BVI Calls for Strengthened Disaster Response Framework in Latin America and the Caribbean

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has aligned with Chile and Colombia in urging for a stronger regional approach to tackle forced displacements caused by disasters like hurricanes across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The call comes following Colombia’s successful hosting of the ‘Third Thematic Consultation of the Cartagena+40 Process regarding Protection in the Contexts of Forced Displacement due to Disasters’ in Bogotá.

At the consultation, BVI’s Special Envoy, Benito Wheatley, addressed the gathering, emphasising the unique challenges faced by Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He stressed the critical need for a revised Cartagena Declaration to better address the region’s vulnerability to climate-driven displacements.

“In the Caribbean, climate change exacerbates natural disasters, necessitating robust measures to minimise mass displacements,” Wheatley asserted. He called for proactive steps including improved early warning systems, climate adaptation strategies, and stringent building codes to enhance resilience against hurricanes.

Highlighting the integrated approach required, Wheatley underscored, “We cannot separate climate change, displacement, and sustainable development in the Caribbean. Our resilience must be sufficient to swiftly recover from extreme weather events.”

Discussions between Wheatley and Colombian Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Luis Gilberto Murillo further solidified commitments to bolster Caribbean representation in the Cartagena+40 process. Minister Murillo reaffirmed Colombia’s support for the subregion, pledging to advocate for Caribbean interests in upcoming deliberations.

The recent consultations, held from June 18 to 20, will inform the Chile Declaration and Action Plan slated for adoption by regional Ministers in late 2024.