Minister Fonseca Praises PM Speech at COP26

Minister Francis Fonseca is praising Prime Minister John Briceño for the speech he delivered at the COP26 World Leaders Summit on Monday. But, like many in the Caribbean, Minister Fonseca says he understands the skepticism of people in this part of the world. The proof that developed nations are serious about tackling the issue of climate change, says Minister Fonseca, will be in their actions.

Francis Fonseca

Francis Fonseca, Minster of Education

“I was very proud of our Prime Minister. I think he very forcefully and effectively delivered a message, not only on behalf of Belize, but on behalf of small island developing states, and vulnerable countries like Belize. It is a critically important issue. It is one that we take seriously. I know we have had many discussions at the Cabinet level. So, the Prime Minister delivered that message very effectively. Again, we will have to wait and see, the proof will be in the eating, if you like. Whenever we have these conferences the big countries who are the real emitters and responsible for the crisis we are facing, they say the right things and deliver the right talking points, but then they walk back on those commitments and promises. So, I think our country Belize, the Caribbean, CARICOM, we become very skeptical, very cynical and justifiably so. But, we are hopeful. We are hopeful that because of the strong representation we have gotten from our leader and CARICOM, Mia Mottley in Barbados who heads CARICOM, a very strong passionate statement. We are hopeful that these countries will understand and appreciate the urgency of this matter.”