Just Caribbean Updates

Extreme climate events in 2023 severely impacted Latin America and the Caribbean, causing widespread devastation and economic losses, according to a new UN report. The region experienced the strongest-ever Eastern Pacific hurricane, widespread droughts, destructive wildfires, and significant environmental damage. These events occurred much earlier than predicted, challenging previous scientific models and underscoring the urgent need for improved climate resilience and disaster preparedness strategies in the region. (InsideClimate News)

The widespread 2023 heat extremes in the region also extended over ocean areas, where coral researcher Alvarez-Filip said the ocean heatwave that spread across the Western Caribbean was almost unbelievable. “In the whole Caribbean, this is the first time that something that massive happened,” he said.

A significant majority of the world’s leading climate scientists expect global temperatures to rise by at least 2.5°C above pre industrial levels this century, far exceeding the 1.5°C target set by international agreements. This anticipated rise is expected to have catastrophic consequences for humanity and the planet, including severe weather events, food insecurity, and mass migration. (The Guardian)

“Many of the scientists envisage a “semi-dystopian” future, with famines, conflicts and mass migration, driven by heatwaves, wildfires, floods and storms of an intensity and frequency far beyond those that have already struck”, reports The Guardian.

Climate and Environmental Justice 

• At Miami Climate Week, the capitals of Jamaica (Kingston) and Saint Lucia (Castries) joined Belize’s capital (Belmopán) in advocating for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. This treaty aims to phase out fossil fuels, which are responsible for 86% of emissions over the last decade. This move reflects the commitment of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to climate action, despite their minimal contributions to global emissions and severe vulnerability to climate change impacts. (Fossil Fuel Treaty)
  
  
• BirdsCaribbean is raising alarms over the destructive impact of large-scale developments in three critical areas of Grenada—Mt. Hartman, La Sagesse, and Levera. These projects threaten vital ecosystems and endangered species, including the Critically Endangered Grenada Dove and endangered sea turtles. (Birds Caribbean)
  
  
• Marjahn Finlayson, climate change scientist, educator and activist, discusses how climate change is affecting severe weather in the Caribbean, how social inequality affects the way people are impacted by hurricanes, and what climate justice means for the Caribbean region on Black Earth Podcast. Listen.
  
  
• The latest data from NOAA’s Mauna Loa Observatory reports a record increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, with a spike of 4.7 parts per million from March 2023 to March 2024, marking the highest annual rise in recent history. This surge in CO2, largely driven by human activities such as fossil fuel consumption and deforestation, reflects an accelerating trend that underscores the urgency of addressing climate change. (Common Dreams)
  
  
• Aruban locals are protesting the uncontrolled and unsustainable growth of the hotel and tourism industry, which they argue is worsening due to the enduring impacts of colonialism. The protests reflect growing tensions over the need for sustainable development and environmental protection amid increasing violence and government inaction. (Global Voices)
  
  
• Journalists from Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Guyana were recognized at the Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Awards, hosted by Climate Tracker. The awards acknowledged the critical role of journalism in addressing climate change impacts and advancing climate justice in the Caribbean. (Global Voices)
  
  
• The third meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP3) to the Escazú Agreement recently convened in Santiago, Chile, focusing on implementing the landmark treaty dedicated to environmental democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean. This agreement, unique for its specific protections for environmental defenders, emphasizes the rights to information, participation, and justice in environmental matters. (CIEL)

Human Rights

• UN human rights experts have issued a grave warning about severe human rights violations in Haiti, particularly against women and girls, due to the impunity of armed gangs. This violence has led to widespread chaos, displacement, and a collapse of essential services, with the Haitian authorities failing to protect vulnerable populations and being accused of complicity in gang activities. The experts call for a return to democratic governance and an end to gender-based violence. (Jamaica Observer)
  
  
• Belize, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have been certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. This achievement highlights significant progress in public health, showcasing successful integration of prevention and treatment into maternal and child health services. (Unicef)
  
  
• The evolution of family roles in Jamaica, influenced by historical factors such as slavery and economic conditions, has led to a prevalence of single-parent households, predominantly headed by women. However, there are single fathers actively involved in child-rearing, challenging traditional family role perceptions. Hence, it is important to advocate for the recognition of both single mothers and fathers, proposing the celebration of National Single Parent Day to honor their contributions equally. (Jamaican Women Tongue)

The Caribbean and The World 

• Jomo Sanga Thomas, lawyer, journalist, social commentator and a former senator and Speaker of the House of Assembly in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, addresses the hypocrisies in international politics, particularly highlighting how Western powers portray themselves as saviours. “Double standards do not make for good or lasting rules. Some people can be fooled sometimes. But you can’t fool all of the people all the time”, he said. (IWN)
  
  
• Guyana’s ambassador to the UN, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, discusses how climate change affects food security and, ultimately, global peace, focusing on the Gaza ceasefire petition. She also touches on Guyana’s territorial disputes with Venezuela. Pass Blue.

