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.

“As small states, we are vulnerable not just to global economic shocks and natural hazards, but to being marginalised in a world where power and influence often outweigh genuine need. That is why we must think strategically, act collaboratively, and remain focused on the values and interests that unite us,” Prime Minister Holness said.

He was delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony of the Forty-ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Montego Bay, Jamaica, 6 July 2025. The two-day Heads of Government meeting is being convened under the theme, ‘People, Partnerships, and Prosperity – Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future’ which Prime Minister Holness said, “captures the essence of our regional purpose.”

Focus on people

Geopolitical developments, and the security and resilience of the Region require a focus on people “because human development must be the centre of our integration,” Prime Minister Holness said.

He added that ensuring food security, access to decent work, climate protection, and opportunities for the youth who make up 60 per cent of the Region’s populace, were also key areas of people-centred attention.

Zeroing in on youth engagement in his address, the Prime Minister stressed that young people must have a voice in shaping the decisions that affect their future.

“Youth across the Region have thoughts and ideas about what we are trying to put in place for them and future generations. As key drivers and consumers of technological advancement, they hold immense potential to contribute meaningfully to our development goals. It is important that we engage them in a deliberate, sustained, and meaningful way. Let this meeting send a clear signal—that we view their inclusion not as symbolic, but as a strategic investment in our future,” he said.

Partnerships

The focus on partnerships takes account of the “network of trust” on which global progress is built.

“We need stronger ties within CARICOM and with strategic global partners in Africa, North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East; stronger ties within CARICOM and within strategic global partners in Africa, Europe, North and South America, the Pacific and the Middle East,” Dr. Holness said.

Prosperity

Inclusive and sustainable economic growth, the CARICOM Chair said, must remain “our shared ambition—one that lifts every citizen, especially the most vulnerable.”

“Jamaica will continue to champion initiatives that make these three pillars not just aspirations, but enduring features of Caribbean life, he pledged.

During their meeting, the Heads of Government will hold discussions on a wide range of matters including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), transportation, telecommunications, industrial progress, climate change and climate finance, security, and the situation in Haiti.

“We have much ground to cover over the next few days. While our agenda is undoubtedly ambitious, it reflects a clear and purposeful vision for our Region—one grounded in our shared realities and guided by the need to ensure that our actions are responsive to the people we serve, especially our youth,” the CARICOM Chair said.

Secretary-General Barnett was at the time addressing the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meeting being held in Abuja, Nigeria, 25-28 June. The theme of the meeting is ‘Progressive Unity in a Fractured World: Building a Global African Coalition for Development’.

“… geopolitical and geo-economic developments require careful handling. There needs to be positive alignment between economic and political interests, and redefinition of global partnerships into mechanisms that foster inclusive growth, sustainable development, and economic and climate resilience for developing countries. Building such resilience requires that Africa, like the Caribbean, retain access to affordable, long-term, concessional financing from multilateral development institutions. The Bridgetown Initiative version 3.0 provides a common platform for joint advocacy on the reform of the multilateral financial system, whose governance model continues to mirror outdated political alliances and economic constructs.  More than anything else, this situation serves as a basis for common cause between Africa and the Caribbean,” the Secretary-General said.

While the current realignment of global geopolitical and geo-economic interests will continue to pose significant challenges, Dr. Barnett said it creates opportunities for Africa and the Caribbean to strengthen cooperation to achieve common development goals.

“As I noted during the first CARICOM-Africa Summit, hosted by Kenya and held virtually in September 2021, CARICOM is committed to strengthening this cooperation, and building a mutually beneficial and stable partnership. Opportunities exist in areas such as trade and investment promotion, development finance, climate change, reparatory justice, mass media, and increased people-to-people contact. Moreover, a strong and mutually beneficial partnership between Africa and the Caribbean, underscored by the principle of progressive unity, can become the springboard for broader South-South cooperation that leverages comparative advantages, thereby creating strong economic growth and development trajectories,” Dr. Barnett said.

