The launch will feature a keynote address by the Hon. Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources of St. Kitts and Nevis; remarks by Dr. Wendell Samuel, CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General (ag), Economic Integration, Innovation and Development,; Ms. Teesha Mangra, Chair of the CARICOM Youth Advisory Body, and representatives from regional and international organisations which are partnering to hold the CWA.
Representatives of the media are invited to provide coverage of the following:
EVENT: Launch, Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2025
WHEN: 15 July 2025| 10 am AST
The launch will be streamed live via the following CARICOM social media platforms: Facebook, YouTube, and X.
ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN WEEK OF AGRICULTURE
The Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) is the premier event on the regional agricultural calendar. It is a roving event hosted by CARICOM Member States and Associate Members and includes seminars, key meetings, a special meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), and an exhibition.
The CWA was conceptualised by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) as a facility to place agriculture and rural life on the front burner of regional integration activities and in doing so enable:
The CWA is convened under the aegis of the Alliance for Sustainable Development of Agriculture and the Rural Milieu (The Alliance). From the inaugural meeting in 1998, the two main collaborating agencies were IICA and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat.
In 2002, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) joined IICA and CARICOM to establish a core group which functions as the Secretariat of The Alliance. Since then, the four agencies have collaborated on the management and logistics necessary for the convening and servicing of meetings of The Alliance as well as the myriad of activities during the CWA. The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) which was a joint international institution of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and the European Union (EU) from 1983 – 2020, was a major partner and sponsor of the CWA activities from 2003.
To date, there have been 18 successful editions of the CWA. The first CWA was held in Trinidad and Tobago in 1999. Last year, St. Vincent and the Grenadines hosted the event. Close to 500 visitors joined Vincentians for the week of activities that focused on ‘Climate-Smart Agriculture for a Sustainable Future’.
Click here to listen as Ms. Deborah Daniel, Agriculture Planning Officer, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, reflects on the 2024 edition of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture and shares advice for hosting the event.
]]>“Together, we have nurtured a strong Caribbean identity that transcends borders, that is admired globally, and to which others aspire. As we begin our deliberations for this Forty-Ninth Meeting of the Conference, I encourage of us to retain our focus on the purpose of our partnership, which is the prosperity, security and well-being of all the people of our Region.”
– Dr Carla Barnett | Secretary-General | CARICOMMonday 7 July 2025 (CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown): The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) officially commenced the Forty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Sunday, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to regional cooperation, integration, and sustainable development. The Meeting is being held under the theme “People, Partnerships, Prosperity: Promoting a Secure and Prosperous Future.”
Delivering remarks at the Opening Ceremony, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett extended gratitude to Dr The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of Jamaica, and the Government and People of Jamaica for the warm hospitality and for providing an environment conducive to productive deliberations.
“Jamaica features highly in CARICOM’s history,” stated Dr Barnett “This ‘Land of Wood and Water’ was one of the first four nations to signal its commitment to our integration movement by signing the Original Treaty of Chaguaramas in 1973. The Rose Hall Declaration, which aimed to deepen integration and strengthen governance in CARICOM, was adopted here at the Twenty-Fourth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in July 2003. Several other pivotal Regular Meetings of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government have also been hosted here.”
Reflecting on over 50 years of regional integration, the Secretary-General acknowledged both the accomplishments and the persistent implementation challenges, particularly in relation to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
“The CARICOM Single Market and Economy, which is designed to facilitate the free movement of goods, services, finances and people, in the interest of increased economic and market efficiency, continues to fall behind expectations. We hope that this Meeting will see a recommitment to strengthening the implementation of the CSME, with a view to ensuring that all aspects of the regimes can be evenly and effectively implemented across the Region, as intended by the framers of theTreaty.”
The CARICOM Secretary-General concluded with a call to action rooted in shared values and mutual responsibility.
“As much as we remain committed to the aims and objectives set out in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, we must also remain cognisant that moving forward is more difficult for some of us. In the spirit of family, we should seek to address the concerns of all if we are to be a Community that benefits everyone in the Region. As several of our regional statesmen have been known to say, “If CARICOM did not exist, we would have to invent it”.
She added, “And, to borrow from one of Jamaica’s national icons, Honourable Robert Nesta Marley, our guiding principle must continue to be “one love, one heart, one destiny.”
As the Meeting proceeds, CARICOM Heads of Government are expected to engage in substantive discussions and adopt decisions that further the prosperity, security, and sustainable development of the Caribbean Community.
Gratitude to Outgoing CARICOM Chair
The Secretary-General gave special recognition to the Outgoing Chair of the Conference, the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, SC, MP, Prime Minister of Barbados, for her strategic leadership over the past six months amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
“As we grappled with worrying geopolitical issues over the last six months, CARICOM has been led with decisiveness and foresight by the Outgoing Chair, Honourable Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados. Prime Minister Mottley, we thank you for your dedication to amplifying the Region’s voice on important issues and to its economic advancement, including through your leadership of the ongoing initiatives to strengthen the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).”
Leaders welcomed to the Conference
Prime Minister Holness was formally welcomed as the Incoming Chair of the Conference. Dr Barnett underscored that as CARICOM’s Lead Head for External Trade Negotiations, he is well-positioned to guide the Community through the complexities of global commerce. His efforts in supporting stability in Haiti were also acknowledged as exemplary of Jamaica’s leadership role in regional affairs.
