Trending – CARICOM https://caricom.org Caribbean Community Fri, 15 Aug 2025 20:39:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.6 CARICOM Secretariat, IMPACS webinar focuses on ‘Youth as Agents for Change in Crime Prevention’ https://caricom.org/caricom-secretariat-impacs-webinar-focuses-on-youth-as-agents-for-change-in-crime-prevention/ Fri, 15 Aug 2025 20:08:20 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=47286 ‘Youth as Agents for Change in Crime Prevention’ will be the focus of a webinar that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) will host on Tuesday, 19 August 2025.

The webinar is being held to mark International Youth Day, which was observed on 12 August under the theme ‘Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond’.

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Nominations open for CARICOM Energy Awards 2025 https://caricom.org/nominations-open-for-caricom-energy-awards-2025/ Thu, 14 Aug 2025 18:30:08 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=47276 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Citizens and residents are invited to apply for or nominate a peer, mentor, or mentee for the CARICOM Women in Sustainable Energy Awards (WISE), and the Sustainable Energy Youth Awards (SEYA) for 2025.

Nominations for the awards are open until 31 August 2025.

Organised by the CARICOM Secretariat and the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), these awards aim to recognise the important roles that women and youth play in the energy sector as professionals, entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and consumers. The awards also seek to highlight the importance of gender diversity to enhance the success of the clean energy transition.

WISE honours women who are committed to the energy transition and have made significant contributions to their communities at national, regional, and international levels in public, private, and civil society sectors. The categories under which those submissions will be judged are: Business/Entrepreneurship; Social Impact, Community and Advocacy; Policy and Regulations; and Utilities and Industry.

SEYA targets persons between the ages of 16 and 35 who exhibit innovation, creativity, and dedication to their communities by advocating for and actively participating in the energy transition at local, national, regional levels across public, private, and civil society sectors.

Nomination forms for Caribbean citizens and residents are available here.

The awards will be presented at the 9th Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum (CSEF IX), to be held in Grenada from 28-30 October 2025.

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Calls for more investment in nurses as shortage hurts Region https://caricom.org/calls-for-more-investment-in-nurses-as-shortage-hurts-region/ Wed, 13 Aug 2025 16:58:42 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=47259 The critical shortage of nurses in the Region and the resulting impacts on the health sector of Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are major concerns of policymakers and the Regional Nursing Body (RNB).

The issues were a common thread of speakers at the opening of the 52nd Annual General Meeting of the RNB on Tuesday, 12 August in Barbados, where the spotlight was placed on the anticipated increase in the need for nurses and midwives, and the need for guidance and action to mitigate the impacts of the shortage.

Dr. The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott, Minister of Health and Wellness of Barbados, delivered the feature address in which he lauded the achievements of the Regional Nursing Body over the past 50 years and its unwavering commitment to nursing excellence.

“The RNB now stands at a critical crossroad. You are not only being called upon to sustain the gains of the past, but to lead the transformation of the profession, to shape new models of care, and to prepare our nursing workforce to face complex health challenges ahead, which include, of course, ‘Dr. Google’ and the worrisome effects of climate change,” the Minister said.

He pointed to the “troubling trends” and “growing concerns” about nurse retention and called for courage and collaboration in charting the course ahead.

“Too many of our nurses are leaving for greener pastures, an issue that has become more acute in recent years. Small developing states such as ours simply cannot match the salaries and benefit packages offered by the larger, wealthier nations. As a result, we are facing staffing shortages that increase nurse-to-patient ratios, create longer shifts, which can lead to stress and burnout in some cases, and ultimately can compromise the quality of patient care,” he noted.

In her remarks, Ms. Alison Drayton, Assistant Secretary-General, Human and Social Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, highlighted the “critical shortage of these indispensable health professionals.” She cited the State of the World’s Nursing Report 2025 (SOWN), which pointed out that one in seven nurses globally was practising outside of the country of their birth, underscoring a growing dependence on foreign-born nurses within high-income countries.

“This dynamic poses significant challenges to the development and sustainability of health systems in low- and middle-income countries like those within our Region. Accordingly, it is imperative that the Region substantially increase its investments in the education, recruitment, and retention of nurses and midwives to safeguard the resilience and effectiveness of our health workforce,” the Assistant Secretary-General said.

