afghan officials say the taliban have seized the south—west city of zaranj, the first provincial capital to fall to the militants for five years. during a un emergency meeting to discuss the worsening violence, its envoy to the region demanded the militants end their offensive. nearly half the regions in greece are on high alert as the worst wildfires in decades rage across the country. the government has issued a warning about a second wave of blazes as strong winds whip up many of the fires that were being brought under control. the penultimate day of action at the olympics is underway in tokyo. kenya's peresjepchirchir has won the women's marathon, claiming the country's second consecutive gold medal in the event. later, medals will also be up for grabs in basketball, volleyball and golf. now on bbc news,

global questions. hello and welcome to global questions, with me, zeinab badawi, from barbados. i am questions, with me, zeinab badawi, from barbados. iam in the capital, bridgetown, outside parliament overlooking independent square. in november this year barbados marks its 55th in a bursary of becoming a republic. queen elizabeth will no longer be head of state. what does this tell us about the identity and future of barbados and the rest of the region? the caribbean has been very badly affected by the economic fallout of covid and people are looking to their political leaders for solutions. that is global questions, lessons from barbados.

iam now i am now here at the 18th—century george washington house, one of the finest historic buildings in barbados, and i amjoined by historic buildings in barbados, and i am joined by a local audience who are going to be putting their questions to their prime minister, the honourable mia mottley. and mia , i should say that you are also the minister of finance, economic affairs and investment in barbados, so a very busy lady. you have had a series of career first. lady. you have had a series of careerfirst. you lady. you have had a series of career first. you are lady. you have had a series of careerfirst. you are not lady. you have had a series of career first. you are not only the first female prime minister in barbados, you are also the first woman to have led the opposition and to have held the post of attorney general. so a lot to live up to there. prime minister, welcome to you. thank ou. and minister, welcome to you. thank yom and to _ minister, welcome to you. thank you. and to all _ minister, welcome to you. thank you. and to all of _ minister, welcome to you. thank you. and to all of you. _ you. and to all of you. remember, _ you. and to all of you. remember, you - you. and to all of you. remember, you can . you. and to all of you. l remember, you can join you. and to all of you. - remember, you can join the remember, you canjoin the conversation at the hashtag #bbcglobalquestions. thank you.

let's get down to our first question, prime minister. what do you want to ask mia mottley? matter prime minister, what is barbados hoping to achieve when it becomes a republic? to barbados hoping to achieve when it becomes a republic?— it becomes a republic? to be able to settle _ it becomes a republic? to be able to settle for _ it becomes a republic? to be able to settle for our - it becomes a republic? to be able to settle for our citizens| able to settle for our citizens once — able to settle for our citizens once and _ able to settle for our citizens once and for all that they do not and _ once and for all that they do not and will not be inferior to anyone — not and will not be inferior to anyone on_ not and will not be inferior to anyone on this earth. we have for too — anyone on this earth. we have for too long had to accept the fact that _ for too long had to accept the fact that the head of state of this country is somebody who we don't _ this country is somebody who we don't choose. we have no say in how _ don't choose. we have no say in how they — don't choose. we have no say in how they are appointed and it causes — how they are appointed and it causes us _ how they are appointed and it causes us to feel in many instances that there are two sets — instances that there are two sets of— instances that there are two sets of people. we hope to bring — sets of people. we hope to bring this to an end, and we hope — bring this to an end, and we twpe that— bring this to an end, and we hope that it will give the confidence and the sense of high — confidence and the sense of high self—esteem that our citizens— high self—esteem that our citizens need in order to be able — citizens need in order to be able to— citizens need in order to be able to be more productive and in order— able to be more productive and in order to _ able to be more productive and in order to be able to chart our— in order to be able to chart our own_ in order to be able to chart our own destiny. when you look at our— our own destiny. when you look at our history and how we got here — at our history and how we got here then _ at our history and how we got here then you realise that having _

here then you realise that having a _ here then you realise that having a head of state who is a horr- _ having a head of state who is a non— barbadian is an anachronism that this country can no— anachronism that this country can no longer afford to carry. and — can no longer afford to carry. and secondly, that we use this opportunity to be able to set the tone _ opportunity to be able to set the tone and to create the framework for establishing once and for— framework for establishing once and for all who we want to be and _ and for all who we want to be and what _ and for all who we want to be and what we want to stand for. that _ and what we want to stand for. that requires a change in not just— that requires a change in not just form _ that requires a change in not just form but substance. to that — just form but substance. to that extent, therefore, we are not only— that extent, therefore, we are not only changing the head of state — not only changing the head of state. we hope to be able to start — state. we hope to be able to start the _ state. we hope to be able to start the discussion for a new constitution, but a new constitution, but a new constitution that looks at the different roles, responsibilities and indeed rights _ responsibilities and indeed rights of citizens. but before you even _ rights of citizens. but before you even get there, i think we need — you even get there, i think we need to— you even get there, i think we need to settle a document that says. _ need to settle a document that says, look, this is who we are. this— says, look, this is who we are. this is— says, look, this is who we are. this is what— says, look, this is who we are. this is what we stand for. and on our— this is what we stand for. and on our own— this is what we stand for. and on our ownjourney here this is what we stand for. and on our own journey here as a government, we did something similar— government, we did something similar irr— government, we did something similar in 2016 with a covenant of hope — similar in 2016 with a covenant of hope. we want to be able to let people know that nation—building is not a

