Former President of Trinidad and Tobago Anthony Carmona is warning that the Caribbean continues to face significant economic and environmental consequences from climate change, with coastal communities and natural resources increasingly at risk.
He pointed to the financial toll of climate-related disasters across the region, saying the Caribbean has incurred billions of dollars in losses over the past two decades.
“In the last two decades in the Caribbean region, it has cost us $137 billion as a result of rising seas, sea erosion, the hurricanes, the droughts, the flooding, the destruction of our biodiversity, our fauna and flora, the diminution of our stocks, fish stocks in the sea. It has resulted in vast economic cost to the Caribbean region.”
Mr Carmona, who is a patron of the Carbon Zero Institute of Trinidad and Tobago (CZITT), was speaking during a recognition ceremony for the organisation’s National Secondary Schools Climate Change Quiz Competition on Monday.
The competition, now in its fourth season, saw Holy Faith Convent Couva emerge as the winner.
Meanwhile, TTT Limited’s Acting CEO Kimoy Thomas-Williams praised the students for their preparation and understanding of environmental issues, noting that the competition provided an opportunity to showcase the role of young people in addressing climate challenges.
“This quiz was more than a competition. It was an opportunity to highlight the knowledge, awareness, and passion of our young people on an issue that affects each and every one of us: the future of our planet. It was truly amazing to see you demonstrate such an impressive understanding of climate issues, respond to questions with confidence, and speak so informatively and passionately about the importance of protecting our environment.”
Representative of the Ministry of Education, Ishwar Maharaj, also commended Holy Faith Convent Couva, applauding the school’s efforts in promoting climate change awareness and environmental responsibility.
“So much comes out of this central Caroni region, and it is quite fitting that out of the Caroni region, we have Holy Faith Convent Couva. You wonderful girls who are doing what is necessary to teach the rest of Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and indeed the world about this Carbon Zero initiative and all that is recommended, all that is, you know, prescribed at this time to help mitigate against the negative effects of climate change.”