Prime Minister Skerrit Warns Dominicans to Be Prepared For Increased Cost of Living Due to Climate Change

ROSEAU, Dominica – Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has warned nationals to be prepared for increased cost of living as a result of the impact of climate change, noting that property insurance rates have gone up in recent years.

Dominican engage in cleanup activities at Potterville on the outskirts of the capital after the passage of Hurricane Beryl passed through the Windward Islands earlier this week.In a nationwide radio and television broadcast on Thursday night, Skerrit said that while Dominica was spared during the passage of Hurricane Beryl through the Caribbean earlier this week, “the truth of the matter is, given the changes in global climate, it is not a matter of ‘if’ a storm of that magnitude hits us again, but, when”.

He said Dominica’s geography makes the island uniquely vulnerable to storms and that “our  mountainous geography makes mudslides more likely and increases the chances of villages being cut off.

“We are just at the beginning of this hurricane season. In fact, hurricane Beryl was the earliest ever category 4 storm to develop. The increasing number of hurricanes and their increasing ferocity do not just cause fear, damage, destruction and loss of life, but, they are also making life more expensive.”

He acknowledged that many Dominicans are concerned about the cost of living, which he said “is going up all over the world.

“Those that own property know that property insurance rates have gone up in recent years. And, those who rent property see rent going up because the owners of their properties have seen their insurance rates go up.

“My brothers and sisters, those rates are going up because of the storms and climate change. And, it means you have to pay more. And, it could get worse. In some jurisdictions around the world, property insurance is becoming unattainable.

“The truth of the matter is, many Caribbean people do not study climate change or think it impacts their lives. They think it is something politicians talk about at international gatherings that has no impact on them. “

But Skerrit said Dominicans are feeling the cost of living increase that is plaguing the entire world, adding “if you are worried about the cost of living, you should be worried about climate change,  because, my brothers and sisters, I am here to tell you that these things are related”.

He said the  frequency and ferocity of storms is making insurance more expensive.

“roperty insurance,… also the insurance for goods that travel from all over the world to be sold here in Dominica. These goods require insurance while in transit. Insurance has gone up for them.

“And, insurance has also gone up for the container ships that transport those goods and for the sea ports and airports used to transport the goods. Those higher prices are being passed on to you when you buy those products at stores, shops and markets across Dominica.

“Climate change is also impacting the price of food.  In those areas of the world that produce a significant amount of wheat, sugar, corn, rice and the basic staples of our agricultural system, climate change is causing droughts in some areas and waterlogging crops in other areas. “

Skerrit told the nation that they should not take his word, but  ask the local farmers who have seen changing weather patterns impacting them as well.

So, what are we to do about it as a small country with limited resources? Well, my message tonight is not just for the people of Dominica, but for the people of the world. CARICOM has been sounding the alarm.

“The reality is that we are not the cause of the global climate crisis. But, we are the victims of it. I know that it is not just the people of Dominica listening to my message tonight, but, also international non governmental organisations, governments, ambassadors and world leaders.

“My message to you is this: the Caribbean urgently needs climate financing reforms. We need resources that will not just help us rebuild after storms, but, resources that will allow our communities to build more resilient infrastructure, roads, electricity, water and homes. “

Skerrit said that this financing must also be used to address the insurance concerns that are causing the cost of living to go up.

“I would be happy to send you photos, videos and testimony of how climate change is impacting our people. And, it is past time for you to act. To the people of Dominica, we must be resilient. We must prepare because the next storm is coming.

“We must redouble our efforts in agriculture to make ourselves more food secure because in this changing world, we must rely more on ourselves. We must build our energy systems that will allow us to generate electricity in our communities and get electricity up sooner after storms. “

Skerit said that there is a need to work with insurance companies to address the cost and availability of insurance at the regional and international levels.

“My brothers and sisters, we have been through many challenges – a global pandemic, the global financial crisis of 2008 to 2010 and now climate change and the global cost of living crisis.

“We are living in challenging times. We are living in times of great change and great hardship. In times of great crisis, cooperation protects us. As we face the forthcoming hurricane season, let us prepare and cooperate now by strengthening our roofs and clearing the drainage paths”.

He said that in the coming weeks, the authorities will be organizing nationwide cleanups to clean  drainage gutters to make sure that  the island is prepared for a storm.

“I have asked parliamentarians to check up on seniors and the vulnerable make sure they have their contact information shared in case they need help. We all saw the photos and videos from Beryl. And, we all remembered the trauma of Maria. “

Skerrit said that Dominica is now more committed than ever to leading the charge on environmental awareness.

“Since Hurricane Maria (2017) we have spearheaded the adoption of innovative solutions to adapt to the changing climate, including improved agricultural practices, coastal protection measures, and green energy initiatives.

“We will continue to set and pursue ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption, leading to cleaner and more sustainable energy systems. Additionally, we aim to enhance our understanding of climate systems and develop new strategies for mitigation and adaptation,” Skerrit told the nation.

He said as the Prime Minister of Dominica,” I will continue to push for the countries that are signatories to global agreements like the Paris Accord to demonstrate a collective will to address climate change.

“Climate change is a global problem that requires coordinated international efforts to address its disproportionate impact on the world’s most vulnerable communities. Dominica will persist in advocating on behalf of ourselves and our Caribbean neighbors, who are on the frontlines of the climate change crisis”.