Bryan spearheads Commonwealth climate change council

| 06/03/2018 | 65 Comments
Cayman News Service, Commonwealth climate change

MLA Kenneth Bryan pushes for a Commonwealth climate change council

(CNS): The independent member for George Town Central, Kenneth Bryan, has called on leaders across the Commonwealth to support the creation of a council to closely monitor the impact of climate change on member states to help prepare and mitigate for future challenges. Bryan has been in London over the last week representing Cayman at the first Commonwealth Parliamentarians’ Forum in London, where he joined forces with CPA Youth Delegate Fabian Frizell to spearhead the initiative as a way of consolidating resources and expertise to help member states navigate future natural disasters.

Despite being a novice politician, Bryan secured the support of 22 of the 25 countries attending the conference for his proposal, as well as the backing of UK government representatives and British Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn. Delegates from as far afield as Cameroon and New Zealand as well as regional countries such as Jamaica and Guyana have signed the promissory note drawn up by Bryan agreeing to lobby their own leaders to present the case at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April.

“Climate change and its effect are real,” Bryan said. “In order for us to limit any negative impact, we, the Commonwealth states, need to be ahead of the game in respect to information surrounding climate change. I believe this council can do just that.”

Speaking to CNS from London, Bryan said that the Cayman Islands are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels caused by climate change but there is very little up-to-date research and data available to tell us how the coastline is being impacted, what we can expect from storm surge in future and how we should be changing local building codes and environmental protections to help mitigate the worst impacts of coastal erosion.

“There is not enough being done locally to address this issue and as a low-lying country we will be impacted by rising sea levels. But I recognise the need for more resources, so I brought up the issue here at the Commonwealth meeting to garner wide support,” he said and pointed out that all of the member states were challenged by limited resources and data and coming together could help.

“The concept of a council would be beneficial to Cayman as well as the wider Commonwealth,” he said. “The intention is not to criticise the Cayman government for not doing enough but to recognise that together a council can do more for everyone by pooling resources and expertise,” he added.

When he attended the forum, Corbyn, the Labour leader, said he believed “the idea of a council of the Commonwealth promoting the climate change issue, as well as the disaster relief from hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, and all those things that unfortunately do happen, would be a great initiative”.

According to Bryan’s proposal, the council’s responsibilities would encompass the collection of data, monitoring and tracking of natural disasters and natural catastrophic events, connected to or caused by climate change. The aim is to raise awareness and assist with the preparedness and avoidance of natural disasters affecting Commonwealth members.

Most Commonwealth nations are impacted in one shape or form by hurricanes, tropical storms, earthquakes, rising water levels, flooding, temperature changes, tsunami, ocean acidification, monsoons and droughts. The council could advocate for a collective approach to understand the impact of these events.

The countries that signed are: St Lucia, Fiji, Jamaica, Kenya, UK, Cameroon, Zambia, Malawi, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Kiribati, Cayman Islands, Seychelles, India, Gambia, New Zealand, Malta, Canada, Guyana and Nauru.

Bryan attended the conference with his legislative colleague and government back-bencher David Wight, who also signed the promissory documents.

See the full proposal in the CNS Library

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Category: Science & Nature, Weather

Comments (65)

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  1. McCarron MCLAUGHLIN says:

    First it was global warming and that bs was debunked, now their pushing climate change. Look up in the sky tomorrow at that bright object called the sun and understand that is the driver of our universe not man made climate change.

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    • Diogenes says:

      You do realize Global warming was not “debunked” right. (of course you don’t) Scientists started referring to it “climate change” because that more accurately describes the occurrence.

      Our sun is one out of many trillions of stars, it drives our solar system not the universe (though I wasn’t expecting anything but misinformation from you)
      You clearly aren’t a man of science just stop commenting on science related articles and keep your conspiracies and ramblings to yourself

      Also I hope that isn’t your real name,
      Your parents must be so proud

      I shouldn’t have to say this, but looking at the sun without eye protection is a bad idea, you can destroy your eyes and become permanently blind, but good luck with that

      • Mac says:

        We do still have freedom of speech, don’t we? Who are you to tell me what I can say?

      • Anonymous says:

        Sorry guy, but you’re dead out of line on this one.

        Not only because of your laughable views on the global scam that is AGW / “climate change” (but I won’t spank you yet again with a counter-argument), but because of your arrogant and condescending attitude to the original poster – and frankly, any and everyone you consider to hold a view opposite to yours.

        Moreover, to insult a man and his parents on the basis of his name is the height of disrespect.

        Yes it is his name. How do I know? I know him personally.
        (Actually, it is at times like these when your claims of being a Caymanian are questionable, for this individual is very well known in our community.)

        Lastly, whether one supports his perspective or not, one thing that MM does is SIGN his name to his words – be them online, on paper, or in person.

        Love him or loathe him, the receiver will know exactly who he is.

        Think about that before you go running off at the mouth, “Diogenes”.

