Georgetown – The United States is providing U.S. $22.8 million in new funding this year to support Caribbean regional development goals related to climate resilience, youth security, information and communication technology, private sector engagement, and health.
The funding, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), includes U.S. $10 million to combat food insecurity in the Caribbean to support priority areas identified by Caricom under U.S. president Joe Biden’s Caribbean Zero Hunger Plan.
The announcement coincides with the joint USAID and Caricom annual review of mutual objectives and priorities concluded on September 1.
Last year, USAID announced its 2020-25 Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS) focussed on promoting accountable institutions, economic development, and private sector-led growth.
“The annual review speaks to the importance of Caricom as a strategic partner on development issues and how highly the United States values the Caricom and member states commitment to democracy in the Caribbean region,” U.S. ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch said.
Lynch noted several of the same issues, namely energy, food security, and finance were raised at the Summit of the Americas, and global climate concerns were also discussed at the Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030.
Caricom deputy secretary general Dr Armstrong Alexis said: “Caricom is pleased to have USAID as a partner. USAID’s support for the Caricom’s 25 by 2025 agenda is an important step to achieving food security in the region and building a stronger and more vibrant Caribbean for all.”
USAID regional representative for the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, Clinton D. White reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to long-term development, economic recovery, support to climate change, and food security through the signing of the agreement.
He also noted how the Caricom Secretariat and USAID’s partnership will continue to prioritise the prosperity of the Caribbean and its people.
“The only way that we can achieve our objectives and goals is through a more inclusive development approach,” White said.
“That is why USAID and the Caricom Secretariat value these engagements to continuously evaluate needs, priorities, and remind ourselves of our moral obligations to achieve locally-led regional goals.”
(CMC)