Friends, Colleagues, good morning.
Today, we take a brave step forward in our path toward sustainability.
It is a journey we have made great progress on.
From advocating for fairer climate finance on the world stage, to ushering in nation-wide renewable energy solutions, The Bahamas has shown itself to be a true champion of the environment.
Perhaps this comes as no surprise: we have long been touting and protecting our natural inheritance, since as far back as 1958 when the first Marine Protected Areas were formed. And we are now building on the progress made over six decades later as we embrace developmental models that coexist in harmony with our natural environment.
As we enter a new energy era, and take bold strides toward sustainable development, island by island, it is imperative that we seek out partners and parameters that hold us to an even higher standard.
By signing on to the Escazú Agreement, we rise to the height of our noblest environmental ambitions.
Every Bahamian has the right to a safe and clean environment. Our accession to the Escazú Agreement, which is quite fittingly happening on World Environment Day, is a decisive step towards realising that right. It places our people and one of our greatest treasures, our environment, first.
This regional treaty champions access to information, public participation, and environmental justice.
It upholds the pillars of transparency, equity, human rights and sustainability—the very foundation of our government.
It reinforces our regional and international ties, by prompting us to consider and act in accordance with our collective duty to a shared planet.
And it reflects a philosophy we, as an archipelagic people, can appreciate.
It is a philosophy of harmonious development—growth, not for its own sake, but in concert with social and environmental flourishing.
As Bahamians, we have already experienced climate extremes.
We know the cost of inaction.
And that is why we are committed to doing more.
We are raising the bar for ourselves, and for others.
We are breaking the status quo, because the status quo is what produced Hurricane Dorian, and the countless other storms, floods, bushfires, droughts, and climate-driven extreme weather events in our region.
Small island nations can make a big difference.
We have shown, time and time again, that our voice, when raised with clarity and conscience, can shape global discourse and trigger crucial change.
Though we are small in size, our impact is tremendous.
We are tasked with protecting rich marine ecosystems that serve as vital carbon sinks for the entire planet.
We cannot take that remit lightly.
We must always act with consideration for the landscapes and seascapes that have sustained our people for generations.
Cooperating with like-minded partners from across Latin America and the Caribbean will certainly support us in this effort.
After all, the threats we face pay no mind to borders.
Greed continues to destabilise the planet, and only a collective awakening of conscience can return us to a steady state.
So today, with the signing of this agreement, we sustain our common humanity, and our common planet.
We recommit to stewardship, to cooperation within and between states, and to development in the most harmonious sense.
My friends, our journey toward true sustainability continues.
The Escazú Agreement is a very important step in that journey.
Thank you and God bless you.