        – Who

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        • Anon. says:

          Says the proud son of the soil who never signs his own name. Ha ha. Me, as an expat, I can claim fear of retribution.

          • Anonymous says:

            What exactly was the point of your opening remark?

            The objective was to give kudos to MM for his stance – nothing to do with me at all.

            Btw, if you think an expat has more reason than a local to opt for anonymity in Cayman you are really lost at sea.

            – Who

  2. Anonymous says:

    Those with negative comments just show how little you know of how and why MLAs go on these trips. Whether or not you agree with climate change, if you look at the bigger picture I think this shows Mr Bryan’s ability to negotiate, create, be heard and get things done. He didn’t waste his trip he is putting Cayman on the map. The other commonwealth countries know who we are and have taken him seriously I think this alone is well accomplished and deserves some credit. Those who cannot take Mr Bryan seriously need to ask who takes themselves seriously.

    Caymanians please have the back’s of our own people, how can you complain about outsiders doing us wrong if you continue to knock us, disgusting.

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    • Anonymous says:

      The man is an idiot perusing accolades for being concerned about the climate…do something intelligent and stop the wanton destruction of Caymans mangroves, our only natural defence against global warming and rising sea levels……you will all be homeless in a century unless you instigate measures to deal with the consequences
      Stupid is as stupid does!

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    • Diogenes says:

      I wasn’t even critical of Mr Bryan (in this instance) but sorry all that bullshit about having the ” back’s of our own people” is pure foolishness, I hold our people to a HIGHER standard. No one is above reproach by virtue of being Caymanian, no one deserves to have pure praise because they are Caymanian and no one is going to have an easier time because they are Caymanian.
      If they do something praiseworthy then they will receive it, but that does not mean we should ignore the bad because they are one of us.

      We should aspire to more than just silently grouping together like a school of fish

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  3. MIke says:

    Kenneth is just trying to be relevant. No one in Cayman will take the guy seriously here so he had to use your money to fly and wine & dine in London for some BS climate change… has he heard of the Paris Accord?? I will always remember Kenneth as a young gangsta wanta be… he won the lottery getting elected.

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  4. Anonymous says:

    The perfect role for him. Bullshit all the way around.

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  5. Anonymous says:

    Surprised that this does not already exist. However, I highly recommend leading by example. Change your vehicle(s) to one that releases minimal or zero emissions.

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  6. Anonymous says:

    We already prepared we going higher.

  7. Anonymous says:

    We doing our part knocking down mangroves and filling in every low spot on the island.

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  8. Al Gore says:

    Thanks Kenny… Love having you on board

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  9. Anonymous says:

    Look so, and bleachin products can’t be good for the environment.

  10. Anonymous says:

    A bit rich to have the MLA that supports filthy two-stroke dirt bikes spearhead the commonwealth efforts as the spokesman on climate change. You can’t make this stuff up.

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  11. Mr. Niceguy says:

    Might I suggest that Mr. Bryan and anyone else interested in climate change take time to read articles on YouTube concerning Global Engineering and Chemtrails!

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    • Anonymous says:

      Well said. People need to educate themselves on what is really happening.

      Human interference with nature is a big issue.

      MEN trying to play GOD; fools!

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    • Mr. Niceguy says:

      Sorry, folks…… that should be “Geoengineering”, not “Global Engineering”.

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  12. Anonymous says:

    WTF does Climate Change have to do with solving GT’s poor peeps problems? Byran wasting time and creating more platforms of opportunity for him secure that monthly salary for the future. The reelection campaign has begun.

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    • Diogenes says:

      Hard to live in GT (poor or otherwise) if in 50 years the water is inside your house

      Then again, people on Cayman can’t plan for tomorrow, much less 50 years from now

      Diogenes

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      • Anonymous says:

        People in Cayman couldn’t plan for 50 minutes in time…..ignorance and stupidity are what’s required to halt rising sea levels …oh and sticking your head up your rich arse!

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  13. Anonymous says:

    Climate change? Seriously….

    Meanwhile, another armed robbery….home invasion…starving member of public…local without job in own country…what gives mate???

    Blimey.

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    • Anonymous says:

      What did David White do with his time in UK? Is not his district also in need of a lot of help? I hope he did something.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Don’t worry 6.44, all that crime gonna get washed away…soon come

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  14. Anonymous says:

    Good, now they can come up with a plan to control nuclear fusion at the sun and finally after millions of years of solar cycles, solve global climate change.

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  15. Anonymous says:

    I heard Kenneth talk about the need for this important council and used the recent tsunami alert as an example of potential climate change disasters. Well last time I checked the tsunami alert followed on the tail of a major earthquake. Unless Kenneth has completed some seriously groundbreaking research linking tsunamis and earthquakes to climate change I will assume this is simply another PR attention getting stunt that will amount to absolutely nothing. Kenneth needs to focus on GTC and the needs there before he rushes off to conquer the world. Next election he may find himself feeling like a deer in the headlights if he is not careful.