Please read the Secretary-General’s remarks below:

Ladies and gentlemen:

I am pleased to join you today for your 32^nd Annual Meeting and to reflect on the theme,“Progressive Unity in a Fractured World: Building a Global African Coalition for Development”.

Thank you for the courtesies which have been extended to my delegation since our arrival.

The Globalisation phenomenon in the twenty-first century was expected to enhance North-South relations and the interdependence of people worldwide. It was also anticipated that it would bring prosperity in the developing world, through increased efficiency of industries and competitiveness to drive growth and development. Instead, the world has devolved into what the World Economic Forum in its Global Risks Report 2025 has described as an “increasingly fractured global landscape, with escalating geopolitical, environmental, societal, and technological challenges”. 

Amidst these challenges, Africa, with a significant demographic advantage,^[1] natural resource base, untapped carbon markets and renewable energy, remains poised to become the next frontier of global economic growth. 

However, to realise this potential, Africa will not only need to harness its diversity, but also leverage its strategic assets to mitigate some of the geopolitical and geo-economic risks emanating from an increasingly polarised global environment.  In this regard, the concept of “progressive unity”, characterised by prioritising shared values, collective vision, dialogue, and collaborative action, must become the guiding principle for Africa’s interactions on the global stage.  Such interactions will require bold strategic choices rooted in African agency,^[2] innovative policies and strong global partnerships.

In this fractured environment, this is an opportunity for Africa, and the Caribbean, which is the home of a large contingent of the African diaspora – the Sixth Region – to build common cause on shared values and interests, and forge a path towards mutually beneficial collective action. 

The divisions created during the period of European colonisation of Africa and the Caribbean would remain, and even become further entrenched, without a focused intent on breaking down the barriers among us.

Both Regions have already started this journey to embrace a collective vision and to create a new model of collaboration in our mutual interests.

Like the Caribbean, Africa’s well-being is inextricably linked to global prosperity.  However, amidst trade tensions triggered by a rise in protectionist measures and growing policy uncertainty, global economic growth is now projected to slow down^[3]in 2025, and to remain tepid in the short-to-medium-term. This has caused a significant downward revision in the growth outlook for almost all countries, including in Africa and in the Caribbean, thereby making progress on key development goals more difficult.

More particularly, this prediction for global prosperity is accompanied by multiple shocks such as a downturn in global demand, lower prices for some key commodities, higher global borrowing costs, and constraints on external funding. These have serious implications for the growth and development trajectory of developing countries. Of grave concern is the breakdown of the rules-based international trading system, the disruption in trade and investment flows, and the increased decoupling of traditional trading partners from the current providers of development support. Developing countries, like those in Africa and the Caribbean, are the hardest hit, as heightened geopolitical tensions and reduced trade lead to a fall in foreign direct investment and the knowledge spillovers that are so critical to driving inclusive growth and sustainable development.

These geopolitical and geo-economic developments require careful handling. There needs to be positive alignment between economic and political interests, and redefinition of global partnerships into mechanisms that foster inclusive growth, sustainable development, and economic and climate resilience for developing countries.  Building such resilience requires that Africa, like the Caribbean, retain access to affordable, long-term, concessional financing from multilateral development institutions. The Bridgetown Initiative version 3.0 provides a common platform for joint advocacy on the reform of the multilateral financial system, whose governance model continues to mirror outdated political alliances and economic constructs.  More than anything else, this situation serves as a basis for common cause between Africa and the Caribbean.