passive _ nation—building is not a passive act. it is very much an active — passive act. it is very much an active entity, and if it is active. _ active entity, and if it is active, then we need to know who— active, then we need to know who we — active, then we need to know who we are and what we stand for. �* �* , ., who we are and what we stand for. �* �* i. ,, ., for. all right. but you know, mia mottley. _ for. all right. but you know, mia mottley, there - for. all right. but you know, mia mottley, there are - for. all right. but you know, | mia mottley, there are those for. all right. but you know, i mia mottley, there are those in barbados who say look, the queen is a very benign presence, and secondly, you havejust presence, and secondly, you have just decided to do this. you haven't put this to a referendum.— you haven't put this to a referendum. ~ , ., ., referendum. well, first of all, an one referendum. well, first of all, anyone who — referendum. well, first of all, anyone who tells _ referendum. well, first of all, anyone who tells you - referendum. well, first of all, anyone who tells you that - anyone who tells you that doesn't _ anyone who tells you that doesn't know the history of this— doesn't know the history of this country. we have been discussing republic now since the late — discussing republic now since the late 1990s, and the 1998 constitutional reform commission that was led by say henry ford and was a broad civil— henry ford and was a broad civil society and across all political _ civil society and across all political parties, recommended yet again— political parties, recommended yet again that this is the direction in which we go. we actuaiiy- _ direction in which we go. we actuaiiy- i— direction in which we go. we actually— i was attorney general _ actually— i was attorney general when we looked at the issue _ general when we looked at the issue of— general when we looked at the issue of a — general when we looked at the issue of a referendum, and then all political parties and all other— all political parties and all other elements of civil society have _ other elements of civil society have more or less in the last 20 years— have more or less in the last 20 years said this is a time that— 20 years said this is a time that has— 20 years said this is a time that has come, and that we don't — that has come, and that we don't need any more discussion. and let — don't need any more discussion.

and let me — don't need any more discussion. and let me be very clear — our determination that we want to be the — determination that we want to be the very best that we can be is hot _ be the very best that we can be is not a — be the very best that we can be is not a reflection to denigrate anyone. and we have utmost— denigrate anyone. and we have utmost respect for the royal family, _ utmost respect for the royal family, utmost respect for her majesty, — family, utmost respect for her majesty, utmost respect for prince — majesty, utmost respect for prince charles, who is a great friend — prince charles, who is a great friend of— prince charles, who is a great friend of barbados. but equally, we have utmost love for our— equally, we have utmost love for our people and ourselves. wheh — for our people and ourselves. when we _ for our people and ourselves. when we look into the mirror, the image _ when we look into the mirror, the image that we need to see is somebody who is capable of being — is somebody who is capable of being able to rise to the top of this— being able to rise to the top of this country's officers and as a — of this country's officers and as a non—executive president capable — as a non—executive president capable of reflecting the best of who — capable of reflecting the best of who we are and understanding what _ of who we are and understanding what we — of who we are and understanding what we face every day. all ri . ht. what we face every day. all right- very _ what we face every day. iii. right. very quickly, what about the commonwealth? could you leave that to?— leave that to? absolutely not. we believe — leave that to? absolutely not. we believe in _ leave that to? absolutely not. we believe in the _ leave that to? absolutely not. - we believe in the commonwealth, and as— we believe in the commonwealth, and as you — we believe in the commonwealth, and as you know, there are many, _ and as you know, there are many, many african countries that— many, many african countries that are — many, many african countries that are republics within the commonwealth, and there are caribbean countries as well. dominica _ caribbean countries as well. dominica is a republic, trinidad & tobago is a republic. they are all in the commonwealth. diana.

