achievements with pride, expressing hope for continued success in increasing resilience against the escalating challenges posed by climate change.
CREAD played a pivotal role in transforming Dominica into a climate-resilient country, serving as a model for the world to follow. Skerrit commended the staff for turning a compelling vision into a working reality, attracting global attention. He acknowledged that while not all benchmarks for climate resilience have been met, Dominica has developed an impressive template for further action in the ongoing fight against climate change.
The Prime Minister praised CREAD’s impact, particularly in developing policies to guide the country’s recovery post-disaster. The organization’s focus on building capacity within micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, strengthening communities for better disaster mitigation, and initiatives to reduce vulnerabilities and exposure to future shocks have defined Dominica’s response systems. Additionally, CREAD’s assistance in reviewing building codes across sectors contributed to building back better and ensuring infrastructure withstands the challenges of a changing climate.
Skerrit underlined CREAD’s undeniable global impact, capturing the attention of international bodies and agencies observing and documenting Dominica’s progress. Despite being a small, vulnerable Caribbean nation, Dominica leads the way in environmental awareness and climate action. The recent establishment of a Sperm Whale Reserve in Dominica’s waters is a testament to the nation’s commitment to bold and groundbreaking moves in the global fight against climate change.
As CREAD, the Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica, concludes its dedicated tenure, Prime Minister Skerrit underscores a crucial message about the ongoing journey toward climate resilience. The significance lies not in the conclusion of CREAD’s activities but in the seamless transition of its responsibilities to various government agencies. Skerrit emphasizes that the spirit and objectives of CREAD will endure, signaling a sustained commitment to climate resilience beyond the organization’s tenure.
The Prime Minister’s stress on continuity reflects a forward-looking perspective, acknowledging that the fight against climate challenges is an enduring commitment. While the operational baton passes to different government entities, the essence of CREAD’s mission will persist. This continuity is vital in maintaining the momentum gained in achieving resilience goals and addressing environmental concerns.
Skerrit’s call to consolidate and fortify the progress made in major sectors amplifies the need for sustained efforts. Consolidation implies bringing together the gains, lessons, and achievements of CREAD, ensuring that they form a robust foundation for the future. Fortification signifies reinforcing these foundations to withstand future challenges and uncertainties. This dual approach seeks to solidify Dominica’s position as a leader in climate resilience and actively shape a sustainable and secure future.
