The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) held a climate change exhibition at the National Insurance Services (NIS) building in Kingstown, October 16 to 18.{{more}}

The exhibition was held under the theme “Climate Change, Challenges and Solutions.”

It used colourful displays to address topics, including social and health impacts of climate change, how human practices compound the impacts of climate change and the OECS vulnerabilities to climate change as it relates to location, topography and poverty issues.

“Exhibitions of this nature serve to empower our citizens to take action,” said OECS representative Susanna Scott at the opening ceremony last week Tuesday.

Ellsworth John, St Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador to the OECS, stated that the exhibition allows the OECS to showcase to Vincentians climate change issues being discussed across the region.

“Tourism is a very important aspect of our economic development. If as a result of the ravages of a hurricane, the changes that would take place as a result of coastal derogation, what do you think would happen to our beaches?” John said.

“We talk about sea and sand; we talk about attracting tourists to our shores. We know that tourism has become our number one foreign currency earner.”

John further stated that the OECS has transformed itself into an economic union and whatever affects the economies of one member, affects the economies of all.

The exhibition also showcased solutions to combat climate changes.

The exhibition came in the wake of the 20th meeting of the OECS Technical Advisory Committee and the 16th meeting of the OECS Ministers of Environment, on October 17 and 18, respectively. (BK)