regrettably, these are some of theissues regrettably, these are some of the issues —— guyana. and these are red _ the issues —— guyana. and these are red herrings that people float — are red herrings that people float out there to determine whether— float out there to determine whether this is a good thing or a bad — whether this is a good thing or a bad thing, but we're not leaving _ a bad thing, but we're not leaving the commonwealth. in leaving the commonwealth. in fact, leaving the commonwealth. fact, we leaving the commonwealth. in fact, we have a question leaving the commonwealth. ii�*u fact, we have a question about the commonwealth from pierre cook. ,., the commonwealth from pierre cook. , ., ., ., cook. going forward, will the commonwealth _ cook. going forward, will the commonwealth still - cook. going forward, will the commonwealth still be - cook. going forward, will the commonwealth still be our . cook. going forward, will the i commonwealth still be our main international platform or will you look for other international partners? the commonwealth _ international partners? the commonwealth will - international partners? the commonwealth will continue to be one — commonwealth will continue to be one of— commonwealth will continue to be one of our key platforms on which — be one of our key platforms on which we — be one of our key platforms on which we function. it has never been _ which we function. it has never been the — which we function. it has never been the only one. in fact, the main _ been the only one. in fact, the main one — been the only one. in fact, the main one is— been the only one. in fact, the main one is caribbean community. we have determined that among ourselves within the region. — that among ourselves within the region, we will treat each other— region, we will treat each other better and stronger than any other— other better and stronger than any other group —— caricom. that— any other group —— caricom. that is— any other group —— caricom. that is why we have the caricom single _ that is why we have the caricom single market and single economy, no different from the european — economy, no different from the european union, no different now— european union, no different now from _ european union, no different now from africa with the africa free trade _ now from africa with the africa free trade area. equally, we are a — free trade area. equally, we are a key— free trade area. equally, we are a key member of the organisation of african caribbean and pacific states, and those are partners across

the atlantic, across the pacific. _ the atlantic, across the pacific, and those are critical especially in today's age. let me give _ especially in today's age. let me give you an example. we have been _ me give you an example. we have been talking, for example, about— been talking, for example, about the impact of climate on small— about the impact of climate on small island developing states. both come to the conclusion that— both come to the conclusion that we _ both come to the conclusion that we are not heard and not seen. — that we are not heard and not seen. and _ that we are not heard and not seen, and therefore we are changing _ seen, and therefore we are changing the narrative to between the tropics of cancer and capricorn, because those are the — and capricorn, because those are the countries that are going _ are the countries that are going to _ are the countries that are going to be affected in the climate _ going to be affected in the climate crisis. once we do that, _ climate crisis. once we do that, our— climate crisis. once we do that, our colleagues in africa become _ that, our colleagues in africa become our natural allies. our colleagues in the pacific become a natural allies. and to that extent, whether it is the commonwealth or the acp or acp as it is _ commonwealth or the acp or acp as it is now— commonwealth or the acp or acp as it is now called, or whether it is— as it is now called, or whether it is aosis, _ as it is now called, or whether it is aosis, the alliance of small— it is aosis, the alliance of small island states, we will have — small island states, we will have multiple entities in which we operate, including of course the united nations. the we operate, including of course the united nations.— the united nations. the united nations. yes. _ the united nations. the united nations. yes. i— the united nations. the united nations. yes. i was _ the united nations. the united nations. yes. i was going - the united nations. the united nations. yes. i was going to i nations. yes. i was going to brin: nations. yes. i was going to bring un _ nations. yes. i was going to bring up the _ nations. yes. i was going to bring up the united - nations. yes. i was going to bring up the united states, because of course the caribbean is america's backyard. two we don't like to say that, it gives the wrong impression.

yes, true. you are in america's neighbourhood because at its closest point it is only 70 kilometres from cuba to the united states. seven military us bases are here in the caribbean. but people are beginning to wonder whether you are looking further east. we had a question on social media, prime minister, which says i honestly would like to know why we in barbados are so ingratiate it with china. why are we in so deep with china? so are you swapping one superpower for another? well, once again _ superpower for another? well, once again i — superpower for another? well, once again i regret _ superpower for another? well, once again i regret that - superpower for another? well, once again i regret that the - once again i regret that the person— once again i regret that the person who asked the question doesn't — person who asked the question doesn't know our history. in 1977. — doesn't know our history. in 1977, barbados established relations with the people's republic of china. this is 44 years— republic of china. this is 44 years ago, and therefore to suggest _ years ago, and therefore to suggest that we are now seeking to ingratiate ourselves with china — to ingratiate ourselves with china means that you don't understand where we've come from _ understand where we've come from or— understand where we've come from or what we are doing. any country— from or what we are doing. any country that lives in this world _ country that lives in this world today, that exist in this world, — world today, that exist in this world, or— world today, that exist in this world, orto world today, that exist in this world, or to have relations with— world, or to have relations with every country. and china is clearly _ with every country. and china is clearly a _

