DPM Cordel Hyde Addresses G-77 in Havana

Cordel Hyde

While Prime Minister John Briceño addressed the United Nations earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde is in Havana, Cuba where he also addressed a gathering of over one hundred members of the Group of Seventy-seven, also known as the G-77, plus China.  During his speech, the DPM touched on the climate crisis, as well as the decades long blockade on Cuba.

Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister

“It’s an awesome evening when over a hundred members of the G-77, plus China can gather and agree on a way forward that prioritizes the use of science and technology and innovation for our collective development.  But, for meaningful development to take place, the existing international financial institutions and the developed world must assess cruel and unfair classifications, give flesh to the word when it comes to pledges of grants and assistance for the developing world, action must follow words.  I mean, how much longer will we continue to see the damning and ominous effects of the climate crisis before the developed countries act with alacrity and decisiveness and the steely purpose that is required when our very existence is under threat.  I mean, it’s not like they don’t know this.  They know this, they speak this but they don’t do this.  It is clear that we the leaders of the developing countries often understand the issues, crave the solutions, know the best practices, but individually, many times they are not able to afford those solutions.  This topic is not new to us.  The framework for the application of science technology and innovation already exists via the Paris Agreement and the global digital compact.  Much has been accomplished to UNESCO, UNCTAD, UNIDO and others too numerous to name and we know more can be achieved through efficacy.  But that’s the feel good part of it.  It’s uncomfortable for me to be here discussing in comfort this laudable idea of us working towards a more equitable world where citizens have the opportunity to thrive and add value to their communities when right at this very moment there are arbitrary, unilateral, coercive and immoral blockades on this here country and too many others.”