Carbon regulation impacts in T&T
Aug. 8, 2024
European Union’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) seems like a clearcut climate mechanism for Brussels, “but for those on the receiving end, it cuts across the multi-faceted challenges of running a country and helping companies comply,” reports the Financial Times.
This mechanism aims to level the playing field for domestic producers by placing a cost on imports with a high carbon footprint. Trinidad and Tobago’s reliance on hydrocarbon exports—ammonia, methanol, and fertilizers—and carbon-intensive production processes makes it particularly susceptible to border carbon adjustment (BCA) measures by its trading partners. Despite its minimal contribution to global emissions (less than 0.1%), the country ranks high in per capita emissions, explains a new report by the International Institute of Sustainable Development.
Though Trinidad and Tobago is a high-income economy due to its significant oil and gas resources, faces challenges with size, location and — critically — access to finance, which could negatively impact its competitive standing in the global market due to the country's limited capacity to meet the stringent environmental standards required by the mechanism. (Financial Times)
Jan Yves Remy, director of the Shridath Ramphal Centre at the University of the West Indies in Barbados says: “CBAM is sometimes treated for regulatory purposes just as a tax issue. But, especially for small economies like Trinidad and Tobago, it’s also about trade, investment and particularly finance. We need a joined-up approach where governments are part of discussions while the regulations are being created.” Highlight. (Financial Times)
The Caribbean at the Olympics
St. Lucia and Dominica recently celebrated their first Olympic medals, with Julien Alfred from St. Lucia won gold in the women’s 100 meters and Thea LaFond-Gadson from Dominica securing gold in the women’s triple jump. “It means a lot to the small islands,” Alfred said. “And seeing how we can come from a small place but also be on the biggest stage of our career.”(The New York Times)
Caribbean, Bahamian, and Bermudian sailors will be participating in the 2024 Summer Olympics sailing events in Marseille, France. Given the region's favorable sailing conditions, these athletes are set to compete in various classes, such as the ILCA 7 and ILCA 6, Formula Kites, and iQFOil. (All at Sea)
Climate and Environmental Justice
Listen to the latest episode of the EcoVybz Podcast featuring Isiah Cruz, environmental activist who combines AI/Data Science expertise and spiritual wisdom to promote environmental action worldwide through grassroots initiatives and his venture, Ama Earth Group. The episode explores the importance of integrating spirituality and environmental advocacy to foster a new era of planetary healing.
In the context of Hurricane Beryl, Special Representative of the UN Secretary Kamal Kishore emphasized the increased vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to disasters, underscoring the necessity for greater international support to enhance their resilience. He urged countries to adopt the "Build Back Better" approach, advocating for careful and improved reconstruction rather than rushing the process and risking subpar recovery efforts. (United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction)
Listen to the latest episode of The Climate Conscious Podcast titled "Navigating Hurricanes & Climate Resilience in The Caribbean" features Kendria Ferguson, a Bahamian expert in sustainable development and disaster management currently pursuing her PhD at the UWI Mona Sustainable Development Institute. Kendria discusses the socio-economic impacts of hurricanes on Caribbean communities, emphasizing the importance of community-led disaster preparedness.
New episode of The Climate Conscious Podcast titled "VAKSANA, nurturing safe & sustainable spaces," host Derval Barzey engages with Menakshi Babulall. Menakshi is a dedicated advocate for women's empowerment and sustainability, and founder of the initiatives A Different View Project and Vaksana in Guyana. This episode delves into Menakshi's personal journey, the challenges she faced, and the impactful work she's leading to create nurturing environments for women and children. Listen.
Listen to the new episode of the EcoVybz Podcast featuring Kjell Masoud Kroon, an activist involved in anti-racism and community inclusivity projects. Kroon discusses the disproportionate CO2 emission responsibilities placed on smaller regions like Bonaire compared to larger nations like the Netherlands. The episode explores the themes of eco-colonialism and racism, highlighting the need for equitable climate action that addresses historical injustices and promotes genuine environmental justice.
Drug Policy
Jamaica’s cannabis industry, crucial for the economy and known globally, faces significant vulnerabilities due to climate change. Small-scale farmers in particular struggle with the impacts of severe weather events like hurricanes, which damage crops and infrastructure, threatening the sustainability and productivity of the industry. (Climate Tracker)
Human Rights
In a recent Jamaica Information Service Think Tank, Detective Inspector Kimesha Gordon of the Anti-trafficking in Persons Unit highlighted the importance of recognizing signs of human trafficking. She emphasized that many victims do not realize their situation and stressed the need for public awareness. (Jamaica Informative Service)
“Progress towards Trinidad and Tobago being an accessible society has stagnated. From taking a taxi to getting medical care, accessibility is still a delusion,” writes Tharā Gabriel in the Guardian.