with every country. and china is clearly a global power. and for us — is clearly a global power. and for us not _ is clearly a global power. and for us not to have a relationship with china, even if we — relationship with china, even if we didn't have 147 years ago. — if we didn't have 147 years ago, would be foolish. but ou've ago, would be foolish. but you've been _ ago, would be foolish. but you've been very - ago, would be foolish. elf you've been very complimentary about china. you had a phone conversation with president xi jinping recently. you said this is about strengthening the relationship with china in 2019. the government signed up to the bri, the big infrastructure projects, and so on. some people are suspicious. they think that china wants to buy the family silver. let they think that china wants to buy the family silver.- buy the family silver. let us ut it buy the family silver. let us put it this — buy the family silver. let us put it this way. _ buy the family silver. let us put it this way. we - buy the family silver. let us put it this way. we have - buy the family silver. let us| put it this way. we have also been — put it this way. we have also been very— put it this way. we have also been very common entry of the americans— been very common entry of the americans and the british and canadians. so for me not to be common— canadians. so for me not to be common entry of china seems unusual — common entry of china seems unusual. secondly, for persons who— unusual. secondly, for persons who believe that because we want — who believe that because we want to _ who believe that because we want to be friendly with china means— want to be friendly with china means that whereupon tells us what _ means that whereupon tells us what they think about us in the first place. because we are capable _ first place. because we are capable of being, as our first prime — capable of being, as our first prime minister said, friends of all and — prime minister said, friends of all and satellites of none. but it is notjust _ all and satellites of none. emit it is notjust barbados that is moving closer to china. it is the whole of the caribbean. trio. the whole of the caribbean. no, it is the whole _

the whole of the caribbean. no, it is the whole world. investment from china has gone up investment from china has gone up manyfold in the last five years. up manyfold in the last five ears. ., . y up manyfold in the last five ears. ., . , ~ years. collectively, ithink the chinese _ years. collectively, ithink the chinese will _ years. collectively, ithink the chinese will enlarge i years. collectively, ithinkj the chinese will enlarge % provide _ the chinese will enlarge % provide assets from the innate states — provide assets from the innate states of— provide assets from the innate states of america and a large amount— states of america and a large amount of treasury as well. for you to — amount of treasury as well. for you to focus on the caribbean or africa _ you to focus on the caribbean or africa with china, without recognising the role that china is playing in europe or in the north— is playing in europe or in the north atlantic countries, is a bit disingenuous. it really reflects _ bit disingenuous. it really reflects more that we are seen as pawns, _ reflects more that we are seen as pawns, regrettably, rather than— as pawns, regrettably, rather than countries with equal capacity to determine our destiny— capacity to determine our destiny and to be part and parcel— destiny and to be part and parcel of that global conversation defied the global issues — conversation defied the global issues of the day, like climate and the — issues of the day, like climate and the pandemic. all issues of the day, like climate and the pandemic.— and the pandemic. all right, well, and the pandemic. all right, well. that's _ and the pandemic. all right, well, that's put _ and the pandemic. all right, well, that's put me - and the pandemic. all right, well, that's put me in - and the pandemic. all right, well, that's put me in my i well, that's put me in my place, hasn't it? prime minister mia mottley, thank you. minister mia mottley, thank ou. ., ., minister mia mottley, thank ou. ., ., ., minister mia mottley, thank ou. ., ., ., , ., we you. not at all, my dear. we will no you. not at all, my dear. we will go to _ you. not at all, my dear. we will go to the _ you. not at all, my dear. we will go to the next _ you. not at all, my dear. we will go to the next question | you. not at all, my dear. we l will go to the next question to provide me with a bit of relief. kevon henry, your question please.- question please. prime minister. _ question please. prime minister, you _ question please. prime minister, you have - question please. prime l minister, you have added question please. prime - minister, you have added a voice to the global discussion and reparations. we can agree that reparations are due to

african descendants and to their nationstates. how do you view what mechanisms should be used in handling the issue of reparations? let used in handling the issue of reparations?— used in handling the issue of reparations? let us start from the perspective _ reparations? let us start from the perspective that _ the perspective that reparations for us is not a barbadian issue alone. this is a caricom issue and there is a ten point — a caricom issue and there is a ten point caricom plan. barbados, and at this moment i happen— barbados, and at this moment i happen to — barbados, and at this moment i happen to be the prime minister, has lead responsibility for reparations in caricom. i am not surprised because — in caricom. i am not surprised because we were that country where — because we were that country where the modern expression racism — where the modern expression racism took form, regrettably, in the — racism took form, regrettably, in the 17th— racism took form, regrettably, in the 17th century and on the 18th — in the 17th century and on the 18th century. in the 17th century and on the 18th century-— in the 17th century and on the 18th century. because barbados is the first british _ 18th century. because barbados is the first british slave - is the first british slave society. is the first british slave society-— is the first british slave socie . , , ., ., is the first british slave socie , ., ., ., society. absolutely, and a lot ofthe society. absolutely, and a lot of the laws — society. absolutely, and a lot of the laws and _ society. absolutely, and a lot of the laws and a _ society. absolutely, and a lot of the laws and a lot - society. absolutely, and a lot of the laws and a lot of- society. absolutely, and a lot of the laws and a lot of the i of the laws and a lot of the iniquitous practices came out of here _ iniquitous practices came out of here. and that's why you've heard — of here. and that's why you've heard me _ of here. and that's why you've heard me say that while our parliament has had broken service _ parliament has had broken service that we have both seen as an _ service that we have both seen as an instrument of oppression, but it— as an instrument of oppression, but it is— as an instrument of oppression, but it is now a tool of empowerment in the last 80 or so years — empowerment in the last 80 or so years. we start from that perspective. reparations for us is a development issue and it

