A focus on implementation around security, climate and energy challenges, and access to financing for the region will allow Canada to become a leader in the Caribbean
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looks on as President of Guyana Mohamed Irfaan Ali speaks during the Canada-CARICOM Summit in Ottawa, on Oct. 19.Imran Bayoumi is an assistant director at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. Wazim Mowla is the associate director of the Caribbean Initiative at the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center.
For the CCSP to be a success, it must be flexible enough to meet the changing needs of the region, but consistent and structured over the long term to develop tangible results. Focusing on three priorities – strengthening regional security, addressing climate challenges, and increasing access to finance – can make Ottawa’s engagement in the Caribbean a success for the region and Canadians alike.
But while the political will to create change exists, it is undermined by limited access to affordable financing options. A combined $64.5-million was announced at the Canada-CARICOM Summit to address the region’s climate and energy challenges in particular, but that sum is just a first step.