Ms. Nester Edwards, Chair of the Regional Nursing Body and Chief Nursing Officer of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Religious Affairs of Grenada, also warned of the consequences if gaps are not filled.

“While they are among the largest, if not the largest, segment of the workforce in our healthcare systems, the Region continues to face a perennial shortage of nurses and midwives with high attrition rates and migration to more developed countries. According to the SOWN 2025 report, we are unlikely to achieve the targets for universal health coverage if the gap in these shortages is not filled,” she said.

She called for redoubled efforts to find effective strategies to recruit and retain nurses and midwives, including those in the diaspora. “Improving working conditions and utilising technological advancements and incentives, including flexible working hours, should be considered when developing these strategies,” she said.

The RNB chair also urged capacity-building of the next generation of nurses and midwives in leadership, policy development, strategic planning, and research.

Agenda items for the three-day meeting include developing an action plan to address the migration and mobility of health workers in the Region, a review of the SOWN 2025, new developments in nursing, and the results of the April 2025 sitting of the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration.

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Work advances on CARICOM Industrial Policy https://caricom.org/work-advances-on-caricom-industrial-policy/ Wed, 13 Aug 2025 16:24:04 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=47257 Consultations with key stakeholders have begun across the Region to finalise the CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy in time for approval by Ministers of Trade later this year.

Suriname, which holds responsibility for the Industrial Policy in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, is spearheading work towards its completion to present it to a Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) in October 2025. The work to be carried out in time for that meeting includes deeper engagements with key stakeholders in the business community.

Already, consultations have been held with stakeholders in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, while others are planned for later in August.

Ambassador David Prendergast, Director, Sectoral Programmes at the CARICOM Secretariat, said that there is a strong demand for the Policy from the Region’s private sector. The Policy is grounded in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and is intended to promote the development of entities ranging from micro to large businesses.

“Essentially, [this policy] seeks to boost productivity, to create more opportunities for employment across the Region, to use our resources optimally, and to connect us into global value chains which are critical for production with the ultimate objective of improving the standard of living of our people across the Region,” Amb. Prendergast explained.

Industrial Policy development consultant to the CARICOM Secretariat, Mr. Sandiford Ruel Edwards, said given the current global environment, the CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy is well-positioned to make a substantive contribution to renewed economic diversification and cultivating indigenous growth and prosperity by addressing both established industrial sectors and emerging innovative fields and technologies.

“It is important to acknowledge that this industrial policy is not a universal remedy; historical global initiatives have sometimes resulted in notable failures, and there remain valid concerns regarding government intervention in market selection. This strategic framework proposes a collaborative model between regional governments and the private sector, targeting 12 industrial ecosystems alongside five cross-cutting enablers,” he said.

The 12 eco-systems at the foundation of the Policy are: Agri-Food, Fisheries and Processing; Construction; Culture and Creative Industries; Digitalisation; Education and Human Capital Development; Energy; Health and Wellbeing; Mobility and Transportation; Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises; Non-Food Manufacturing; Research, Development and Innovation; and Tourism.

The cross-cutting enablers are Financing, Competition Policy and Consumer Protection, Intellectual Property, Standards and Environmental Stewardship.

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Barbados Rolls Out the Red Carpet for CARIFESTA XV | Your Guide to Ticketed Events https://caricom.org/barbados-rolls-out-the-red-carpet-for-carifesta-xv-your-guide-to-ticketed-events/ Wed, 13 Aug 2025 14:47:44 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=47241 Barbados is proud to welcome the Region and the world to its shores for CARIFESTA XV, the Caribbean’s premier arts and culture festival, launching on 22 August. This vibrant celebration will showcase the richness and diversity of Caribbean creativity through music, dance, theatre, visual arts, literature, and more.

Most events throughout the festival are free and open to the public. However, a few special highlights require tickets, including:

  • 🎶 Super Concerts featuring top regional and international performers
  • 💃🏽 Alvin Ailey II Dance Company – a world-renowned performance you won’t want to miss
  • 🎉 “Back in Time Fete” – a nostalgic party celebrating Caribbean musical heritage

A complete list of ticketed events and the link to purchase tickets are available here. All prices are listed in Barbados Dollars (BBD).