is a development issue and it is one — is a development issue and it is one we _ is a development issue and it is one we believe his time has come — is one we believe his time has come 20 _ is one we believe his time has come. 20 years ago, when we first— come. 20 years ago, when we first started having this discussion, people would love us out — discussion, people would love us out of— discussion, people would love us out of the room. when emancipation came, there was a compensation of slave owners of £20 million. we asked ourselves today— £20 million. we asked ourselves today when these countries became _ today when these countries became independent, what was the development compact given to us? _ the development compact given to us? we got no development compact — to us? we got no development compact to help us with housing or education or health, but all of the — or education or health, but all of the wealth that was extracted from these countries for centuries were used to build _ for centuries were used to build the monumental edifices that we — build the monumental edifices that we see all across europe and north america.— that we see all across europe and north america. when the british were _ and north america. when the british were asked _ and north america. when the british were asked for- british were asked for compensation, like the slaveowners were, they were told your freedom is your compensation. how about that? and that once again is an offhand _ and that once again is an offhand comment that causes us to feel— offhand comment that causes us to feel that you think we are pawns — to feel that you think we are pawns are not human beings. we say simply, — pawns are not human beings. we say simply, look, we're not seeking _ say simply, look, we're not seeking to do anything that is unusual, _ seeking to do anything that is unusual, but we believe that

our people have a right to development. and therefore we feel that — development. and therefore we feel that there is need for a conversation, particularly for the developing countries of the world, — the developing countries of the world, who were made victims for centuries of the extraction of wealth— for centuries of the extraction of wealth on a continuous basis _ of wealth on a continuous basis. �* , ., ., of wealth on a continuous basis. �*, ., ., ., ~ basis. let's go to ian melville now, he wants _ basis. let's go to ian melville now, he wants to _ basis. let's go to ian melville now, he wants to ask - basis. let's go to ian melville now, he wants to ask a - basis. let's go to ian melville i now, he wants to ask a question about the economy. just before he speaks i should say to you, prime minister, that guy hewitt from the opposition here in barbados says all this talk about the republic and so on is just a convenient distraction from covid and the economic crisis. that's what he said. well, a man who served on the commission to the uk whose sole claim _ commission to the uk whose sole claim to _ commission to the uk whose sole claim to fame is that i would say so — claim to fame is that i would say so about a republic. i don't _ say so about a republic. i don't have a difficulty with that _ don't have a difficulty with that. , , don't have a difficulty with that. , _ , , ., that. ok, but he says it is a distraction _ that. ok, but he says it is a distraction from _ that. ok, but he says it is a distraction from the - that. ok, but he says it is a i distraction from the economic crisis here, so let's hear about the economic crisis. good afternoon. _ about the economic crisis. good afternoon, prime _ about the economic crisis. good afternoon, prime minister. - about the economic crisis. good afternoon, prime minister. 0ne| afternoon, prime minister. one also— afternoon, prime minister. one also a _ afternoon, prime minister. one also a year— afternoon, prime minister. one also a year ago is you announce the grouping of individuals who would — the grouping of individuals who would get together to look for new ideas and directions for our economy. since then it

seems _ our economy. since then it seems to— our economy. since then it seems to have been very quiet. where — seems to have been very quiet. where are — seems to have been very quiet. where are we in this subject? not in — where are we in this subject? not in the _ where are we in this subject? not in the public domain? we are still on — not in the public domain? we are still on it, _ not in the public domain? - are still on it, on renewable energy for example we have just gotten a major study completed that looks at the issue of offshore energy that would see i offshore energy that would see 1 billion us dollars of investment that would help us meet the 2030 target fairness with respect to tourism, the minister for tourism with respect to tourism, the ministerfor tourism is here and she will tell you that covid, covid, covid. covid, covid, covid, covid. covid, covid, covid. the bottom line is that even as we have begun to reopen we look at the performance figures of all tourism and travel —dependent economies last year. the only countries that did as bad or worse than us were war—torn countries. collectively the impact has been horrific because when you then start to look at the reduced demand for food and reduce demand for goods and services across the board you then see other parts of the economy suffering. but ou are of the economy suffering. but you are laying _ of the economy suffering. but you are laying the problems at the door of covid. the covid

