NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC—Prime Minister Phillip Davis says whereas the Bahamas’ aspirations stay unchanged—to face as a free nation sure by neither worry nor pressure—local weather change is threatening the nation’s very sovereignty.
“For us, local weather change is not any distant concern, irrespective of for future generations alone; it’s the right here and now, an ever-rising tide that threatens to scrub away the house (former prime minister)Sir Lynden spoke of so fervently,” Davis mentioned as he addressed the tenth Annual Diplomatic Week.
Davis mentioned that within the wrestle for local weather justice, The Bahamas stands as a voice for the weak, a champion of those that, like Nassau, search solely to safe the lives and futures of its folks.
“We battle for a world the place these accountable for this disaster reply for the loss and damages felt by those that contributed least to its trigger. Thus, we flip to the regulation, in search of justice from the courts that guardians humanity’s conscience.”
Davis mentioned that the Worldwide Court docket of Justice (ICJ) is now poised to ship an advisory opinion on local weather change, a ruling that the nation believes will echo throughout borders and demand accountability.
“This isn’t about treaties and pledges; it’s about ethical reckoning, an acknowledgment that those that have sown the seeds of destruction should additionally reap the duty to restore.
“For too lengthy, our islands and numerous others have borne the burden of “loss and injury” inflicted by local weather change: land eroded, houses destroyed, livelihoods swept away in storms extra violent, extra frequent than any our ancestors may have foreseen.”
Prime Minister Davis mentioned that the loss shouldn’t be solely materials however religious and “a risk to our tradition, heritage, and id as a folks of the ocean.
“We search not charity however justice, a transparent and binding recognition that those that have profited from the destruction of our world should additionally contribute to its therapeutic. And right here lies the ability and goal of diplomacy
“In each corridor of energy, each discussion board, we supply the voices of our folks and the tales of our shores. Diplomacy is our protect and voice, reminding the world that we could also be small, however our challenges are common.”
He advised the diplomats that they’re being known as upon to advocate and educate, to talk plainly of the nation’s impacts, and to rally the world towards motion.
“Our diplomats stand not merely as representatives of The Bahamas however as advocates of all who stand to lose every little thing from inaction. To our diplomatic corps, I say this: your work shouldn’t be solely to bridge our borders however to defend the dignity and way forward for our nation. In you, the Bahamian folks see their hopes carried forth, their challenges made recognized, and their voices amplified.”
Prime Minister Davis mentioned that by means of diplomacy, the federal government insists that The Bahamas and all small island nations shall not be mere bystanders however leaders in crafting a sustainable and equitable future.
“Let or not it’s recognized: The Bahamas is not going to be a silent spectator on this wrestle. We’re neither massive within the land nor would possibly, however an unyielding resolve binds us. We are going to wield the regulation as our protect and justice as our sword, becoming a member of fingers with different nations who refuse to be casualties of indifference.
“For the obligation to guard this world is one all of us share, however the duty lies heaviest on those that have introduced it to the sting.”
Prime Minister Davis additionally mentioned that the nation should be candid in addressing commerce, noting that The Bahamas has, for too lengthy, relied on a slender set of industries to gas its financial system.
“Whereas these sectors have served us effectively, the time has come to diversify and strengthen our financial foundations. Commerce isn’t just a matter of financial idea; it’s about creating actual, sustainable alternatives to face up to world uncertainty storms.
“Our dedication to diversifying commerce shouldn’t be a singular ambition however a necessity. The Workplace of the Prime Minister has taken this problem on with a complete strategy, absolutely conscious {that a} resilient Bahamas should faucet into the potential of all its industries and areas.”
He mentioned the technique calls for intentional efforts to develop the nation’s commerce coverage, empower entrepreneurs, and streamline methods that appeal to and retain funding.
“Our work goals to open new pathways for Bahamian companies, whether or not by means of export, manufacturing, or tech-driven enterprise,” he mentioned, including, “On this endeavor, we owe an excellent debt of gratitude to the Nationwide Commerce Fee, whose dedication and experience have been instrumental in crafting a commerce coverage that aligns with our nationwide imaginative and prescient.”
Prime Minister Davis mentioned they’ve labored tirelessly to guage commerce agreements, suggest finest practices, and advocate for commerce insurance policies that put Bahamians first.
He advised the international service representatives that their function is essential, including, “The relationships you construct and the investments you assist safe are integral to diversifying and sustaining constructing a bridge to a extra resilient Bahamas, one the place our folks can thrive throughout industries, not simply in a choose few.”
Because the nation appears to be like towards Freeport and different rising commerce zones, he mentioned, “We see a imaginative and prescient the place Bahamian ports change into bustling hubs of worldwide commerce, the place native companies and international buyers profit from our strategic location.
“We envision an financial system that’s greater than resilient; it’s adaptive, sustainable, and inclusive, providing prosperity and safety for all Bahamians.
“The way forward for our commerce should mirror the power and variety of our folks. It’s a future by which Bahamian items, concepts, and companies attain world markets, lifting our financial system from inside,” Prime Minister Davis added.
He mentioned the Bahamas is concentrated on strengthening diplomatic relationships with the South Pacific, including, “Collectively, we face urgent points like local weather resilience, sustainable improvement, and ocean preservation.
“By constructing nearer ties with South Pacific nations, The Bahamas goals to reinforce cooperation in these vital areas, fostering partnerships that can assist our quick wants and long-term stability.”
He mentioned the Bahamas will search the assist of its worldwide companions subsequent yr for its candidature to the Worldwide Maritime Group (IMO).
“As a small island state with a stable dedication to sustainable maritime practices, we convey a vital perspective on maritime safety and ocean conservation points.
“Our objective on the IMO is to advocate for insurance policies that serve the pursuits of all coastal nations, making certain that ocean assets are managed responsibly and sustainably. We stay up for partaking with our allies on this necessary initiative.”
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