kristy.ramanrine@cnc3.co.tt
Germany will soon sign six new project agreements with Caricom valued at more than €30 million, aimed at advancing regional initiatives in renewable energy, the circular economy, biodiversity conservation, the blue economy, and skills development.
The announcement came from German Ambassador Dr. Christophe Eick during Germany’s National Day reception at his St Clair residence on October 3, marking the 35th anniversary of German Unity.
“These projects will focus on renewable energy, the circular economy, biodiversity conservation, the blue economy, and skills development,” Dr. Eick said. He added that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Germany and Caricom would also be concluded later this year.
“The climate crisis is one of the global challenges that can only be solved through collaboration,” he noted. “It should give us reason for hope that, just last week at the UN in New York, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to address this urgent and existential threat.”
Dr Eick underscored Germany’s continued leadership in global climate action, highlighting its progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Germany continues to be well on its way to reduce emissions by 80 percent by 2040,” he said. “Renewable energy continues to be on the rise, providing close to 60 percent of electricity demand.”
Over the past year, the German Embassy has also strengthened its collaboration with the Environmental Research Institute of Charlotteville (ERIC) in Tobago.
“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Tobago Main Ridge Reserve, ERIC has been working with German researchers and scientists to deepen collaboration on biosphere reserves,” he said.
The ambassador revealed that T&T experts have also been benefiting from German-led training initiatives.
“One expert recently participated in a study tour in Germany focusing on renewable energy and e-mobility in vocational training, while another is currently taking part in a programme on civil protection and disaster risk management,” he said.
Dr Eick further highlighted ongoing cooperation between the European Union and T&T in the area of renewable energy.
“We began with several small-scale solar projects across the country and moved on to the solar installation at Piarco International Airport,” he said. “The EU is now assessing both onshore and offshore wind energy potential in Trinidad.”
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, Nicholas Morris, praised Germany’s longstanding partnership with Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean in tackling climate change.
“I was encouraged by last week’s productive discussions with the German Federal Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York,” he said. “I intend to build on that momentum to enhance cooperation between our countries, particularly in trade, climate change, sustainable development, human security, and biodiversity conservation.”
Morris added that T&T looks forward to continued collaboration with Germany and the European Union in implementing the Samoa Agreement — the OACPS-EU Partnership Agreement that succeeds the Cotonou Agreement, serving as the legal framework for cooperation between the EU and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).