crisis and the impact it has had on tourism. obviously that has decimated here but you have known for a long time prime minister and they've been talking in barbados about diversifying the economy. 40% of your gdp is from tourism. which is much higher than the average for the whole caribbean region which is about 17%. 40% of yourjobs are tourism. you have known this for a long time, you need to diversify. and that is exactly what we're trying to do. remember i inherited a that for 40 or 50 years relied on vacation. so let's get to it. this barbados will never be able to compete with high volume low value manufacturing. we need to go after high—value manufacturing and we need to go after research.— and we need to go after research. �* , ., ., ., research. but you need to grow what ou research. but you need to grow what you eat- _ research. but you need to grow what you eat. i _ research. but you need to grow what you eat. i am _ research. but you need to grow what you eat. i am coming - research. but you need to grow what you eat. i am coming to i what you eat. i am coming to that. what you eat. i am coming to that- you _ what you eat. i am coming to that. you are _ what you eat. i am coming to that. you are coming - what you eat. i am coming to that. you are coming to - that. you are coming to everything _ that. you are coming to everything when - that. you are coming to everything when i - that. you are coming to everything when i say i that. you are coming to | everything when i say it. that. you are coming to - everything when i say it. 8096 everything when i say it. 80% of the food consumed in barbados is imported. you need to produce _ barbados is imported. you need to produce what _ barbados is imported. you need to produce what you _ barbados is imported. you need to produce what you consume. i to produce what you consume. and that is exactly what we

have been doing. what have we been doing? the government has spentjust under $10 million doing a series of dams across the country so that what we are responding to first and foremost is correcting decades of ignoring the critical aspects that are necessary in order to increase food production. we have had some interruptions. the worst asphalt in 119 years in the west hurricane nate 66. i would call it a trifecta. ads, west hurricane nate 66. i would call it a trifecta.— call it a trifecta. a triple whammy- _ call it a trifecta. a triple whammy. so _ call it a trifecta. a triple whammy. so you - call it a trifecta. a triple whammy. so you need. call it a trifecta. a triple l whammy. so you need to call it a trifecta. a triple - whammy. so you need to cut your prime minister some slack. i prime minister some slack. i call it the trifecta. that will do, thank you. let's go to our next question.— do, thank you. let's go to our next question. good afternoon. prime minister, _ next question. good afternoon. prime minister, what _ next question. good afternoon. prime minister, what matters i prime minister, what matters would — prime minister, what matters would you put in place to help with _ would you put in place to help with youth unemployment? let�*s with youth unemployment? let's rive out with youth unemployment? let's give out the _ with youth unemployment? let's give out the figure. _ with youth unemployment? let's give out the figure. it _ with youth unemployment? let's give out the figure. it is - give out the figure. it is about 32% as opposed to the national average of 17%. the

national average of 17%. the national about _ national average of 17%. the national about 17.5%. - national average of 17%. he national about 17.5%. 17.5%. so, look... the one of great problems that we have had now is being able to find jobs across the board. and because of the implosion and the private economy in particular, what we're doing is trying to run a fiscal deficit, a lot of fancy language for the fact the government will have to step in and create the project in order to be able to allow people to go forward. we also recognise that barbados is simply a hub on this globe and therefore we are not looking only to the economic activity within barbados to create opportunity for our young people to get work and it is to that extent, training and training becomes absolutely critical. education and training. the first thing we did as a government was to reintroduce free education a territory level for our young people because without those skills than they would be hewers of wood and drawers of

water. that is not what we want. we want caribbean people to do work in africa, in europe, to work from anywhere, both from here or if they have to travel. similarly we recognise that, as i said, tourism alone will not do it and young people with technology and capital will be at the forefront of agriculture and at the forefront of the digital economy and the creation of app and other things that can help a wider population base than the 300,000 we have here or the base that we have within caricom. base that we have within caricom— base that we have within caricom. , ., caricom. our next question. first i caricom. our next question. first i just — caricom. our next question. first ijust want _ caricom. our next question. first i just want to _ caricom. our next question. first i just want to say - caricom. our next question. first i just want to say a - first ijust want to say a public— first ijust want to say a public thank you because i am a beneficiary of the free education and one of the contractualjobs you have created _ contractualjobs you have created for young people so i want — created for young people so i want to — created for young people so i want to publicly thank you for that — want to publicly thank you for that. ., ., ., ., ., ., , that. you have a lot of fans here today. _ that. you have a lot of fans here today, prime - that. you have a lot of fans| here today, prime minister. that. you have a lot of fans - here today, prime minister. my ruestion here today, prime minister. ij�*i�*i question today here today, prime minister. m question today is

