bvc_june2017

6 7 OPENING LINES full implementation: our families, our health, our wel- fare, our security, our economies and our livelihoods. “As responsible climate leaders,we will continue to move decisively towards amore sustainable and com- petitive economy.Let us see the ParisAgreement and the low-carbon transition for what it is: the growth engine of our jobs and economies, and the key to our collec- tive prosperity and well-being. For people around the world most vulnerable to climate change the Paris Agreement represents the best hope for survival.” The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), a federation of 32 private sector-led orga- nizations throughout the Caribbean basin, reiter- ated its previous position to join with the nations throughout the Caribbean in supporting the adoption of the Paris climate change agreement. The CHTA noted in a statement on Friday that Ca- ribbean is one of the world’s most vulnerable regions to the escalating effects of climate change.The so- cio-economic consequences from rising sea levels and temperatures, increasingly violent storms and severe droughts, oil spills,mismanagement of waste, and coral bleaching are having mounting consequences, and left unchecked threaten the very viability of the region’s economies and societies, and the health and welfare of Caribbean people. Countries and businesses throughout the region, particularly tourism-related enterprises, are increas- ingly adopting policies and practices aimed at preserv- ing, protecting and enhancing the environment.“This is important to the Caribbean’s own self-interests and also those of the world,with millions of visitors enjoy- ing the incredible natural beauty the region offers,” the Association said. The CHTA urged the region’s countries, businesses and residents to do their part in supporting sound environmental practices.“It is important to ensure that the Caribbean remains a safe, secure and viable part- ner, benefiting its neighbors and major trading part- ners,” the statement added. Panos Caribbean,which promotes sustainable de- velopment and social justice in the wider Caribbean region, also expressed deep disappointment at news that the United States is to turn its back on the historic Paris Agreement. “There is no question that Panos Caribbean–an organization that has worked tirelessly in the interest of advancing public education on climate change and enabling communities to have an informed response to the phenomena – is deeply disappointed at the US decision,” said Panos Jamaica country director Petre Williams-Raynor.