A projected image of the CARICOM SEcretary-General addressing the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meeting

While the current realignment of global geopolitical and geo-economic interests will continue to pose significant challenges, it creates opportunities for Africa and the Caribbean to strengthen cooperation to achieve common development goals.  As I noted during the first CARICOM-Africa Summit, hosted by Kenya and held virtually in September 2021, CARICOM is committed to strengthening this cooperation, and building a mutually beneficial and stable partnership. Opportunities exist in areas such as trade and investment promotion, development finance, climate change, reparatory justice, mass media, and increased people to people contact. Moreover, a strong and mutually beneficial partnership between Africa and the Caribbean, underscored by the principle of progressive unity, can become the springboard for broader South-South cooperation that leverages comparative advantages, thereby creating strong economic growth and development trajectories. We look forward to exploring these possibilities during the Second CARICOM-Africa Summit to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on CARICOM-Africa Day on September 7 this year.

The foundations of African agency and the building of successful strategic partnerships have already been laid with the admission of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G-20.  This gives Africa an active voice on key global economic issues. The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the world’s largest free trade area, that is intended to create a single market for goods and services on the continent, is a major step towards,among other things, reducing intra-African trade barriers and developing African value chains and economic prosperity.

This institutional platform, along with mutually beneficial partnerships and alliances, will advance the ecosystem for building a Global African Coalition for Development, including the Caribbean.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.

[1] Africa has a relatively young, growing population compared with the status quo in the advanced countries and by 2030, one-fifth of the world’s population will live in Africa.

[2] Africa’s ability to negotiate and bargain with external actors in a manner that is beneficial to Africans.

[3] Global economic growth now downgraded to 2.3 percent in 2025 almost half a percentage point below the January 2025 projection

Prime Minister Holness will assume the six-month chairmanship of the Community on 1 July 2025, succeeding the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados. A founding member of CARICOM, Jamaica holds responsibility for external trade negotiations in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet.

Prior to the Meeting, on 5 July 2025, male and female professional and amateur athletes who are nationals of CARICOM Member States and Associate Members will gather in Rose Hall, Montego Bay, for the 18^th CARICOM Road Races. This activity is intended to promote camaraderie among athletes in the Region and help to underscore the positive influence of sport and physical education on quality of life.

The opening ceremony of the Meeting, scheduled for Sunday, 6 July, 5:00 pm, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre (MBCC), will feature remarks by Prime Minister Holness and Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General.

Heads of Government will begin the two-day business sessions of the Conference on 7 July at the MBCC. They will focus on developments in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME); security issues; Haiti; external trade negotiations; climate change and the climate finance agenda; food and nutrition security; and preparations for the second Africa-CARICOM Summit.

Other matters for the attention of the CARICOM leaders include transportation, telecommunications, digitalisation of the tourism industry and the CARICOM Industrial Policy.

CARICOM Heads of Government met in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, in 1982 for their third meeting following the establishment of the Caribbean Community in 1973. Jamaica hosted the Eleventh Meeting of the Conference in 1990. Montego Bay was the location of the Eighteenth, Twenty-Fourth, Thirty-First, and Thirty-Ninth Regular Meetings of the Conference in 1997, 2003, and 2010, and 2018, respectively.

At the Twenty-fourth Meeting of the Conference in Montego Bay in 2003, which marked the 30^th anniversary of the Community, the Heads of Government adopted the Rose Hall Declaration on Regional Governance and Integrated Development, which provided a roadmap for modernising the regional integration movement. It placed emphasis on improving regional governance; deepening the integration process in the context of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and the realities of the international economic environment; and establishing a respected place for Member States in the international system.

Resolution – Rose Hall Declaration

“On the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of our Community, we have resolved to consolidate the achievements of the past and also to chart ‘New Directions’ for the future which are designed to give new meaning to the purposes of our community, to further consolidate our common cultural identity and to promote an integration strategy that will optimise the development possibilities of the region and thereby contribute to the well-being of its people.

“We, the Heads of Government are determined, and call upon the Organs of CARICOM, the Member Governments and Social Partners of the Community to be similarly resolute, in pursuing the fulfilment of these undertakings so that a marked deepening of integration in our Region will be achieved.”

Under the chairmanship of Honourable Kerrie Symmonds, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados, regional ministers responsible for trade and economic development will meet 10-11 June.

