Fri | Mar 29, 2024

CARICOM hails support for hurricane-ravaged countries at pledging conference

Published:Tuesday | November 21, 2017 | 12:00 AM
CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRoque.

Widespread concern for CARICOM countries severely affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria was evident at the opening of the CARICOM-UN High Level Pledging Conference, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York yesterday.

Addressing the large gathering, which included UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, international development partners, representatives of governments, the private sector, and the United Nations System, CARICOM Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said their presence demonstrated strong interest and deep concern about the situation in the Community.

"You were there to see at first-hand the damage inflicted by the hurricanes. You have ensured it stayed in the attention of the international community and today, you are here with us to emphasise your commitment. I thank you so very much Secretary-General," LaRocque said.

The CARICOM secretary general said that the magnitude of reconstruction would require significant levels of financing, with the loss and damage to the region estimated at more than US$5 billion.

"Our governments need the cooperation of international development partners, the private sector, and civil society. All working together will provide the resources and the expertise needed to achieve our goal of building better to combat the new normal," Ambassador LaRocque said.

"The task of rebuilding is beyond us. We cannot do it alone. We need your help," he said, adding that he anticipated that the same collaboration and generosity which marked the relief efforts will continue as the countries go forward to build a resilient Caribbean.