Prime Minister Andrew Holness has stated that a comprehensive and targeted approach to accessing development finance is needed for small island states, in order to combat the effects of natural disasters in the region.

Speaking at the United Nation’s Annual General Assembly on Thursday (September 22), the Prime Minister cited the havoc wreaked by hurricane Fiona as it passed through the region.

Mr. Holness said greater effort must be made to aid countries without putting them in further debt.

He said access to development funds will enable investment in resilient infrastructure.

The Prime Minister noted that if there’s no acknowledgment that small island states are in need of access to funds, the countries will continue to suffer.

He said while small island states, like Jamaica are at the mercy of climate change impacts, co-operation from other countries will help in withstanding shocks.