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By Garwin Davis
JIS Writer
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica May 20 (JIS) — Prime Minister of Grenada, Keith Mitchell, says despite achievements over the past decades, ending poverty remains the greatest challenge for vulnerable developing Caribbean states.
Addressing the 46th Annual Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Meeting of the Board of Governors at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St. James, on May 18, Dr. Mitchell said ending poverty and hunger is inextricably linked to climate change, economic growth, social inclusion, the environment and governance.
The Prime Minister emphasised that poverty eradication is an indispensable requirement for sustainable development.
Meanwhile, he said Jamaica and Grenada have shared an excellent relationship over the years, and being members of the CDB, both nations have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with other member states, as it relates to problems affecting the region.
“This is an opportunity for us to renew and reaffirm our joint commitment to make every effort to accelerate the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, through focused and coherent actions toward sustainable development,” the Prime Minister told the meeting.
“I am encouraged by the fact that this meeting is held in the wake of the global adoption of the new Sustainable Development Agenda, and the historic Paris Agreement, which was signed last year between leaders of some 200 countries, with the shared goals of ending poverty, fighting inequality, protecting the environment and ensuring prosperity for all,” he added.
Dr. Mitchell said the CDB has been an invaluable partner to the people of Grenada, giving much needed assistance “in our time of greatest need.”
He said Grenada is also looking to strengthen its partnership with the non-borrowing members of the CDB to mobilize much needed technical and financial resources.
The non-borrowing members of the CDB are: Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela.
He congratulated the management and staff of the Bank, for the tremendous work which has been done to strengthen the governance and accountability of the bank, and continuing to mobilize and provide development support for the region.
“The future is promising but challenging. However, together with the CDB and our non-borrowing members, we are assured that we can achieve the future we want for the people of our respective countries, and the world,” Dr. Mitchell added.