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  16. Anonymous says:

    Good initiative Mr. Bryan; especially on the international stage in representing Cayman…. but now your next hurdle is getting the Premier to listen to you and to make such plans become a reality!

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  17. Anonymous says:

    He was obviously well briefed.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Wonder who you think briefed him. .? I wish for once I could see some encouragement from caymanians for their own ,,..dear me ,what is really happening with us .had he gone there and said nothing it would be another story .get a grip people ,while we sit and and put down all the time, other nationalities are taken over .give the young man a break. Cha man ,wha wrong with us?

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  18. Anonymous says:

    Sorry but I just can’t take this guy seriously.

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    • Anonymous says:

      But you take the FCO seriously….LOL.

      Ignorance is bliss.

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    • Anonymous says:

      You should take him seriously he beat Marco Archer which should tell you a lot about how Caymanian voters felt about him and his disconnect from the grassroots

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      • #notmyrepresentative says:

        The same people who once elected Ellio Solomon and twice elected “Dr” Frank. Tells you a whole hell of a lot more about the electorate than it does anything else. Kenny fits right in.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Speaking of grass roots kenneth was born an raised on Shadden road .

  19. Anonymous says:

    Yay. We solved global warming now!

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  20. Anonymous says:

    But this government does not care about climate change or the environment just look at Capt E (apparently he also is an MLA) wouldn’t know what climate change even means

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    • D. Smith says:

      Global warming is a hoax! It is an excuse to get more dollars set aside for loser countries. Another tax!!!!!!
      Say no to global warming and other Al Gore made up nonsense. There is no proof of global warming. There is nothing we Caymanians can do to change the climate of the world. This is made up nonsense. Empty suits like Nobama.

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      • Anonymous says:

        yep its a big conspiracy involving the worlds best scientists…….zzzzzzz
        go back to your youtube conspiracy videos….

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      • Anonymous says:

        and the moon landing was faked too!!

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      • Anonymous says:

        For real. Thank you for stating the truth. Some people are so blind they believe any old foolishness!

        If it’s getting hotter then why the hell is it 77 degrees (F) at night for the past several nights in Cayman?

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        • Diogenes says:

          There it is that famous Caymanian smallmindedness (Island Mentality) Is Cayman the be all and end all for the world?
          While it might be unseasonably cool in Cayman at the moment did you know that the arctic is currently 45 degrees (F) warmer than average right now?

          Expand your mind past these tiny islands and think of the global effect
          Every bit counts

          Diogenes

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      • Diogenes says:

        “Global warming” has “no proof” despite consensus from thousands of scientists around the world countless studies and research initiatives
        Unless you somehow believe all the worlds scientists are in a global conspiracy, forgetting of course
        1 conspiracies can only get so big before someone inevitably reveals the truth
        2 you can collect and study this data YOURSELF and see for YOURSELF what they are talking about

        Forgetting the fact that we can look up into the night sky and see the effects of these gasses on the temperature of planets, Venus is the perfect example of the runaway greenhouse effect (unless of course you deny the existence of other planetary bodies as well)

        Not to forget the past 10 hottest years on record (globally) have all been in the last 20 years (4 out of the top 5 hottest years have been in the last 5 years, 2018 will likely be joining that list)

        Forgetting the evidence, all the same people who decry global warming (climate change) are the same ones who believe blindly in various organized religions (though in the west it is mainly Christianity) Remind me again how important evidence is to you? You need proof for climate change but not for your God?
        How convenient when it suits you, you can suspend your disbelief and go with whatever you want but when its outside of your interests you need more proof than there already is (in the case of climate change there is bucketloads of proof)

        Let’s just break this down

        God: has no proof or objective evidence, but proof is not necessary or required for belief, (persons like myself are ridiculed for questioning and being skeptical) but people believe wholeheartedly that one (or many) exists somewhere

        Climate Change: has lots of proof and objective evidence, but more proof is necessary and all current evidence is fabricated by definition, in some grand conspiracy, (persons like myself are ridiculed for believing in the logical and objective conclusion the evidence shows)

        Which one of us is being nonsensical?
        Clue: It ain’t me

        Exxon mobil’s perspective on climate change:
        http://corporate.exxonmobil.com/en/current-issues/climate-policy/climate-perspectives/our-position

        Diogenes

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        • D. Smith says:

          Diogenes? You state no proof of climate change. We have lots of proof of God. Climate change is another tax on countries that work. The tax is to support loser countries.

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          • Diogenes says:

            D. Smith? Where is your objective, observable proof for God?
            Do I actually have to list every study backing up climate change, there are literally thousands a quick search on Google would get you far more info that I could ever link to

            I suggest you stop drinking the conspiracy nut Kool-aid, and think for yourself

            • Anonymous says:

              You want proof of God ,when you die you will sure have enough then. Make your calling sure my dear,

          • Anonymous says:

            None so blind as those who will not see

  21. Anonymous says:

    Talk about hot air.

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  22. Junior says:

    He he

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  23. Anonymous says:

    the compass won’t like this….

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  24. Anonymous says:

    ROFLMAO!

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