Caribbean leaders are seeking billions of dollars in investment — dubbed 5 by 35 — to transform the region’s energy and agriculture industries over the next decade, arguing that coordinated action is critical to strengthening resilience, reducing food imports and lowering costs for citizens.

Executive director of the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), Dr Mohammad Nagdee, unveiled the “5 by 35” vision at the Climate Smart Summit, which began Wednesday at the Hilton Barbados Resort.

“The number is US$5bn by 2035,” he said. “And this is really achievable.”