For ticketing inquiries or to report an issue, please contact: 📧 myticketlinkz@gmail.com

Join us in Barbados for an unforgettable cultural experience as we celebrate the spirit, rhythm, and soul of the Caribbean!

DOWNLOAD

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STATEMENT from the CARICOM Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) | Israel’s Seizure and Control of Gaza https://caricom.org/statement-from-the-caricom-council-for-foreign-and-community-relations-cofcor-israels-seizure-and-control-of-gaza/ Wed, 13 Aug 2025 10:22:30 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=47234 The Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) of the Caribbean Community remains deeply distressed by the escalating violence and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. In light of recent developments, we reiterate the grave concern expressed by the Forty-Ninth Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM over the immense, unabated suffering and tragic loss of civilian lives, particularly of women and children.

We express grave concern over Israel’s recent decision to seize and maintain control of Gaza City, a step that risks prolonging the conflict, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, and further endangering the lives of Israeli hostages being held by Hamas. Any such action, amounting to de facto annexation, would deepen the unfolding famine and result in the deprivation of necessities, severe malnutrition, and starvation, as well as the displacement or death of millions of Palestinians.

Reports of the targeted killings of journalists and media workers in Israeli attacks, coupled with the prevention of international news organisations from entering Gaza, are of significant concern. The COFCOR underscores that such actions impede independent verification of the situation on the ground and reaffirms that the bombardment of any civilians violates international humanitarian law.

We continue to call for an immediate, unconditional, and sustained ceasefire with unimpeded humanitarian access. We urge all actors to pursue diplomatic efforts to facilitate a durable solution and reaffirm CARICOM’s unwavering commitment to a two-state solution as the only viable path to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

The COFCOR stands in solidarity with all victims and reiterates its support for the legitimate aspirations for security and stability of all Israelis, Palestinians, and peoples in the Middle East.

12 August 2025

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CARICOM Youth Ambassadors mark International Youth Day as ‘builders of the future we deserve’ https://caricom.org/caricom-youth-ambassadors-mark-international-youth-day-as-builders-of-the-future-we-deserve/ Tue, 12 Aug 2025 19:13:08 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=47227 Today, as we mark International Youth Day 2025, we do so not as bystanders to history, but as builders of the future we deserve.” – Ms. Shakiah Lewis, Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors


In a message to mark International Youth Day today, Ms. Shakiah Lewis, Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Corps, said young people are ready to contribute to their development. 

“We are not just asking to be heard; we are using our voices to educate, agitate, and activate”, Ms. Lewis said, adding that youth are celebrating the day not as bystanders, but as builders of the future they deserve.

Please read her message below:

“Happy International Youth Day 2025!

Today, as we gather under the powerful theme ‘Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond’, I am filled with both pride and purpose. With vigour and vision, I am elated to not only stand as a representative of the Region’s youth but as a torchbearer of hope, innovation, and transformative leadership.

We often hear about the Sustainable Development Goals—these 17 ambitious targets for a better world. Yet, to achieve them, young people must be placed at the forefront of policy and programme development and implementation. We must recognise that the power to achieve these goals lies in our shared contributions and commitments. As we strive for a world that embraces inclusion, equality, and healthy living, we cannot overlook or diminish the invaluable role and contributions of our youth.   

The SDGs are not distant ideals—they are daily realities. As CARICOM Youth Ambassadors, we have endeavoured to take up the mantle to play our part. As such, our purposeful and dynamic journey toward achieving the SDGs has also led to the involvement of our CARICOM Youth Ambassadors, who have taken to the international stage to speak on the demand for unity and partnerships. Their words reinforce the call for something radically different.

Similarly, as we seek to further contribute to the achievement of SDGs 11 and 13, we work not only for the present but also for the future. With this, some of our CARICOM Youth Ambassadors are actively involved in raising awareness and understanding among other youth about the impact of climate change on human lives. They have also implemented projects aimed at climate adaptation and mitigation. For example, CYAs from Antigua and Barbuda have actively engaged in mitigating biodiversity loss and improving coastal resilience through their country’s Wetland Assessment and Management Project.

