Just Caribbean Updates

Grenada is forming a task force to advocate for climate justice following Hurricane Beryl, which severely impacted the islands of Carriacou, Petite Martinique, and others. The task force will work with CARICOM, small island developing states, and international communities to secure financial resources for rebuilding efforts.

Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell stated that Grenada will work with international partners, including CARICOM and the United Nations, to seek compensation for climate-related damages.

He highlighted the need for compensation from countries responsible for climate change, noting that vulnerable states like Grenada should not have to rebuild independently.

(Loop, Yemaya)

Climate and Environmental Justice 

• Hurricane Irma’s devastation in 2017 led to government exploitation in Barbuda, with authorities using the disaster as a pretext to push forward controversial development projects, undermining communal land rights. There was a lack of transparency and accountability in recovery efforts, the mismanagement of international aid, and the ongoing struggle of Barbudans to protect their land and heritage amidst pressures for economic development. (Caribbean Investigative Journalism Network)
  
  
• Hurricane Beryl underscores the Caribbean’s constant struggle for survival and the necessity for CARICOM to integrate stronger awareness of survival implications into its agenda. While natural disasters are unavoidable, regional solidarity and responsibility are essential for collective survival and resilience. (Climate Tracker)
  
  
• The devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl underscores the urgency of climate action, especially for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like those in the Caribbean. The “Midpoint to COP” discussion hosted by Climate Analytics Caribbean highlighted the need for increased funding for adaptation and loss and damage, as well as the importance of public education and civil society lobbying. 
  
  
• Emma Lewis chronicles Hurricane Beryl’s impact in Jamaica last week, which caused significant damage and emotional strain. “And for those who think hurricanes are exciting, interesting and fascinating (Beryl broke several records), may I remind you that for those who are in the midst of such storms — they are not. They are exhausting, tedious, often dangerous, and distressing. They strain your endurance to the limit. Depression kicks in for many humans, after a bad storm.” (Global Voices)
  
  
• In May 2024, Belize experienced its hottest month on record, with the highest average temperatures since the 1960s, and a record late start to the rainy season. The delay in the rainy season and extreme temperatures highlight the urgent need for climate action and adaptation strategies. (Love FM)
• Belizeans from various generations share their experiences with climate change and emphasize the urgent need for climate justice. Rising temperatures and altered weather patterns have led to agricultural decline, educational disruptions, and health issues. Climate Tracker)
  
  
• There is a clear need for global climate action and equitable financial support for vulnerable regions disproportionately affected by climate change. The international community must provide immediate aid and long-term financial solutions to help Caribbean nations recover and build resilience against future climate disasters. The advocacy for climate justice and fair lending terms remains crucial as climate impacts intensify globally. (The Guardian)
  
  
• Despite Montserrat not being affected, the storm underscores the region’s vulnerability to climate change, necessitating a collective CARICOM effort to declare a “Climatic State of Emergency”, writes Veta Wade, founder of Fish ´N Fins. The Caribbean Community must empower local communities and leaders to address both immediate and long-term impacts of such extreme weather events, focusing on sustainable development, grassroots solutions, and comprehensive climate resilience measures. 
  
  
• Coral reefs in the Caribbean, which act as natural barriers against hurricane damage by dissipating wave energy, are rapidly disappearing due to climate change and other human activities. This loss increases the vulnerability of Caribbean islands to hurricanes like Beryl, which cause severe damage and loss of life. The degradation of coral reefs, caused by warming ocean temperatures and other factors, diminishes their ability to protect coastlines, highlighting the urgent need for climate action and coral conservation. (Vox)

Racial Justice

• Despite ongoing efforts to combat racial discrimination in Cuba, the country still faces significant challenges in achieving racial equality. The concept of “racial democracy” has persisted, hindering effective dialogue on racism. The Revolution brought significant social changes but did not address the deeply rooted disadvantages faced by Afro-Cubans. Current activism is divided between non-official voices advocating for change and official narratives that downplay racial issues. (Cuba Próxima)
  
  
• OFRANEH (Black Fraternal Organization of Honduras) has been awarded the 2023 Human Rights and Business Award by the Business and Human Rights Award Foundation for its exceptional work in defending the human rights of the Garífuna communities in Honduras. (Business & Human Rights Centre)

Human Rights

• Since gaining independence from the Netherlands in 1975, Suriname’s Indigenous and Maroon communities have fought for land rights recognition. Despite court rulings favoring these groups, the government has yet to implement legal protections, leading to continued conflicts over mining and timber concessions. These activities have displaced communities and polluted water sources. Recent protests highlight ongoing struggles, with demands for the government to honor land rights to improve living conditions and end dependence on state aid. (Dialogue Earth)
  
  
• The International Center for Advocates Against Discrimination (ICAAD) released a policy brief proposing a legal standard to protect climate refugees from deprivation of basic necessities, serious harm, and threats to cultural identity. (Common Dreams)
  
  
• In Barbados, gender issues in the fisheries sector are characterized by the centralization of fish landings due to mechanization, which has led to increased competition from men, making it difficult for women fish traders to sustain their livelihoods. This shift has created barriers for women, who traditionally played a significant role in the industry, impacting their economic stability and social security.  (ICSF)

Culture

• Funso Aiyejina, a Nigeria-born writer and poet who significantly influenced Caribbean literature, passed away at 75. A former Dean of Humanities at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad, Aiyejina was revered for his teaching, literary contributions, and advocacy for Caribbean writing. (Global Voices)
  
  
• Renowned Guyanese-British artist Hew Locke examines and challenges narratives of British imperialism in a new exhibition focused on Britain’s interactions with Africa, India, and the Caribbean, particularly in relation to Guyana. (Repeating Islands)

Opportunities 

• The HEY Global Climate Fund is offering $2500 grants to support youth-driven climate and health action projects. If you are between 13-27 years old and have innovative ideas to make a difference, apply for funding to bring your projects to life. Apply by August 5th, 2024. 

Events

• 25 July — a Zoom celebration of the correspondence between Caribbean diaspora writers Austin Clarke and Andrew Salkey, featuring scholars from McMaster University and the British Library. Register. 

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