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CARIBBEAN LEADER CALLS FOR URGENT GLOBAL CLIMATE ACTION, FAIRER FINANCING AND REAL SUPPORT FOR VULNERABLE ISLAND NATIONS AS HE CHALLENGES WORLD LEADERS TO TURN PROMISES INTO RESULTS!

ANTALYA, TÜRKİYE — November 13, 2026 | Times Caribbean

Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, has delivered a strong message to world leaders at the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, calling for meaningful climate action, fairer access to financing and greater international support for vulnerable small island developing states.

His message was unmistakable: Promises alone cannot protect Caribbean communities from the growing consequences of climate change.

Speaking at the global gathering, Prime Minister Pierre urged major emitting countries to honour their international commitments and recognise the disproportionate burden placed on smaller nations that contributed relatively little to the climate crisis.

“IN ANTALYA, WE MUST PUT DELIVERY AT ITS HEART!”

Reflecting on the Caribbean’s role in securing the 1.5°C temperature goal under the Paris Agreement, Pierre declared:

“In Paris, we fought to put 1.5 degrees at the heart of the global response. In Antalya, we must put delivery at its heart.”

The Saint Lucian leader highlighted the challenges confronting Caribbean communities, including prolonged droughts affecting farmers, unreliable household water supplies, warming seas threatening fishers and environmental pressures affecting coastal businesses.

He warned that vulnerable countries face a threefold burden: damage from climate-related events, development delays as resources are redirected towards recovery, and additional debt incurred through rebuilding.

CLIMATE FINANCING MUST REACH THE PEOPLE!

Pierre called for more grants, affordable financing, predictable adaptation funding and simplified access to international climate funds.

He stressed that eligibility for financial assistance should reflect countries’ climate vulnerability rather than national income classifications alone.

“We cannot build resilience on promises. We need finance, technology and partnerships that reach our communities,” he stated.

The Prime Minister also advocated adequate funding for the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, ensuring vulnerable communities receive assistance when needed.

Acknowledging Saint Lucia’s efforts in renewable energy and cleaner transportation, Pierre emphasised that national initiatives must be supported by meaningful international cooperation.

His address reinforced a longstanding Caribbean concern: small island nations require practical resources to protect their people, infrastructure, economies and livelihoods.

Pierre concluded with a powerful reminder:

“Success in Antalya will not be judged by the declarations we make, but by the action we take, the commitments we honour, and the lives we improve.”

FROM SAINT LUCIA TO THE GLOBAL STAGE — THE CARIBBEAN’S MESSAGE IS CLEAR: CLIMATE ACTION MUST DELIVER REAL RESULTS!

TIMES CARIBBEAN — Caribbean Leadership, Regional Developments and Global Affairs.

Source: Office of the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Official Press Release, November 12, 2026.