To advance the ministerial agenda, officials met virtually on 7-8 May. Barbados’ Director of Foreign Trade, Paula Byer, chaired the preparatory sessions. She underlined the importance of COTED which addresses the key single market, trade and economic development issues at the heart of the Community’s agenda.

She highlighted some of the matters for discussion such as the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), including the free movement of nationals, the Community Competition Policy, the draft regional Industrial Policy, trade in goods, and considerations on the revision of the Common External Tariff and Rules of Origin.

External economic relations, and draft rules of procedures of the COTED, were among the matters on the agenda of the Meeting of Officials.

Ambassador Wayne McCook, Assistant Secretary-General, CARICOM Single Market and Trade, spoke before the session began, describing it as a “key meeting” with a “significant agenda” with “intra-regional and extra-regional trade issues that require close and careful attention”. He called for expeditious action on decisions that the officials will recommend to the Ministers to advance timely and effective implementation of the trade and economic integration and development agenda of the Region

The Hon. Sir Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, chaired the one-day meeting, which deliberated on regional environmental and natural resources governance, and sustainable ocean-based economic development.

Other subject areas the Ministers discussed included strengthening biodiversity management, and the Community’s participation in upcoming meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The Chairman and other Ministers spoke with the CARICOM Communications Unit about the key take-aways of the Meeting.

Listen:

Dr. Samuel, who heads the Economic Integration, Innovation and Development Directorate at the CARICOM Secretariat, issued the call at the launch of the CARICOM Environmental and Natural Resources Policy Framework. The policy was launched at the opening of the 118^th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on the environment and sustainable development.

“The policy is a culmination of years of regional consultation, technical and political thought leadership on a Caribbean Community that is coordinated, strategic and deliberate in improving its relationship with the environment to support sustainable development and improve the quality of life of the citizens of the Region,” Dr. Samuel said.

Please read his remarks below:

• Honorable Ministers;
• Colleagues;
• Esteemed guests; and
• Citizens of our Caribbean Community

I am addressing this evening’s gathering which is a celebratory recognition of the importance of two Regional Organisations, the launch of an important Regional Public Good, which comes at a time requiring sober reflection.  As this Region strives to make significant advances to build resilience and execute a paradigm shift in our development, the world around us is taking a further step backward into instability and uncertainty.  Today, we find ourselves in a moment when global and hemispheric shocks are frequent and intense and some influential global institutions have gone silent on these issues. However, this particular grouping is charged with responsibility for our environment and our oceans which are not just a backdrop to our way of life but, are actually a source of sustenance, security, economic opportunity and resilience. For too long, their full value has remained underutilised, while the challenges of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss continue to threaten their health and viability.

In this regard, I am heartened to stand before you while as a Region, we make significant advancement in resilience building by taking strategic steps in environmental governance as we launch the CARICOM Environmental and Natural Resources Policy Framework. The policy is a culmination of years of regional consultation, technical and political thought leadership on a Caribbean Community that is coordinated, strategic and deliberate in improving its relationship with the environment to support sustainable development and improve the quality of life of the citizens of the Region.

The vision for the Policy, as agreed by our Member States, is: “A Caribbean Community that values its environmental, natural and cultural resources and applies the principles of good governance to decisions associated with the conservation and sustainable use of these resources in the interest of the peoples of the Region.”

Our Community is geographically unique, facing a distinct set of environmental challenges and opportunities. As our vision statement reflects, the policy framework is comprehensive, encompassing a wide range of thematic areas and policy actions related to land and soils, forests, water, air, and ocean resources to address these challenges and unlock opportunities. Each of these areas is crucial to our Community’s environmental health and sustainability. The policy also strives to place the people of our Region at the heart of all efforts and ambitions to safeguard our natural patrimony.

In this regard, you would note when you view the policy that the names of the technical lead for each Member State is acknowledged in the policy.  In order for it to be effective, national ownership was critical during its development and I dare say will be critical in its implementation.

