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CARICOM is working to grow its “blue economy”—using the sea for jobs and growth—while warning that plastic pollution could ruin those hopes.
At a recent special meeting, leaders stressed that protecting marine life and cutting plastic waste are key to the region’s future.
Sir Molwyn Joseph of Antigua and Barbuda chaired the meeting of CARICOM’s Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED). He said plastic waste is not just a nuisance but a threat to both health and the economy. “From fisheries to tourism, every pillar of our blue economy is at risk if we don’t act decisively,” he said.
The Caribbean Sea is huge—almost 2.75 million square kilometers. It supports fishing, shipping, tourism, and offshore energy. Used well, it could boost jobs, food security, and climate resilience. But there are risks: pollution, overfishing, loss of species, and damaged coastlines.
Plastic is a major problem. A UN report says the Caribbean is one of the worst regions for plastic waste per person. Much of it ends up in the sea, where it harms fish, chokes coral reefs, and ruins beaches. This also threatens tourism, a vital income source for many islands.
At the meeting, ministers called for shared rules across the region. These include bans on some plastics, better recycling, and finding greener alternatives. They also talked about stronger laws, better data sharing, and joint ocean planning.
Sir Molwyn said the health effects of plastic waste are often ignored. Tiny plastic pieces, called microplastics, are now found in seafood and drinking water. These may be linked to hormone problems, cancer, and other health issues.
Some countries are already taking action. Antigua and Barbuda banned plastic bags in 2016. Barbados, Belize, and Guyana are phasing out single-use plastics. Others are testing biodegradable packaging and giving rewards to businesses that cut waste. But enforcement is still patchy, and many islands lack the money and space to deal with trash properly.
CARICOM now wants a joint plan for managing the sea, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. But green groups say more must be done—and fast. Laws and speeches won’t help without real action, funding, and public support.
As tourism returns and new sea-based industries grow, there are more threats to watch—like big foreign fishing boats, cruise ship waste, and rising sea levels. Even so, the COTED meeting shows that CARICOM is serious about linking the environment with long-term growth.
“The ocean is not a dumping ground,” said Sir Molwyn. “It is our most valuable resource. And we must protect it, or lose everything that depends on it.”
Source: CARICOM
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