here today, prime minister. vj�*i1: question today is about here today, prime minister. m1 question today is about climate change, however.— question today is about climate change, however. how big a risk do ou change, however. how big a risk do you see _ change, however. how big a risk do you see climate _ change, however. how big a risk do you see climate change - change, however. how big a risk do you see climate change is - change, however. how big a risk do you see climate change is to| do you see climate change is to barbados— do you see climate change is to barbados and the region and how do you _ barbados and the region and how do you see your policies and plans— do you see your policies and plans positively affecting us in the — plans positively affecting us in the next 5—10 years or so? it in the next 5—10 years or so? it is — in the next 5—10 years or so? it is huge _ in the next 5—10 years or so? it is huge. let's not delude ourselves. we see and feel it all the time. and i call the drought in the saga that is the sargasso seaweed that is washing up and it is toxic and all over. it washing up and it is toxic and all over. , ., washing up and it is toxic and allover. , ., ., all over. it is not good for the ecosystem. _ all over. it is not good for the ecosystem. it - all over. it is not good for the ecosystem. it is - all over. it is not good for the ecosystem. it is not i all over. it is not good for - the ecosystem. it is not good for those _ the ecosystem. it is not good for those who _ the ecosystem. it is not good for those who live _ the ecosystem. it is not good for those who live on - the ecosystem. it is not good for those who live on the - the ecosystem. it is not good. for those who live on the coast or do their business on the coast. ., ., ., ,., or do their business on the coast. ., ., ., i: , ., coast. you have about 5096 of our population _ coast. you have about 5096 of our population is _ coast. you have about 5096 of our population is coastal. - coast. you have about 5096 of our population is coastal. the average across the caribbean is about 70%. average across the caribbean is about 7096-— about 7096. and that is why i have also — about 7096. and that is why i have also established - about 7096. and that is why i have also established a - have also established a minister of maritime affairs in the economy because our maritime jurisdiction the economy because our maritimejurisdiction is the economy because our maritime jurisdiction is 424 times the size of our land and

we need to manage both. natural disasters are a big issue for all the caribbean. the chronic and cds other— all the caribbean. the chronic and cds other droughts - all the caribbean. the chronic and cds other droughts in - all the caribbean. the chronic and cds other droughts in the saga some seaweed and those things that hit us every day, every day. the hurricane is what catches the attention of the bbc because that is a heart attack and it comes at you. but the point i'm making is that we are fighting this daily. this is not something thatjust comes in the middle of summer as do the wildfires in california or as do the floods in europe. we are literally fighting this daily. and, regrettably, the world came together in paris and said we will put some financing together to help people with adaptation. it has not happened. i am adaptation. it has not happened. iam hopeful that adaptation. it has not happened. i am hopeful that the united kingdom are leading the effort in glasgow will start to make a difference in terms of access to financing in respect to how we build adaptation and

deal with adaptation. that to how we build adaptation and deal with adaptation.— deal with adaptation. at the same time _ deal with adaptation. at the same time i _ deal with adaptation. at the same time i home - deal with adaptation. at the same time i home hopeful. deal with adaptation. at the i same time i home hopefulthat same time i home hopeful that many young people will getjobs because there has to be an adjustment of how we build on what we do to prepare ourselves for these new areas of activity that are on the frontline because of the crisis. that is when water is an issue in this country and that is where food security is an issue that has to be resolved in how we settle, how we augment our water supply. i settle, how we augment our water supply-_ settle, how we augment our water supply. i know you could to on water supply. i know you could go on but _ water supply. i know you could go on but we _ water supply. i know you could go on but we haven't _ water supply. i know you could go on but we haven't got - water supply. i know you could j go on but we haven't got time. thank you for answering the question _ thank you for answering the question. just one follow—up. i know— question. just one follow—up. i know you — question. just one follow—up. i know you have a lot of advocates and youth advocates and you — advocates and youth advocates and you have health advocates, sorry~ _ and you have health advocates, sorry. gender advocates and i 'ust sorry. gender advocates and i just think— sorry. gender advocates and i just think it is about time that— just think it is about time that we _ just think it is about time that we as a government and a people — that we as a government and a people and a nation strengthen our climate change. is people and a nation strengthen our climate change.— our climate change. is that a aood our climate change. is that a good idea? _ our climate change. is that a good idea? at _ our climate change. is that a good idea? at the _ our climate change. is that a good idea? at the high - our climate change. is that a i good idea? at the high informal levels we have but where we need it now for it to become mass based so that the average

young person will feel that this is a matter that bothers and affects them. it this is a matter that bothers and affects them.— and affects them. it sounds like the prime _ and affects them. it sounds like the prime minister i and affects them. it sounds| like the prime minister likes your idea. you can have a chat with her later, may be. put forward and volunteer. final question. forward and volunteer. final question-— forward and volunteer. final cuestion. ., question. good afternoon, prime minister. you _ question. good afternoon, prime minister. you mentioned - question. good afternoon, prime minister. you mentioned the i minister. you mentioned the constitution earlier so my question is that if the new republic constitution will be amended to include the right clauses — amended to include the right clauses as well as the removal of discriminant tree laws, laws that affect people such as the disabled, lgbt queue and homeless persons. a disabled, lgbt queue and homeless persons.- disabled, lgbt queue and homeless persons. a lot of questions _ homeless persons. a lot of questions there _ homeless persons. a lot of questions there in - homeless persons. a lot of questions there in one. i homeless persons. a lot of. questions there in one. first there will be a new constitution for barbados that will be the product of discussion. it will be a first order of business for a new barbados post november 30 this year. before that we hope to be able, as i said, to settle who we are and what we stand for and the government has already made it clear that a country

