Nassau, 17 February 2023 (TDI): The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau concluded his visit to Nassau, Bahamas. During the visit, he attended CARICOM’s annual gathering to continue advancing support for the Haitian people amidst the crisis.
He announced aid for new initiatives focused on biodiversity, climate resilience, and disaster preparedness and recovery to support CARICOM in addressing the climate crisis.
Assistance for the climate crisis
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $44.8 million to support CARICOM to address the climate crisis by protecting more bio-diversity and improving climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
He said that Canada will continue to advocate for small islands and low-lying states in the Caribbean, which are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change like rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
Additionally, Trudeau announced $1.8 million in new initiatives to help tackle escalating regional security challenges, including targeting illicit drugs, the opioid crisis, irregular migration, and strengthening border and maritime security.
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The Prime Minister also announced $11.48 million in new initiatives for newborn and child health services for Indigenous people and other communities.
Notably, Canada will be taking on the role of Chair of the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Board of Governors in June 2023 and will host the Board’s Annual Meeting in Canada in 2024.
Strengthening support for Haiti
In Nassau, Prime Minister Trudeau worked closely with leaders of Caribbean countries to help address the political, security, and humanitarian crisis in Haiti.
He announced $10 million in new funding to protect Haitian women and children along the Haiti-Dominican Republic border.
In addition, Canada has committed $12.3 million to address the water sanitation, food, and nutrition needs of vulnerable populations. The funds will help the safety and emergency health system, and also meet the needs of vulnerable women and girls.
Trudeau reiterated that Canada has imposed additional sanctions against two Haitian elites who provide financial or operational support to gangs and are inflicting violence on the Haitian people.
Furthermore, Canada will deploy two Royal Canadian Navy Kingston-Class ships to Haiti in the coming weeks in response to Haiti’s request for assistance as violence continues to escalate in the country.
Prime Minister emphasized inclusive political dialogue in Haiti, laying the foundation for free and fair elections, and helping Haitians restore peace and security in their country.
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