Just Caribbean Updates

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) ruled last week that greenhouse gas emissions absorbed by oceans must be regarded as marine pollution, mandating states to take necessary measures to protect marine environments. This landmark decision is seen as a critical step in addressing climate justice for nations like Antigua and The Bahamas, along with other SIDS. (Caribbean Life)

The ruling is significant, particularly for small island nations on the front lines of climate change.

Though not legally binding, experts say the decision could profoundly impact international and domestic law on climate change. The 21 judges on the tribunal were unanimous in their opinion, and experts say it could lead to more wide-ranging claims for damages against polluting nations, reports the New York Times.

It was the first ruling to come in three cases in which advisory opinions have been sought from international courts about climate change, reports the Associated Press.

The request for the opinion was made in 2022 by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law, spearheaded by Antigua and Barbuda together with Tuvalu. The group asked the UN court to specify what obligations signatories of the maritime treaty have in relation to the effects of climate change caused by human activity, and to protecting the marine environment from ocean warming and sea level rise. (Associated Press)

“We got everything we asked for; we now have an authoritative definition of the obligations of states to avert irreversible harm,” said Payam Akhavan, the lead lawyer for the group of island nations, adding that the court “cited the best available science.” (The New York Times) 

Reactions

• “As the legal guardian of the Ocean Treaty, ITLOS has taken a critical first step in recognising that what small island nations have been fighting for at the COP negotiations for decades is already a part of international law,” said Professor Payam Akhavan, legal representative of COSIS. (Euro News)
  
  
• “The ocean can breathe a sigh of relief today,” Cheryl Bazard, the Bahamas’ ambassador to the European Union told reporters.
  
  
• Louise Fournier, a legal advisor at Greenpeace, said in a statement that the tribunal’s opinion “marks a significant step forward in international environmental law and the protection of our oceans”. (Associated Press)
  
  
• “For the first time, an international court has recognized that the fate of two global commons — the oceans and the atmosphere — are intertwined and imperiled by the climate crisis,” Joie Chowdhury of the Center for International Environmental Law wrote. (The New York Times)

Regional

• The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, organized by the United Nations, starts in Antigua and Barbuda today and focuses on international assistance for development goals, reports the Miami Herald.
  
  
• Small Island Developing States are calling for a new “Marshall Plan” to support their resilience and prosperity. The SIDS4 meeting in Antigua and Barbuda aims to create a 10-year plan to address challenges like climate change, financial instability, and dependency on tourism. (Global Voices)
  
  
• “I urge my fellow SIDS leaders to use the upcoming UN summit to unite their voices on the IMO levy and design this policy in a way that benefits the peoples of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and those around the world that need it most”, stated H.E. Albon Ishoda, presidential special envoy for maritime decarbonization of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. (IWN)
  
  
• Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne faces criticism for his handling of Barbudan issues as the country prepares to host the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4). Browne’s government has been accused of suppressing dissent and failing to address the concerns of Barbudans, particularly regarding land rights and development. (Medium)
  
  
• Barbudan environmental activist John Mussington criticizes regional governments for not doing enough to protect indigenous peoples’ interests in climate and development issues. At a webinar by Cari Bois Environmental News Network, Mussington condemned “disaster capitalism” following natural disasters and emphasized the injustice faced by indigenous communities. (Antigua Observer)

The Caribbean and The World 

• Michelle Bachelet, a former president of Chile and ex-UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, topped PassBlue’s informal survey on who should be the next United Nations Secretary-General, which would make her the first woman to hold the position. She was followed by Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados. The survey highlighted the growing demand for a woman to lead the UN, reflecting broader calls for gender equality in global leadership roles.
  
  
• “By recognizing Palestine, CARICOM countries not only advocate for the rights of Palestinians but also affirm their commitment to international law and peace processes. This includes supporting Palestine’s inclusion as a full member-state in the UN, reinforcing their endorsement of a peaceful resolution and coexistence between Israel and Palestine”, wrote Sir Ronald Sanders, ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the Organisation of American States. (Caribbean News Service)
  
  
• The Caribbean Community’s diplomatic reset on Palestinian statehood signifies a unified stance among its member states regarding the Gaza conflict. This shift aligns with CARICOM’s interests in maintaining regional stability and supporting international peace. The bloc’s coordinated foreign policy stance challenges U.S. support for Israel’s military actions, raising questions about U.S.-Caribbean relations. (United Nations Unidiversity)
  
  
• The Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas expressed support for the recent decision by the U.S. Department of State to remove Cuba from its list of countries not fully cooperating against terrorism. María José Espinosa, the executive director of CEDA, highlighted this action as a significant move towards normalizing relations between the U.S. and Cuba. (CEDA)
  
