Jamaica is among 25 small island Commonwealth nations that will get a share of a £5.6-million donation from Britain to help improve fishing, tourism and shipping industries in the Caribbean and other territories.
British Prime Minister David Cameron made the announcement of the donation Saturday at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Malta, noting that he wants the recipient countries to be able to make the most of their natural maritime resources.
Among the other ‘small island’ recipient countries are Bermuda, the Maldives, the Seychelles, St Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Cameron made the announcement while unveiling a £26-million aid package to help tackle global warming ahead of today’s meeting of world leaders in Paris.
The cash will be used to manage fisheries, protect coastlines and tackle pollution, as well as extending disaster risk.
“We have a real opportunity to get the small island States that are so vulnerable to climate change on board for an ambitious global climate change deal in Paris,” Cameron said. “Britain is firmly committed to helping these countries deal with the effects of climate change.
“That’s why we’re announcing new support today to help protect them from the risks of climate change and to make the most of their natural maritime advantages, which are so vital to their economies,” Cameron added.
Britain will be spending £16.3 billion on its foreign aid programme by 2020 — more than the amount spent on border controls, immigration, police and prisons.
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