Canada is committed to remaining a strong partner for Caribbean countries in these uncertain times, and recognizes that the needs in the region are vast.
Canada is providing assistance to help Barbados fight climate change through the establishment of the Canada-CARICOM Climate Adaptation Fund. The Canada-CARICOM Climate Adaptation Fund is valued at CAD $20M and will be implemented by the Caribbean Development Bank.
Through the Canada-CARICOM Climate Adaptation Fund, Barbados will be eligible to technical assistance to develop innovative financing instruments, such as resilience bonds, to mobilize private investment for climate adaptation and resilience. This responds to directly to requests from CARICOM countries to find innovative and cost-effective solutions to fiscal and environmental challenges.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global threat that does not recognize borders and can only be overcome through coordinated action all around the world. Canada continues to contribute to international efforts to address the ongoing pandemic by providing urgent and necessary funding, including over CAD $6M in funding to support the Caribbean’s efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Barbados’s government and health institutions have received over CAD $500 K of that funding for emergency equipment and support. This includes CAD $50,000 through an existing project with PAHO to support the Barbados Defence Force Emergency Medical Team to establish and equip a COVID-19 isolation facility.
Canada will continue to invest in the special and historic relationship that unites the peoples of Canada and Barbados, and remains committed to bolstering the climate, economic, and social resilience of Caribbean countries. These investments are a concrete demonstration of Canada’s commitment.