  
• “That CARICOM member states fell into step on Palestinian statehood when they did is illustrative of their prioritization of the spirit of normative foreign policy and the letter of international cooperation—at a time when they are sorely needed”, according to Dr. Nand C. Bardouille, Manager of The Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean in the Institute of International Relations (IIR), The University of the West Indies (The UWI), St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago. (The Geopolitics)

Migration

• Immigration advocates have expressed strong opposition to a new rule proposed by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) concerning asylum seekers, particularly from the Caribbean and other regions. The rule would implement statutory bars to asylum earlier in the process, impacting individuals who are considered a national security or public safety risk. (Caribbean News Service)
  
  
• An IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) report reveals significant challenges for Haitians deported back to their country, noting that 23% of them had previously been internally displaced within Haiti before emigrating. The primary cause of this displacement, cited in 63% of the cases, was violence. This data underscores the severe conditions of violence and insecurity that complicate the reintegration process for those returning to Haiti. (IOM)

Climate and Environmental Justice

• The indigenous Kalinago people of Dominica, led by their youngest-ever Chief, Lorenzo Sanford, and the country’s first Kalinago and female Head of State, Sylvanie Burton, are spearheading efforts to make Dominica the world’s first “climate-resilient” nation. This initiative comes in response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017, which severely damaged the island. (UN Caribbean)
  
  
• Communities around the Dominican Republic’s Pueblo Viejo mine complain of serious health problems and a diminished environment and have spent years campaigning to be relocated — Guardian
  
  
• Over half of the world’s mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapsing by 2050, according to the first global mangrove assessment by the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems. The assessment reveals that 19.6% of mangroves are in critical danger. Threats include deforestation, pollution, and impacts from climate change like sea level rise. (IUCN)
  
  
• Forecasters predict a “hyperactive” 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season with up to 29 named storms, 13 hurricanes, and seven major hurricanes. Saharan dust may impact early season activity but not overall intensity. The forecast emphasizes preparation over fear, drawing comparisons to the intense 2010 season. (IWN)
  
  
• An unexpected collision between a cold front and a warm front off Jamaica in February caused millions of dollars of damage. Researchers are still seeking answers, and the authorities are trying to find ways to adapt to the growing risks of climate unpredictability, reports the Guardian.
  
  
• Severe coastal erosion at Almond Beach in Guyana is displacing Indigenous communities and threatening a sea turtle habitat. As homes and livelihoods are increasingly at risk, discussions are intensifying about the need for inland migration to adapt to these environmental changes, highlighting the urgent human and ecological stakes of climate change in vulnerable regions, reports NewsRoom. (Global Voices)
  
  
• The Caribbean is facing a severe water crisis, with rising urbanization, a booming tourism industry, and aging infrastructure contributing to water scarcity. Many islands are experiencing droughts and restrictions, and the situation is exacerbated by the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters like hurricanes, which can devastate water infrastructure. Solutions such as hybrid rainwater harvesting are being considered to alleviate water stress and ensure sustainable water supply systems. (The Conversation)
  
  
• Guyanese Indigenous groups are raising concerns about land rights violations as while a new carbon valuation mechanism aims to monetize the carbon dioxide stored in trees. The country is set to receive substantial funds for its forest conservation efforts, but representatives from these communities argue that their consent was not properly sought in the agreement process, undermining their right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent, reports NewsRoom. (Global Voices)
  
  
• The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) has reported the presence of bleaching warning-level heat stress in the southwest Caribbean. This situation affects areas including Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, and Grenada. (Loop)
  
  
• Jamaica’s the Ministry of Health & Wellness warned the public to take precautions in response to rising temperatures in Kingston. (Petchary Blog)

Human Rights

• Starting in September, 200 Venezuelan migrant children, whose parents registered legally in 2019, will be enrolled in primary schools across Trinidad and Tobago. (Trinidad and Tobago Guardian)

Democratic Governance 

• Puerto Rican governor Pedro Pierluisi vetoed a bill that aimed to quantify unpaid domestic and caregiving work, last year. This undermines efforts to recognize work, primarily carried out by women, which is not counted within the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) despite underpinning the global economy. (Centro de Periodismo Investigativo)

Reparations and Decolonisation

• Arubans have protested against the unsustainable growth of the hotel and tourism industry, which they argue is exacerbated by the lasting impacts of colonialism. Activists, led by Nigel Maduro, are demanding that the government prioritize environmental conservation and halt the construction of new hotels to address the crisis. (Global Voices)
  