We are also using the launch of the Common Environment and Natural Resources Policy Framework to promote the Region’s efforts to develop one of its important supporting elements and that is the CARICOM Ocean Governance Framework.

When we consider Caribbean development over the decades; economic attention and attraction has started inland with lucrative monoculture and eventually shifted to coastal areas with rapidly growing tourism. Now, eyes are peering into the blue and even beyond the horizon to areas beyond national jurisdiction. We have recognised this shift, and likewise, we are deeply cognisant that there is a substantial blue contribution to the goals of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and the more recent development urgencies of the Community.

Therefore, on the heels of a comprehensive environmental management Policy, we are now building out a policy framework for sustainable ocean governance—one that unites our Member States in a shared vision for responsible ocean stewardship and economic prosperity.

We know that many Caribbean Member States have already developed strategies for ocean-based industries, fisheries management, coastal protection, and maritime security. Yet, we also recognise that without a unified, coordinated regional policy, the potential of our marine resources may never be fully realised. That is why CARICOM has committed to developing a comprehensive policy—one that harmonizes our efforts, strengthens governance, and ensures the protection and sustainable use of our one truly abundant resource.

Our partnerships are key to this effort. Through collaboration with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, we are keen to reinforce ocean governance with international best practices, aligning ourselves with global commitments such as, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Commonwealth Blue Charter, UNCLOS and the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS.  These partnerships, internal CARICOM partnerships, as well as external partners, some of whom are with us this week, affords us the leverage to apply more tools to unlock new opportunities for trade, innovation, and investment while ensuring that our ocean remains a source of livelihood for generations to come.  It would be remiss of me, therefore to not publicly acknowledge the other major contributors to the development of Common Environment and Natural Resources Policy Framework, namely, the Canadian Government, the European Development Fund and the Government of Japan.

In developing the Ocean Policy Framework, the aim is for it to be broad and inter-sectoral, addressing critical priorities such as, pollution reduction, marine ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity conservation.  It will strengthen security in our territorial waters, enhance food and nutrition security, and promote investment in “blue” industries—from sustainable fisheries to green shipping, deep-sea mineral resources, and ocean-based renewable energy.

It goes without saying, that these two policies will only be as strong as the commitment behind them. We need the active participation of our governments, private sector stakeholders, research institutions, and coastal communities. We need innovation, investment, and collaboration. Above all, we need political leadership.

I am pleased to recognise the support of the Government of the United Kingdom in the formulation of both policies.  I am keen to stress how fundamental and steady a partner the UK has been to the Region as a supporter of sound environmental governance and a voice for SIDS in arenas where we have no voice.

I also want to recognise the OECS Commission as a vital family member in all this.  The unwavering support to the Eastern Caribbean Constituents of CARICOM cannot be overstated, particularly in the environment arena with the implementation of the St. Georges Declaration and the Eastern Caribbean Regional Ocean Policy.  These are foundational pieces of principled, integrated environmental governance in this region to learn from and build upon.

Therefore, without taking any more time I encourage all CARICOM Member States, our partners, and our citizens to stand with us in these efforts. Let us work together to shape a future in which our environment, including oceans, is not only protected, but fully leveraged for the benefit of our people and future generations.

A thriving Caribbean depends on a thriving environment and a thriving ocean.  With the CARICOM Environment and Natural Resources Policy Framework, and the future CARICOM Ocean Governance Framework driven by the people of this Region we believe that we can secure both.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you.

Please read his remarks below:

Excellencies, Honourable Ministers, Distinguished Partners, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Colleagues, Friends,

Good evening.

It is a profound honour to deliver this keynote address as we bring to a close the 12th Council of Ministers of Environmental Sustainability (COM:ES) and open the 118th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on Environment and Sustainable Development.

This evening also marks the formal launch of the CARICOM Environmental and Natural Resources Policy Framework, a moment that signals renewed commitment to advancing sustainability and resilience across our Caribbean region.

