RC Trebucq’s Remarks at the Official Launch of the #ActNow SDG Branded Bus

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

•    Senator Dr. the Hon. Shantal Munro-Knight – Minister within the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for the SDGs

•    Mr. Randy Graham, CEO of CG United Insurance, our valued partner and sponsor, and other members of the CG United family

•    Lynda Holder, COO of the Barbados Transport Board and other representatives 

•    Other representatives of the Government 

•    Fellow UN Heads of Agencies and other colleagues

•    Distinguished guests

•    Members of the media

•    Ladies and gentlemen

Good morning. Welcome to UN House and I still think that I can wish you all a Happy New Year! 

It is with a sense of collective purpose that I join you today to officially launch Barbados’ first SDG-branded bus – a symbol of our shared commitment to a better future, fuelled by our valued partners, CG United Insurance and the Barbados Transport Board. I also wish to recognize the contribution of Opusseven, who worked closely with my team in finalizing the attractive design and artwork.  

So, today we launch more than a bus – we launch a movement. We launch a movement which every Barbadian, every man, woman, boy and girl can be a part of.

Because together we seek to inspire people everywhere to act for the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. [In keeping with PM Mottley doing the same in Barbados and the world as Co-Chair of the Sustainable Development Goals Advocates group, with the PM Trudeau of Canada.]

We hope that this rolling canvas that travels across this island, will spark conversations, raise awareness, and inspire individuals and communities to embrace the campaign and take steps towards a more sustainable future.

As UN Resident Coordinator, I'm not just grateful for CG United's partnership; I'm inspired by their steady commitment to #ActNow for the SDGs. Their sponsorship of this bus is a tangible example of the transformative power of private sector collaboration. This is proof that when companies step up - like CG United, the Barbados Transport Board, as well as FLOW and Massy Stores, who have also joined this campaign in Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the effects of positive change can touch countless peoples across our islands. 

Let's face it, things aren't perfect. Climate change threatens the region’s coral reefs and livelihoods, inequality casts long shadows. 

And UN SG Guterres said it last year at the SDG Summit, “progress on most of the SDGs is either moving much too slowly or has regressed below the 2015 baseline. Only 15% of the targets are on track and many are going in reverse.” 

But here's the good news: Every Barbadian, every global citizen, holds the power to change the story.

This is why I wish to commend the Government of Barbados under the leadership of the Prime Minister and my friend Minister Munro-Knight  for the commendable progress done here in Barbados on the SDGs. As Barbados is on track with most Goals; having half of 95 targets to be met by or before 2030, and some others needing acceleration. I also want to applaud all efforts done in partnerships with both government and civil society to raise awareness of all Barbadians as to why these goals are important. 

The SDGs – from cleaner air and safer cities to equality and better jobs – are a roadmap to a more just and equitable world for all. But progress is too slow worldwide.

We cannot afford to be complacent or wait for someone else to act. Each and every one of us has a role to play, and the time to act is now.

The electric bus, humming with clean energy - a testament to Prime Minister Mottley's vision is illustrative of Barbados' commitment to zero fossil fuels. Now, imagine the impact on sustainability of hundreds like these across the region.

Imagine farmers in Dominica and SVG sharing rainwater harvesting techniques, students in Grenada starting school gardens, businesses and homes in St. Lucia installing even more solar panels. That's the power of #ActNow - a million small waves building a tidal wave of change.

I therefore, encourage other members of the private sector to get on board with this campaign. Let’s aim higher to accelerate progress. 

Because this bus isn't just a ride; it's an invitation to climb aboard the #ActNow campaign, my friends.

So, visit the website, learn, share, and take action. 

Thank you.

Click here to view the event photo albums. 🎞️