  
• Colonialist legacy in Barbados, and the resultant ecological and economic challenges, are profound. Historically, the entire land area of Barbados was exploited for sugar production, contributing to severe environmental degradation, including significant topsoil erosion and biodiversity loss. Coco Hill Forest, a regenerative agroforestry project in central Barbados, exemplifies the ongoing struggle and potential pathways forward. (Caribbean Times)
  
  
• Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly, discussed the transatlantic slave trade and the necessity for reparatory justice at The New School’s Henry Cohen Lecture Series. He stated that slavery was a systematic exploitation integral to capitalist development, not an isolated historical event. As well, Francis argued for reparations that go beyond financial compensation, advocating for a comprehensive approach involving truth-telling and rectifying historical injustices. (Dennis Francis via LinkedIn)

Justice

• The Barbados Supreme Court recently introduced its first Sentencing Guidelines, a major development in the ongoing Barbados Sentencing Guidelines initiative. This initiative, supported by the U.S. and UK Governments through the U.S.-UK Criminal Justice Reform Project, aims to standardize sentencing practices. The guidelines provide a systematic process intended to promote uniformity in judicial decisions across different cases, thereby enhancing the consistency of sentencing by judges and magistrates. (Caribbean News)

Public Health

• HIV care in Cuba is paving the way for potential South-South cooperation initiatives. Organized communities and networks play an active role in HIV prevention, monitoring key populations closely. This approach aligns well with the global strategy towards 2030, which ONUSIDA’s Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima, highlighted during her recent visit to the island. Byanyima praised Cuba’s vaccine production and discussed the potential for a definitive AIDS cure. (United Nations)

Culture

• Bob Marley should be recognized as a Jamaican national hero, argues Kenneth Mohammed, Caribbean analyst and journalist, in The Guardian. “Marley almost gave his life for political peace, surviving an assassination attempt and bringing two warring politicians together in his famous One Love peace concert in 1978. His legacy continues to inspire generations – especially the most downtrodden and underprivileged. His music, wisdom and positive vibrations remain a powerful force for change and unity. He is and will forever be an international hero”.
  
  
• Tea in Jamaica is deeply intertwined with cultural heritage and health, serving as more than just a beverage. It connects Jamaicans to their ancestral practices and offers medicinal benefits. Traditional “bush teas” like cerasee and ginger are not only consumed for their refreshing qualities but also for their health benefits, such as aiding digestion and lowering blood sugar levels. (Global Voices)
  
  
• Religious diversity is flourishing in Cuba, a notable shift from its past as an atheist, Communist state following the 1959 Castro-led revolution. Various forms of religious practice are thriving, including Catholicism, Afro-Cuban traditions, Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism, reflecting a significant transformation from earlier government efforts to suppress religious expressions. (Repeating Islands)
  
  
• Trinidad-born artist Brittany “Brigitte” Davis’s artwork is now featured on a Times Square billboard, celebrating her Caribbean heritage. This 26-year-old artist from Los Bajos, Trinidad, who now resides in New York, uses expressionist-inspired techniques with vibrant color blocking that reflects the diverse cultural blend of Trinidad and Tobago. (Loop)
  
  
• The new exhibition at Massachusetts’ Clark Art Institute is set to shine a spotlight on Guillaume Lethière, a once-celebrated 18th-century French artist of Caribbean origin. (Smithsonian)
  
  
• Dominican artist José García Cordero, renowned for his provocative and sensual artworks, is set to open his new solo exhibition, “Previous-Postrer” (1994-2024) Paris-Santo Domingo, at the Lyle O. Reitzel Gallery in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The exhibition will showcase fifteen works in various shapes including oval, rectangular, and circular formats, all painted in acrylic on linen. (Repeating Islands)
  
  
• Jamaican-born, award-winning director David Heron will produce and direct the American premiere of Alwin Bully’s Caribbean drama “McBee” at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York, on June 23, 2024. The play, a Caribbean take on Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” will be part of the Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrations. (Jamaicans)
  
  
• In honor of Caribbean Heritage Month, Olivia Emily recommends five books highlighting Caribbean culture and history: “A Brief History of Seven Killings” by Marlon James, “How To Say Babylon: A Jamaican Memoir” by Safiya Sinclair, “For Such a Time as This” by Shani Akilah, “Black Cake” by Charmaine Wilkerson, and “Here Comes the Sun” by Nicole Dennis-Benn. (Repeating Islands)
  
  
• Haiti has faced decades of crises, but its culture thrives, particularly through music. Haitian musicians, both in Haiti and its diaspora, continue to celebrate their heritage. Jazz drummer Obed Calvaire and saxophonist Jowee Omicil incorporate traditional Haitian rhythms into their work, highlighting Haiti’s unique sound. Despite ongoing challenges, these artists use their music to uplift and heal, showcasing Haiti’s enduring creative spirit and cultural richness. (The Guardian)

Opportunities 

• The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is hiring a Human Rights Officer (P-4 level) for its Regional Office for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Nassau, Bahamas. The successful candidate will act as Deputy Regional Representative. Applications are due by June 2, 2024. Apply. 
  
