First CCAD Meeting Held in Belize

Orlando Habet

On Tuesday, before today’s A.G.M. in Belize, Belize hosted the first Central American Commission on Environment and Development Council of Ministers Meeting. Belize holds the Pro Tempore Presidency under the Central American Integration System, SICA. So, Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet presided over the proceedings. He joined Open Your Eyes Hosts this morning, broadcast live from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, to share how that meeting went.

Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development

“Yesterday our first meeting very hectic long agenda, but I think we moved through a lot of items that were very important to us. For us, what was important is that Belize follows the presidency of Dominican Republic that they handed over three weeks ago. So, Yesterday at our first meeting, we had to itemize our priorities, and for us, some key areas we want to prioritize are one establish that integration between CARICOM and Central America, especially in regards to climate change. Last year at the SICA CARICOM meeting, the heads decided that they wanted CCCCC to bridge that gap that has been there for so long, especially in the area of climate change. Why important? Because when we go to COP meetings, we want to see that we have a common position. The more countries you have on a common position, the stronger your position in negotiating for what you want.”