The theme of this joint occasion—“Regional Cohesion – Addressing the Triple Planetary Crises in an Uncertain World”—is not only timely; it captures the essence of what was discussed throughout today’s ministerial plenary.

Earlier, we engaged in frank, constructive deliberations on the state of the region’s environment, and I wish to reflect on a few points that emerged with clarity and urgency:

• First, the consensus was overwhelming: climate finance remains grossly inadequate and difficult to access, particularly for small states managing overlapping environmental and economic vulnerabilities. There was a clear call for reform of financing mechanisms to ensure accessibility, fairness, and speed.
• Second, we examined the escalating cost of inaction on land degradation, marine pollution, and biodiversity loss. Ministers reaffirmed that environmental degradation is now not just an ecological risk, but a profound threat to national development, health systems, and food security.
• Third, there was recognition that regional coordination must be deepened, particularly between OECS and CARICOM entities, if we are to avoid fragmentation and inefficiency in implementation. The spirit of unity and shared responsibility was evident in every intervention.

I commend all Ministers and technical teams for their insights, their candour, and their commitment. Let us carry that momentum forward—not only into the COTED discussions tomorrow, but into the structures, budgets, and institutions that will bring these priorities to life.

To our development partners and international colleagues, we are grateful that you have joined us this evening—not simply as guests, but as co-creators of Caribbean sustainability.

The policy we launch tonight must be backed by long-term partnerships that provide predictable financing, capacity support, and access to technology. We invite you to stand with us as we operationalize this framework and invest in regional mechanisms such as the Centre of Excellence for Environment and Climate—a space designed to accelerate implementation, expand knowledge, and amplify Caribbean leadership.

Let us also use this moment to reaffirm our collective belief in multilateralism, not as a theoretical ideal, but as a practical mechanism that enables fairness, protects the sovereignty of small states, and supports development aligned with the needs of our people.

Colleagues, tomorrow’s COTED meeting will be decisive. The agenda is ambitious—and it must be met with equal ambition from all of us.

I urge strategic focus and disciplined decision-making as we consider the pathways for marine spatial planning, climate resilience programming, regional trade-environment linkages, and pollution control frameworks. We must move from principle to policy, and from policy to implementation.

Let this evening not only celebrate the adoption of a regional policy. Let it ignite the political will and the regional cohesion needed to make it work—for our ecosystems, our economies, and our children.

With those reflections, I now have the honour of declaring the 118th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on Environment and Sustainable Development officially open.

Thank you.

The developments were highlighted during a virtual meeting which the Secretary-General convened with Executive Directors and other senior officials of Community Institutions on Tuesday, 29 April.

The Meeting, attended by more than 50 participants, explored matters including the way forward against the background of declining international development assistance.

Representatives shared on the implications of funding cuts and the imposition of tariffs on weather forecasting, disaster management, health, and education, information-sharing, research, networking and procurement.

Shortly after the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in February, the Secretary-General held discussions with regional institutions whose mandates include weather forecasting and climate resilience, disaster management and health. 

The Secretary-General will formally engage the heads of Institutions again in September.

Mr. Ramdin was elected for the term 2025-2030, during the Fifty-Sixth Special Session of the General Assembly of the OAS on 10 March. This landmark election marks the first time a representative from a CARICOM Member State has been elected as Secretary-General of the OAS.

COFCOR is of the view that Mr. Ramdin’s election reflects the confidence of Member States in his abilities. The Council expressed confidence that with a career distinguished by extensive experience in foreign policy and diplomacy, including a previous tenure as OAS Assistant Secretary-General, he is well-equipped to guide the organisation in addressing critical issues such as peace, security, socio-economic development, democracy, and good governance across the hemisphere.

“The Caribbean Community is confident that Minister Ramdin will serve in his new role with distinction, upholding the OAS Charter and demonstrating the necessary expertise to navigate regional challenges, thereby contributing to the shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous hemisphere,” COFCOR stated.