Barbados took part in the 12th Italy–Latin America and Caribbean Ministerial Conference in Rome on October 7.
The event was led by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani. It brought together senior officials from across Latin America and the Caribbean to talk about trade and energy cooperation.
Barbados’ Ambassador to Rome, Matthew Wilson, spoke about the need for small island states to have steady access to energy. He said this was not only an economic matter but also a question of national security. He called for a move away from fossil fuels and toward clean sources like solar, wind, and ocean energy.
Ambassador Wilson thanked Italy for its help through the Caribbean Development Bank. He asked for more investment in renewable energy that is clean, efficient, and affordable. He also met with Italian officials to discuss appointing an Honorary Consul for Barbados, along with possible work together in legal training and climate financing.
These talks supported the Bridgetown Initiative 3.0, which aims to make funding more available for climate and energy projects. The next Ministerial Conference will be held in Latin America or the Caribbean in 2027.
Source: Barbados GIS.