that has known what it is to be a victim of discrimination in so many ways cannot have discrimination in any way. we've already seen that with civil partnership laws that allow people to have access to the rights and protections of the rights and protections of the law simply because of who they love. secondly in respect to the issue of other human rights abuses, barbados's constitution carries a lot of it. whether a gaps there will be conversations with the country because we have a framework of a social partnership that brings together government, brings together government, brings together labour and private sector we have a socialjustice committee that this government has established to bring a civil society because we are conscious that we do not only coverfor conscious that we do not only cover for ourselves individually as a government but we govern for a nation and conversation and progress is based on what we can therefore agree upon as a nation. and there are some things that will be driven by the international

agenda because if we do not do it we will be excluded and some of them will require, therefore, that level of deep conversation as we go forward. that is a good point to end this programme because some people do say the caribbean is a region and perhaps lacking in inclusive rights for certain groups. inclusive rights for certain rou s. �* inclusive rights for certain u-rous. �* ., inclusive rights for certain rou-�*s. ., ., groups. i'm not so sure and i think the — groups. i'm not so sure and i think the world _ groups. i'm not so sure and i think the world has - groups. i'm not so sure and i think the world has to - groups. i'm not so sure and i think the world has to begin | groups. i'm not so sure and i i think the world has to begin to also have some cultural discussions because democracy does not only coming flavour. you have universal values but the same way my accent is different from yours and different from yours and different from yours and different from his, the world does have a diversity and we have to have sensible and mature conversations cannot be reduced to 62nd sound bites or headlines and that is what i think the world is missing. that kind of mature discussion and, certainly it does not suit small island states regrettably. small island states rearettabl. ., �* , small island states rearettabl . ., �* , ., regrettably. you've given us a flavour there _ regrettably. you've given us a flavour there of _ regrettably. you've given us a flavour there of what - regrettably. you've given us a flavour there of what you i regrettably. you've given us a | flavour there of what you have trying to achieve here in barbados. thank you. so the

honourable prime minister of barbados, mia motley. thank you to my audience here. that is all for this edition of global westerns, make lessons from barbados. it has been my pleasure to be here outside george washington house. we will be back with another edition of global questions from here in barbados and this time we will be focusing on the caribbean and climate change. so until then, from me and the rest of the global questions team, goodbye. hello there. the very unsettled august weather continues into this weekend. low pressure nearby will generate further showers, and again, like friday, we could see some thunderstorms which could lead to some localised flooding in places. but there will be some good spells of sunshine in between,

particularly across more southern areas. so, here it is, this area of low pressure, which is going to stick around both saturday, sunday and indeed even into monday. lots of isobars on the charts, so it'll be quite breezy again, particularly across southern, south—western areas, and across the northern isles, gusts of 30—40 mph. we'll have showers pretty much from the word go anywhere, but most of them will be across scotland, northern ireland, western england and wales. they will drift their way further eastwards into the afternoon, and again there'll be some torrential downpours in places. but some good spells of sunshine, particularly across the south—east. another breezy day, these are the mean wind speeds. temperatures will be a bit disappointing for august, particularly when the showers come along, it'll feel quite cool. but in the sunny spells, we could make 20 degrees or so across the south—east. otherwise, generally the mid to high teens celsius. as we head through saturday night, we continue with the breeze, further showers. again, some of them will be quite heavy, particularly across central, northern and western areas. perhaps turning a little bit quieter across the south east quadrant of the country. and again nowhere particularly cold, with overnight

lows 12—14 degrees. so, into sunday, ourarea of low pressure still with us, drifting a little bit further northwards and weakening a little bit. there's fewer isobars on the charts, but there's still enough energy in the low pressure system to generate further showers, which again could be quite heavy in places throughout sunday. mainly across central and northern parts of the country, because i think as we head on into the afternoon, there may be a greater chance of seeing some sunnier, drier weather for wales, central and southern england. so, that mayjust bump up temperatures to 21 degrees, slightly lighter winds. again, for most, though, the high teens celsius. into next week, then, for monday, our area of low pressure's still with us, so it's going to be another day of sunshine and showers. but the winds will turn light, and the system continues to weaken. and as we head on into tuesday, we've got this bump of high pressure which will build in, and that should settle things down. but low pressure always close by to the north and the west of the uk. so, we'll have most of the showers through the new week across northern

and western areas. greater chance of seeing some drier, sunnier and warmer weather in the south and east.

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