  
• The Cropper Foundation in Trinidad, supported by The Open Society Foundations, is calling for submissions to a new anthology titled “Writing For Our Lives.” This initiative is aimed at English-speaking Caribbean writers and poets who are encouraged to contribute works across poetry, fiction, and non-fiction genres. The anthology will focus on the impact of the climate crisis on the health, livelihoods, culture, heritage, and well-being of Caribbean communities. Deadline June 7th. Apply. 
  
  
• Climatelinks is hosting its 2024 Photo Contest with the theme “In Focus: Communities Confronting Climate Change.” Photographers can submit up to five images that showcase the impacts and solutions of climate change across 14 categories like Agriculture, Biodiversity Conservation, Climate Finance, and more. The submission period is from June 5, 2024, to July 19, 2024. Photos must be taken between August 2023 and June 2024. Apply. 
  
  
• The Journal of Climate Change and Health is accepting submissions for a special issue focused on Small Island Developing States until November 30, 2024. Additionally, there is an upcoming online workshop on May 24th exploring the impact of the climate crisis on culture, identity, and heritage. Other opportunities in the Caribbean region were also highlighted. Apply.
  
  
• Apply now for Cycle 2 of Moving Narratives, a mentorship program by the Prince Claus Fund and British Council for artists and cultural practitioners. The program supports 12 participants with €10,000 each to develop projects that challenge historical narratives and envision future possibilities.
  
  
• The Caribbean Culture Fund (CCF) is seeking a Grants Manager who will be responsible for managing the distribution of funds to grantees, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, and supporting the design of grant cycles.Applicants should have at least five years of experience in grant or project management. To apply, send a resume and cover letter by June 1, 2024.
  
  
• RISE Life Management Services is hiring a Project Manager/Private Sector Engagement Coordinator for their Youth EMPOWER Project, funded by USAID. If you’re interested in applying, send your application and C.V. to info@risejamaica.org. 
  
  
• The IUCN Leaders Forum is seeking young innovators for their Changemakers program. Participants will present their conservation projects at a forum in Geneva, receive travel and accommodation, and have opportunities to influence global environmental policies. Applicants should be 18-35 years old, engaged in nature conservation, and ready to showcase their projects. The application deadline is May 30, 2024. Apply. 
  
  
• The Global Network for Human Rights and the Environment (GNHRE) Advocacy Committee is inviting experts to contribute to a collective response to the U.N. Special Rapporteur’s call for inputs. The report will assess global progress on the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, highlighting key developments and challenges. Contributors are asked to provide examples and case studies from their areas of expertise. Interested parties should express their interest via email by May 28th. Submit.
  
  
• The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change is hiring a Senior Advisor for Digital and Tech Transformation to support clients in the Americas, especially the Caribbean. The position can be based in the Caribbean or the USA. The deadline is May 28, 2024. Apply. 
  
  
• The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change is seeking to hire a Senior Advisor – Digital for the Caribbean. This full-time role is geared towards experienced professionals with a robust track record in delivering digital and tech transformation initiatives within government or through advisory roles in management consulting. The selected candidate will primarily support clients in the Americas, especially in the Caribbean, helping to drive government reform through technological innovation. Apply. 

Events

• May 31st, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.the Atlantic Council’s Caribbean Initiative will host a virtual event on (ET) to discuss the urgent need for international and regional support to enhance climate resilience, private sector involvement in adaptation efforts, and access to finance for climate initiatives. The event will also preview recommendations from the upcoming PACC 2030 report. Register. 
  
  
• June 4th, 2024, from 1:30 to 2:30 PM Nairobi time The side event titled “Regional Multilateralism to Implement Access Rights: The Leading Example of The Escazú Agreement” will take place. It will be held in person in Conference Room 9 at the United Nations Office in Nairobi. This event is part of the Second Global Meeting of National Focal Points of the Fifth Montevideo Environmental Law Programme, focusing on scaling up financing, innovation, and partnerships to deliver inclusive Caribbean climate ambitions. Register. 
  
  
• June 12th, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM the webinar titled “Social Media for Environment and Climate Activists” will be held via Zoom. It features Mikaela Loach, a climate justice advocate and best-selling author, who will discuss effective use of social media for environmental and climate activism. Register.

Just Caribbean Updates/Jordana Timerman
https://caribbeannewsupdates.blogspot.com 05/28/2024