Democratic Governance
Edgard Leblanc Fils, head of Haiti's Transitional President Council, announced at a press conference in St. George's, Grenada, that Haiti aims to conduct presidential and legislative elections by the end of 2025. (IWN)
Reparations and Decolonization
SARGASSO, a journal from the University of Puerto Rico’s Río Piedras Campus, is currently seeking submissions for a new volume titled "Decolonizing Disability in Caribbean Contexts," guest edited by Daniel Nevárez Araújo from the English Department. The call invites scholars, activists, writers, and artists to explore concepts of disability, impairment, and social suffering within the Caribbean, examining how colonial histories and current realities reshape these concepts. Learn more.
The newly released book "Independence, Colonial Relics, and Monuments in the Caribbean," edited by Allison O. Ramsay and Jerome Teelucksingh, offers a compilation of critical perspectives on the themes of independence and the enduring impacts of colonialism in the post-colonial Caribbean. Published by Lexington Books in 2024, the work features contributions from various scholars including Timothy Affonso, Shaian Albert, Bridget Brereton, and others. (Repeating Islands)
Gloucester Cathedral is set to host a significant exhibition from September 6-30, 2024, featuring the world's oldest surviving musical manuscript from enslaved people in Barbados. This 18th-century slave song, a UNESCO world heritage document, forms the centerpiece of the exhibition curated by Voices Gloucester for Threads 2024. The event will also showcase new artworks by Gloucester-based artist Rider Shafique and British-Jamaican photographer Vanley Burke, inspired by the historical slave song. (Repeating Islands)
On August 1st, Caribbean nations celebrated Emancipation Day, commemorating the anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 which initiated the end of slavery, with full emancipation realized in 1838. The day serves as a reflection on freedom from slavery and colonialism, and the ongoing fight against racial inequalities and external political pressures, particularly highlighted in the Caribbean Community's (CARICOM) statement. (Global Voices)
Women and LGTBQ+ Rights
Danika Marquez and Melinda Angel became the first LGBTQI+ couple to be legally married in Curaçao last July. Their legal union followed the Supreme Court of The Netherlands' confirmation earlier in the month of earlier rulings that mandated Curaçao and Aruba to allow same-sex marriages. (Repeating Islands)
Public Security
“Monitoring Lethal Force” offers a comprehensive global comparative study on the state accountability for the use of lethal force. This study spans 13 countries across five continents, including Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The project is a collaborative inter-university effort involving the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences of the Central University of Venezuela, among others.
Vybz Kartel's release from prison after 13 years, due to a UK Privy Council decision over a tainted juror, has ignited debate over Jamaica's judicial system and its final court of appeal. Kartel, a famous dancehall deejay, and his co-appellants were cleared of a 2011 murder charge, spotlighting issues of jury tampering and prison conditions in Jamaica. The case underscores broader concerns about the efficacy of the Judicial Committee of the UK Privy Council as Jamaica's highest appellate court, with discussions ongoing about possibly replacing it with the Caribbean Court of Justice. (Global Voices)
Culture
Trinidadian-born artist Alvin Clayton-Fernandes is showcasing his exhibition "Reflection of Time: Through the Eyes of a Caribbean-American Artist" at the Southampton African American Museum (SAAM) until November 1, 2024. Located at 245 North Sea Road, Southampton, New York, the exhibition offers a glimpse into Clayton-Fernandes’ diverse life and artistic journey. His multifaceted career spans roles as a visual artist, professional fashion model, athlete, and restaurateur, but his passion for painting has always been central. (Repeating Islands)
Opportunities
Media professionals from Belize, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago are invited to register for the Caribbean Energy Transition Workshop. This event aims to educate participants about regional energy challenges through interactions with experienced journalists and technical experts.
The Cropper Foundation, a prominent non-profit organization in Trinidad and Tobago focused on sustainable development in the Caribbean, is seeking a new Chief Executive Officer. Apply.
Events
12-13 March, 2025 — FORGE 2025 conference, "Experiments for Change in a Shifting Global Context," hosted by the Future of Rights and Governance Program at the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice at NYU School of Law. This event will take place at New York University School of Law in New York City and aims to inspire and foster new approaches to global rights and governance, encouraging experimentation in democratic renewal, ecological emergencies, technological impacts, and rising inequalities. Apply.
 | A guest post by
|