Other CYAs have participated in regional symposiums, forums, conferences, and summits to make our voices heard and echo the voices of those who are affected. Today, we stand as exemplars for our fellow youth, advocating for climate justice, social inclusion, greater opportunities, and, most of all, an equal place at the table. I reiterate that young people are not waiting to be invited to the table; instead, we stand to contribute to our own development. We are not just asking to be heard; we are using our voices to educate, agitate, and activate.

The CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme has long stood as a cornerstone of youth empowerment and regional development. In 2010, at the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community’s meeting in Paramaribo, Suriname, they affirmed the Declaration of Paramaribo on the future of youth in the Caribbean. Therein, it declared that they are committed to recognising and providing incentives for outstanding youth talent, volunteerism and activism. They further endorsed their full support, recognised and clearly articulated the role of the youth in Caribbean development.. Through these momentous declarations, youth ambassadors and youth from around the Region will continue working together, sitting at the same tables, and using their voices to clear a path for future generations to come. This is the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Corps, the youth of the now, and this is US!

Today, as we mark International Youth Day 2025, we do so not as bystanders to history, but as builders of the future we deserve. The 2025–2026 CARICOM Youth Ambassador corps is on the ground—listening, mobilising, and acting. We are fighting for climate justice in our vulnerable island states, creating spaces where every young voice is heard in decision-making, igniting innovation through digital skills, and protecting the culture that makes us uniquely Caribbean. Our programmes are not just policies on paper—they are mentorship sessions in classrooms, clean-up drives on beaches, youth dialogues in community halls, and bold advocacy in national forums such as the Heads of Government meetings. We believe that Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond is more than a theme—it is our way of life. From our islands to the world, we are the pulse of change, the tide of progress, and the proof that Caribbean youth will lead the charge for the SDGs… and beyond.

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‘Equip, empower, enable our young people to lead’ – CARICOM Secretary-General https://caricom.org/equip-empower-enable-our-young-people-to-lead-caricom-secretary-general/ Mon, 11 Aug 2025 20:22:13 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=47223 CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, has called for greater investment in youth development, and for young people to be equipped, empowered and enabled to lead and be architects of a more prosperous future.

“On this International Youth Day, CARICOM calls on governments, civil society, the private sector, and development partners to deepen their investment in youth development. From every corner of the Caribbean to the global stage, our young people are the driving force of transformation and the champions of progress. They are keen to participate to develop meaningful local, national and regional policies and plans, and to implement them.

“Let us equip, empower, and enable our young people to lead, and partner with them, not only as beneficiaries of development, but as architects of a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future,” Dr. Barnett said in a message on the occasion of International Youth Day 2025, which is observed on 12 August.

Please read the Secretary-General’s message below:

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) joins the global community in marking International Youth Day 2025 under the theme Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond. This observance reaffirms the Community’s commitment to positioning youth at the heart of regional integration and sustainable development.

The vision outlined in the Declaration of Paramaribo on the Future of Youth in the Caribbean Community continues to guide our efforts: “We recognise young people as assets to the Region, whose energy, creativity, and innovation are essential to our collective progress.” In line with this vision, CARICOM is advancing policies and programmes that enable youth to act as co-creators, innovators, and leaders in shaping the Region’s future.

The CARICOM Secretariat has taken strategic action to strengthen the youth development landscape, ensuring that participation is both meaningful and transformative. A milestone achievement in this effort is the creation of the Regional Youth Development Governance Structure, designed to enhance coordination, accountability, and collaboration among stakeholders, while providing a formal platform for youth to contribute to policy and programme implementation and monitoring at the highest levels.

These efforts are reinforced by the recent comprehensive report prepared by the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme (CYAP) Corps on the enhanced role of youth in regional development. The report called for a stronger, more intentional approach to youth engagement, affirming that “youth must be seen not only as beneficiaries of development, but as partners in design, decision-making, and delivery.”

With this in mind, CARICOM continues to integrate youth leadership across strategic areas of the Community’s development agenda, including – Climate Resilience – mobilising youth to shape adaptation strategies in vulnerable island states; Economic Empowerment – expanding entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and skills training to create new pathways for employment and competitiveness; Mental Health and Well-being – rolling out the Mental Health First Aid Programme to build resilience, reduce stigma, and strengthen peer support systems; Food Security and Agriculture – fostering youth-led agribusiness and innovation to secure sustainable food systems.

