Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Allen Chastanet, the current Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The Prime Minister expressed his sympathy for the loss of life and for all those affected by the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian, mentioning his call with Prime Minister Hubert Minnis of The Bahamas earlier in the day and Canada’s offer of $500,000 in initial support and expertise to the disaster relief effort.

The Prime Ministers discussed the need for innovative solutions and greater resilience to address the devastating impacts of extreme weather events felt by the Caribbean and other Small Island Developing States. Prime Minister Trudeau underscored Canada’s ongoing commitment to “building back better” and support for the region, noting in particular Canada’s 2017 pledge of $100 million for Caribbean Reconstruction and Climate Resilience.

The Prime Ministers also discussed their desire for stability in the broader region and a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Venezuela.