The St Vincent government asserts that Budget 2024 has been formulated in response to the escalating impact of climate change, worldwide procrastination, and the pressing requirement for adaptation measures for the inhabitants of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).
The Finance Minister, Camilo Gonsalves, announced that his ministry has allocated $92.8 million towards the functional classification of “environmental protection” for this year. Additionally, the second-largest allocation of capital expenditure is also dedicated to environmental protection.
“In reality, our expenditure on climate adaptation is much higher, as many of our existing infrastructure projects are a direct response to climate realities or have within them a critical climate adaptation component.”
Gonsalves announced that $21 million will be utilised this year as part of the National Disaster Management Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Programme. Additionally, $11 million will be designated in 2024 to initiate the safeguarding of approximately half a mile of the most susceptible shoreline in Sandy Bay.
In 2023, Gonsalves acknowledged that the administration had lost land to the encroaching oceans in a minor confrontation along the extensive coastline boundary.
“We have decided that the 750-foot stretch of the Windward Highway at Shipping Bay cannot safely exist where it is and must be shifted further away from the coast. Under the National Road
For the Rehabilitation Project, a $1.9 million contract has been signed to complete this road and ancillary drainage works. Additionally, at the same location, the “South Windward Coastal Works” project will complete 210 feet of coastal defence to help stave off further losses”.
Gonsalves stated that a specific section of the road located at the shipping bay, which is less than a quarter-mile in length, will require an expenditure of $3.4 million to safeguard it from coastal erosion. “It represents our continuous battle against the forces of nature and our endeavours to safeguard humanity from the most severe consequences of climate change,” he stated.
There is a comparable project occurring in Bequia, where construction is currently happening along the coastline at Paget Farm.
In the 2024 budget, Gonsalves announced that the government will persistently pursue its long-term goal of safeguarding individuals and assets against more frequent floods. This will involve implementing river defence initiatives in various locations such as Campden Park, Clare Valley, Cumberland, Layou, and Yambou.