Religion

• Amidst escalating gang violence and widespread insecurity in Haiti, Vodou is experiencing a resurgence as more Haitians turn to the religion for solace and protection. Historically marginalized and stigmatized, Vodou is gaining newfound acceptance and power in a country grappling with severe social and economic crises. (The Associated Press)

Democratic Governance 

• The “Empodérate Cubano” program highlighted the trend of Cuban courts frequently dismissing legal appeals, including habeas corpus and complaints against illegal acts by the police, particularly in cases involving political prisoners. Lawyer Raudiel Peña Barrios pointed out that this practice violates fundamental rights and established judicial procedures. Specific cases in Artemisa and Havana illustrate these violations, with examples of denial of legal resources and abuses by state officials. (Cuba Lex)
  
  
• The Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), led by President Dr. Mark Lyte, has resumed a teachers’ strike to compel the government into arbitration over salary increases for the years 2019 to 2023. Despite the government’s refusal to negotiate for these years and its preference to discuss a new agreement starting from 2024, the GTU is pushing for a 25% increase for 2019 and 20% annually from 2020 through 2023. (Demerara Waves)
  
  
• Mark Golding, the leader of Jamaica’s main opposition party, the People’s National Party (PNP), has raised concerns regarding government’s proposed phased approach to severing ties with the British monarchy and the UK-based Privy Council, and instead has communicated with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, advocating for a Jamaica to immediately recognize the Caribbean Court of Justice. (Caribbean Times)

Migration

• A recent report Regional Interagency Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants of Venezuela for the Caribbean concludes that despite a significant presence of 227,100 Venezuelan refugees and migrants in the region, the funding situation is dire, with no reported funds out of the required $64.67 million. Efforts have been made to provide cash, food vouchers, legal support, and essential services to refugees and migrants, but the lack of sufficient funding poses a significant challenge to adequately addressing their needs. Read full report. 
  
  
• Jamaica must immediately cease the arbitrary detention and forced deportation of Haitian asylum seekers, ensuring their humane treatment and adherence to international refugee conventions. The government should reform asylum procedures to provide fair and effective processes, investigate and improve detention conditions, and guarantee access to education for detained children. (Petchary’s Blog)

Opportunities 

• The Cropper Foundation is inviting submissions from Caribbean writers for a climate justice-themed literary anthology titled “Writing for Our Lives.” This anthology will focus on the climate crisis’s impact on Caribbean communities, highlighting issues related to health, livelihoods, culture, heritage, and well-being. The project aims to amplify voices often overlooked in climate discussions. Register. 
  
  
• Individuals from any Caribbean nation are invited to join the “I ♥ the Caribbean: Storytelling Program” from July 9th to August 15th. Participants will receive a $400 stipend, training in press skills, public narrative, video, and photography, and mentorship to create their own climate story. This program aims to inspire climate action and amplify Caribbean voices. Applications are open until May 31, 2024. Apply. 
  
  
• The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas (NAGB) is seeking a qualified individual to fill the role of Executive Director. As the Chief Executive, the Executive Director will report directly to the Board of Directors and will also serve as a member of the board. This role involves extensive collaboration with government entities, cultural institutions, and major donors, both regionally and internationally. Learn more. 

Events

• May 15th, 2023, from 3pm to 5pm (CEST), the Islands and Small States Institute of the University of Malta will host a seminar/webinar titled “UN climate negotiations: challenges, strategies, successes.” The event, featuring Dr. Carola Klöck from the Paris Institute of Political Studies, will explore the intricacies of international climate negotiations, focusing on the adaptation and role of states in these discussions. Register. 
  
  
• May 17th, 2024, from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm AST, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean (DAOC) will host the event “SIDS4 and the Caribbean’s Diplomatic Agenda: Quo Vadis?” that will take place at the UWI Institute of International Relations Lecture Room 1 and will also be live-streamed via Zoom. Register. 
  
  
• May 21st, 2024, at 10:00 AM (AST), a free webinar will be held via Zoom for journalists planning to cover the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4). This session, part of May’s edition of the Caribbean Community Hangout, is organized in collaboration with Climate Analytics Caribbean and the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI). Register. 
  
  
• May 27th to 30th, 2024, The 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) will take place in Antigua and Barbuda. Themed “Charting the course toward resilient prosperity,” the conference aims to explore sustainable development pathways for Small Island Developing States in line with the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. 

Just Caribbean Updates/Jordana Timerman
https://caribbeannewsupdates.blogspot.com 05/14/2024