Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, met with representatives from the Caribbean this week as the region prepares for the COP 27 climate conference in Egypt.

Mr Roban travelled to Nassau in the Bahamas to take part in the First Regional Heads of Government meeting held under the chairmanship of Philip “Brave” Davis, the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, held in partnership with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Home Affairs said: “The primary purpose of the meeting is for island states to begin the process of having a unified regional position on the agenda to be discussed in Egypt in November.

“It brought together heads of Government, international finance partners, and relevant stakeholders to discuss the mitigation, adaptation and means of implementation.

“The overriding motive is to support the people and livelihoods of the numerous ocean states in the Caribbean region.”

The spokesman added that while the meeting was the first of it’s kind, it may be added to the UNFCCC calendar.

Mr Roban said the meeting was an “excellent opportunity for growing and fostering dialogue and networking with other Caribbean nations”.

He added: "It has allowed governments to advance meaningful partnerships and policy positions to address climate change, the concerns around it, and development in a sustainable manner, which is vital to the people of Bermuda.

“I also expressed my gratitude to the UN and Bahamian Government for including Bermuda and the other territories in this important meeting.

“Together we expressed a willingness to work as part of the region's effort and as part of the international island community to make a substantial impact at COP 27.”

Costs for Mr Roban’s travel, accommodations and meals were all covered by the UNFCCC.