The hurricane-struck Caribbean is still recovering. But islands are getting help
The commitments -- coming less than 60 days before the
Modeled after the
"It is unthinkable that we will let climate change destroy the island-nations of the world, and the economic and cultural contributions they make," Clinton said. "We've got a chance to do something that makes a difference. We ought to take it."
Clinton was joined by more than 350 representatives of businesses, non-governmental organizations and governments along with
"We have a long way to go because we are going to build back," said Skerrit, noting that while 5,000 new homes were needed in his tiny island, tourism and agriculture exports were back up. "We still need a lot of resources."
Cruz, an outspoken critic of the Trump administration's response after Maria decimated the territory and left the entire island without power, said recovery remains challenging. Hundreds of people remain unaccounted for, and there has been a 55 percent increase in suicides, she said.
"Right now we have 200,000 people in
Cruz said that one of the biggest needs of
"We need to continue to put permanent solutions to recurring problems," she said. "Climate change is real and we are an island surrounded by water, lots and lots of water, and this will continue to happen."
González-Colón echoed Cruz's call for a new grid. "We're just using 2 percent of renewables on the island. That means we're burning oil as we speak. It's not cost effective. Our economy is hurting badly because of that."
In all, she said,
"Of course we haven't received the same amount of money as
Mapp said he expects to receive about
"The money for the infrastructure is significant," Mapp said.
With so many islands devastated, rebuilding is going to be a long-term effort, and the need for resiliency is essential.
LaRocque said
"The modeling says we're going to have more frequent storms, more intense storms and in the off season, we're going to get drought. We have to prepare for a range of disasters," he said.
Prior to Tuesday's launch, Clinton visited
"The people in all of these islands have shown remarkable resilience, and a determination to do long-term work that will build back better, " he said.
While millions of dollars were committed ahead of the gathering, including
As Clinton announced commitments through the day, he also lobbied individuals in the room to donate, using his success stories of bringing back coffee and school rebuilding in
"There are many ways in which those of you who are here can help them. Even people with a modest amount of resources," he said as he announced the commitment by the group Para la Naturaleza to plant 750,000 trees to replace the millions of trees that
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