JUN 14 '06 16 :39 FR PRUN,NEW YORK
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P . 05/05
Intervention by Jamaica
3 May 2006
Regional Discussions of Latin America and the Caribbean
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Jamaica shares the concern of the rest of the Caribbean Delegations on the
report's treatment of the issues relating to SIDS in the region especially the
section dealing with climate change . A lot of work has been done to advance the
SIDS agenda . The extreme vulnerability of SIDS to the adverse effects of climate
change and sea level rise is well acknowledged by the international community
and this must be recognised as a priority for the region because these effects are
already being felt with the Caribbean experiencing more active than nonnal
hurricane seasons, occurrence of flooding, coastal erosion, drought etc . In
addition, the treatment of the crosscutting issues relating to the thematic cluster
needs to note the social and economic dislocation as a result of natural disasters
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As a priority, Jamaica believes that urgent actions are required to support SIDS in
adaptation including the investigation of appropriate coastal defence structures .
For us as well, access to GEF Climate Change Adaptation Funds is important and
the ease of access to these funds by the countries in the region is critical .
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As mentioned in the review we are encouraging international investment in SIDS
under the CDM of the Kyoto Protocol so that there can. be an advancement in the
transfer of renewable energy technologies in the region . Jamaica is pleased to note
the successful trading of CERs under the CDM with the commissioning of a
20MW windfarm (the first in the English Speaking Caribbean) which supplies
electricity to the national grid . There are prospects for expansion of the windfarm .
