Argentine Ambassador praises Mottley for stance on climate change

While addressing the Intersessional Forum for Ministers of Environment from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Ambassador of Argentina to Barbados and the OECS, Gustavo Martinez Pandiani, lauded Prime Minister Mia Mottley as “a leader who appears only once in a lifetime” in the fight against global warming.

During the hemispheric conference, held at the Hilton this week, the government of Argentina passed the torch to Barbados. Pandiani expressed that Argentina is very aware of the effort, challenges and responsibilities that this Presidency entails. He further stated that the meeting could not come at a better time as “the world we live in today is no longer what we once knew. Climate change is affecting our lives, our homes, our families, and has the potential to dramatically affect the survival of future generations”.

Before an audience of over 30 Environment Ministers from the region and high representatives of international organizations, Pandiani further added, “In my two years living in this beautiful island, I have become fully aware of the risks faced by small island developing states with respect to the effects of global warming. Latin America and the Caribbean is not only a geographical conception, but also a political one. It is our mission and our responsibility to make the whole world aware of the gravity of the situation.

Our region, as a whole, has an increasingly strong voice in the global arena to reach multilateral solutions to the environmental challenges of our time. It is no longer just a political commitment, but a moral obligation among human beings. As the Prime Minister Mia Mottley said before the General Assembly of the United Nations; it is not about government, it is about people,” he said.

After commending Minister of Environment and National Beautification of Barbados, Trevor Prescod, for his excellent work as Chairman of the Forum, Pandiani made a call to the international community, stating: “If we do not act now, we will leave a much bigger problem for our children. The good news is that if we work together we can still reduce the impact of climate change on our lives, the environment and future generations. I call everyone to contribute to the change. Each of us must assume this role with responsibility and conscience: ministers, ambassadors, public officials and members of civil society, we are all involved. It is essential to prioritize this issue in our agendas and move from speech to action. We must be convinced that the fight against climate change truly matters and its approach is urgent. The commitment starts now.”

Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy, Kirk Humphrey; and Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Wilfred Abrahams, were also in attendance in a meeting that addressed matters of key importance for Barbados and the region such as Climate Change; Regional Cooperation on Chemicals and Waste; Marine Litter and Waste Management; Sustainable Consumption and Production; Ecosystems and Biodiversity; and Environmental Education.