These initiatives reflect the CARICOM Secretariat’s strategic priority for youth participation, empowerment, and development, recognising that the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved without the full and active involvement of young people.

On this International Youth Day, CARICOM calls on governments, civil society, the private sector, and development partners to deepen their investment in youth development. From every corner of the Caribbean to the global stage, our young people are the driving force of transformation and the champions of progress. They are keen to participate, to develop meaningful local, national and regional policies and plans, and to implement them.

Let us equip, empower, and enable our young people to lead, and partner with them, not only as beneficiaries of development, but as architects of a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future.

Happy International Youth Day!

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As Jamaica celebrates its Sixty-third Independence Anniversary, CARICOM SG recognises its leadership and key role in the regional integration process https://caricom.org/as-jamaica-celebrates-its-sixty-third-independence-anniversary-caricom-sg-recognises-its-leadership-and-key-role-in-the-regional-integration-process/ Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:48:31 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=47183 In a message congratulating the Government and People of Jamaica on the country’s Sixty-third Independence Anniversary, CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett highlighted the great strides which the country has made in the sphere of economics and social development. Its “exemplary leadership both regionally and internationally”, critical role in the regional integration process, and its strong direction on external trade negotiations in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, were also recognised by the Secretary-General.

Jamaica’s coordinating role on behalf of the Community for the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti and the successful hosting and chairing of the Forty-ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Montego Bay also received commendation.

The Secretary-General’s full message to Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister of Jamaica, is below:

“Dear Prime Minister,

On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I take great pleasure in congratulating the Government and People of Jamaica on this celebration of the country’s Sixty-Third Anniversary of Independence.

Jamaica has much to celebrate, having made great strides in its economic and social development. The country has also demonstrated exemplary leadership both regionally and internationally, and has blazed a cultural footprint on the global stage, through music, sports, art, cuisine, and other areas of endeavour.

Prime Minister, as a Founding Member of the Caribbean Community, Jamaica continues to play a key role in the regional integration process. As current Chair of the Conference of Heads of Government, Jamaica is in good stead to drive momentum towards achieving many of the Community’s objectives, as demonstrated during your successful hosting and chairing of the Forty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, held in Montego Bay in July. The Community has greatly benefitted also from Jamaica’s coordinating role on behalf of CARICOM for the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti, and leadership on external trade negotiations, in keeping with your assigned role in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet.

I look forward to Jamaica’s leadership as the Community seeks to strategically and effectively navigate evolving global dynamics, and preserve the interests of our citizens, who remain the key stakeholders in the regional integration process.

We extend our best regards to the Government and People of Jamaica, trusting that your vibrancy, creativity, and commitment to excellence will continue to foster even greater future growth and development.”

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CARIFORUM States continue to address Crime and Security through two 11th EDF funded Programmes https://caricom.org/cariforum-states-continue-to-address-crime-and-security-through-two-11th-edf-funded-programmes/ Mon, 04 Aug 2025 14:58:08 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=47178 Progress under two European Union (EU) funded programmes to improve the administration of criminal justice and to strengthen law enforcement and border security in CARIFORUM States was recently assessed by the respective Steering Committees overseeing the Programmes.

Deputy Programme Manager, Ms. Yvanette Baron-George, represented Ms. Alexis Downes-Amsterdam, Director General of CARIFORUM, at the meetings. She explained that the Support to the Effective Administration of the Criminal Justice Systems in the Caribbean Programme aims to modernise and strengthen court services across the region. The United Nations Development Programme, Center for International Legal Cooperation, the CARICOM Secretariat and the Caribbean Court of Justice are implementing partners under the Programme.

Improving access to justice through acquisition of software, hardware, training and capacity development, procedural reforms and community awareness is a key initiative being implemented under the programme.

Through the Law Enforcement and Border Security Programme, the Regional Security System and national security agencies benefited from targeted training and capacity building initiatives to better respond to regional security threats. This Programme aims to improve information and intelligence sharing in the CARIFORUM region for crime prevention and interdiction. Implementation was done by the Regional Security System and CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security on behalf of CARIFORUM.

The Steering Committee meeting – which was anchored at the CARICOM Secretariat – in session
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