“Although the [Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre] is charged with the responsibility of leading the Region’s technical work associated with climate change, it behoves all of us as a Community to redouble our efforts to protect our planet and secure the prosperity of our people.”
CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General Dr Armstrong Alexis
The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), also known as the 5Cs, marked a significant milestone on 25 June—its 20th anniversary. The celebration was nothing short of inspiring, with a banquet and award ceremony that brought together champions of sustainability from across the Region and beyond.
For two decades, the 5Cs has stood at the helm of the Caribbean’s climate resilience efforts. From empowering communities to partnering with governments and international allies, the Centre has been driving bold, innovative action to build a more sustainable, climate-smart future for the Region.
During his address at the ceremony, CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General Dr Armstrong Alexis highlighted the Centre’s impressive body of scientific work. He emphasised that its efforts are guided by a research-driven agenda that places the Caribbean’s unique needs and realities at the heart of global climate discussions.
“You stand shoulder to shoulder with others in the international community, and you have represented us well. You have produced findings from research that have grounded your interventions in the reality of our people, and you have increased the knowledge and awareness of our citizens on matters of climate change.”
Please read Dr Alexis’ remarks below.
It really is a distinct pleasure for me to be addressing this momentous celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (known affectionately to us as the 5 Cs).
I thank Dr. Young and his team for putting on such a memorable series of events, including this afternoon’s panel discussions and this evening’s banquet.
Earlier today, we were enlightened on the origins of Centre by its founding fathers, Amb Byron Blake, Dr. Ulric Trotz, Amb Carlos Fuller and the indomitable Dr. Ken Leslie. This Caribbean region that we call home has led with significant interventions to proactively secure a sound future for its citizens, and our pioneers have bequeathed to us a region that today stands as an equal partner in climate resilience and adaptation, mitigation and low-carbon development, access to climate finance, and climate research.
So Neville, Carlos, Ken Leslie, Byron, Leonard Nurse, Cletus Sprinker and all the other stalwarts who are here with us this evening, please stand and take a bow.
As we gather today, we invoke the words of Sir Issacc Newton and proclaim that we are standing truly, on the shoulders of giants. I want therefore to start my brief remarks by commending the vision, hard work, dedication and path-breaking pursuits of all those whose sterling
efforts have us here celebrating today.
The vulnerabilities that we face need no litigation. We live it every day and on a daily basis, we are faced with the deleterious impact of a crisis that we have contributed little — to nothing towards. We, however, do not have the luxury to simply bemoan our circumstances. We have to act not only in response to but must stay ahead of the inevitable consequences accompanying the climate crisis. I have to complement the 5Cs for all of its contributions to our region. I note the extraordinary scientific work that is done at the Centre. You have led a research-driven agenda to place the needs and realities of the Caribbean at the centre of the international climate discourse. You stand shoulder to shoulder with others in the international community and you have represented us well. You have produced findings from research that have grounded your interventions in the reality of our people and you have increased the
knowledge and awareness of our citizens on matters of climate change. Simply put, you have done well and on behalf of the Caribbean Community Secretariat, I commend you on your 20 years of pertinent, useful and purpose driven contribution in the broad sphere of climate change and I look forward to many more years of your service to the people of our region.
I leave you with a not-so-sobering thought that we, as Homo sapiens, cannot survive if the very planet on which we live is dying. Although the 5Cs is charged with the responsibility of leading the region’s technical work associated with climate change, it behoves all of us as a Community to redouble our efforts to protect our planet and secure the prosperity of our people.
Our magnificence as a Caribbean civilisation rests in our resolve to utilise our collective intellectual capacities and experiences to identify, address and resolve the issues that confront us. 5Cs has blazed a path of remarkable success. As our premier agency on climate change, you have been central to the understanding of the unique circumstances SIDS regions like ours face and through your research, modeling, and evidence-based programming, you have contributed to a body of knowledge that has attracted attention to our needs and unique circumstances. You have mobilised finances and have an impressive array of valuable project interventions that address the real needs of our communities.
Congratulations once again. Keep up the good work, and thank you for your contribution to regional development.
In closing, I wish you much success as you embark on the next decade and more engagement on behalf of all of us who call the Caribbean home.
I thank you.
