Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis traveled to Antigua and Barbuda where he participated in the 2024 Small Island Developing States Conference.

In an intervention made on Monday on climate change, Mr. Davis recounted the bush fires that burned in New Providence recently. He said, “bush fires stubbornly burn throughout our island in the heat of the Bahamian dry season. The flames have scorched our coppice and pine forests, unleashing an ashy haze that has spread across our communities. Bahamians living near these fires have been forced to breath smoke filled air and endure these hazardous conditions.”

The Prime Minister said long term solutions not quick fixes or gimmicks are needed to empower small island developing states. “Continuing this trend of band-aid solutions without addressing the root of the problem will quite frankly kill us. If you keep kicking the can down the road eventually we will run out of road,” he said.

Mr. Davis also called for major polluting countries to be held accountable. He said, “I call upon the OECD and the EU, not present here, to join forces with us and the United Nations to formulate a global tax treaty that truly represents the interests of all nations particularly those of us who are often left out of the conversation. This treaty should aim to provide a voice for SIDS ensuring that our unique challenges and perspectives are acknowledged and addressed in global financial regulations. The OECD cannot give with one hand and take back with the other. True partnership require consistent and true support.”

Mr. Davis concluded his contribution by saying, “as we look ahead to the next ten years, let us commit to holding major polluters accountable, securing the financing we need, and developing the best future we can for our people.” 

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