The CARICOM Secretary-General highlighted that the Meeting also marked the return of several leaders who were re-elected: Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago; Honourable John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize; His Excellency Gilmar Pisas, Prime Minister of Curaçao. She also recognized newly-elected leaders: Honourable Cora Richardson-Hodge, Premier of Anguilla (the first woman to hold this position) and Honourable Andre Ebanks, Premier of the Cayman Islands
CCJ President
She highlighted the inauguration of Honourable Mr Justice Winston Anderson of Jamaica as President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and noted that his elevation was warmly received as a moment of pride for the Region.
“We look forward to the benefit of your experience, intellect and well-known dedication to the rule of law, as we collectively seek to deliver enhanced frameworks for justice within the Community.”
18th CARICOM Road Race
The recently concluded 18th CARICOM Road Race was cited by Dr Barnett as a symbol of Caribbean unity in practice, encouraging healthy lifestyles and advancing the Region’s global advocacy on non-communicable diseases. She shared that CARICOM leaders also reaffirmed support for regional participation in the upcoming Fourth High-Level Meeting on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) at the 80th United Nations General Assembly.
About the Meeting
Jamaica is hosting the Forty-ninth (49th) Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) from 6-8 July in Montego Bay, under the chairmanship of Dr The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Chair, CARICOM and Prime Minister of Jamaica.
The Meeting is being held under the theme “People, Partnerships, Prosperity: Promoting a Secure and Prosperous Future.”
Read more about the Meeting here: https://caricom.org/49hgc/
“We remain upbeat about the future and continue to engage different processes to ensure that changes are implemented. After all, we are ‘the now,’ and we continue to be hopeful that we can collectively bridge the divide and solve any differences so we can effectively drive regional integration.” – Odane Brooks, CARICOM Youth Ambassador (Jamaica)
Young people comprise approximately 60% of the Region’s population, underscoring their critical role in shaping the Community’s development trajectory. They are at the forefront of the Region’s challenges as well as the solutions.
This critical perspective is at the heart of a message delivered by Jamaica’s CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Odane Brooks, in the lead-up to the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government.
“The CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme continues to be an integral part of that effort to integrate the voices of young people in regional development. We anticipate that this regional meeting will see the coming together of ideas to address sustainability challenges and more substantially, a resolve and commitment from our regional leaders to take the actions necessary to effectively address the challenges,” stated Odane.
He added, “We remain upbeat about the future and continue to engage different processes to ensure that changes are implemented. After all, we are ‘the now,’ and we continue to be hopeful that we can collectively bridge the divide and solve any differences so we can effectively drive regional integration.”
Please watch Odane’s message below.
Under the agreements, the CDF will provide a total of US$15 million in concessional loan financing to DGPC, to support the construction and commissioning of the 10-megawatt geothermal plant in the Roseau Valley. CDF’s support complements financing and technical assistance from other regional and international partners, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to unlock the region’s renewable energy potential.
Once operational, the plant is expected to generate over 60% of Dominica’s electricity demand with clean, renewable energy – dramatically reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, lowering and stabilising electricity costs, and significantly cutting carbon emissions, a critical step in achieving the island’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
“This is a flagship project not just for Dominica, but for the entire Caribbean,” said Mr. Rodinald Soomer, Chief Executive Officer of the CARICOM Development Fund. “By unlocking the island’s geothermal potential, we are helping to deliver on the promise of energy security, affordability, and climate resilience for generations to come.”
Mr. Fred John, Managing Director of the Dominica Geothermal Development Company, welcomes CDF’s financial support to the project and the organisation’s commitment to regional sustainable development:
“This initiative is all about enabling responsible economic transformation for Dominica. This includes stabilization and lowering of electricity prices, and creating new green energy-based commercial activity.”
The geothermal plant is expected to come online by January 2026, creating local jobs, enhancing energy independence, and positioning Dominica as a model for renewable energy deployment within CARICOM.
Project at a glance:
About the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF)
The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) is the regional institution mandated to provide financial and technical assistance to disadvantaged countries, regions, and sectors within CARICOM. Through strategic investments and partnerships, CDF promotes economic development, trade expansion, and social progress across the Caribbean.
For more information, please contact:
CARICOM Development Fund
Email: info@caricomdf.org
Phone: +1 246-436-1849
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, who signed on behalf of Government, while thanking the CDF for its support over the years noted that Guyana is proud to be a founding member of the CDF and to have benefited from the Fund’s activities over the years.
“As a Government, led by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali, we recognise the importance of a strong and competitive non-oil economy, and I want to assure you that we consider agriculture and agricultural products to be a principal pillar of our non-oil economy, and we anticipate that long into the future, agriculture will remain an important source of economic growth and an important contributor to livelihoods, in particular rural and hinterland livelihoods, “ Dr. Singh explained to CDF’s CEO.
He added that Guyana will long maintain and further enhance its position in relation to the achievement of food security for the Caribbean region more broadly, noting that this project and others like it, have a very important role to play in ensuring the country realises this achievement.
Dr. Singh also outlined various agricultural projects supported by the CDF over the years, including farm-to market roads, highlighting that this project, which will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture under the leadership of Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, also aligns closely with Guyana’s and the CARICOM Region’s food security agenda.
“This project is in a sector that is extremely important and it aligns closely with our national development priorities, and with the regional agenda on food security,” he concluded.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CDF Mr. Rodinald Soomer said the US$18 million programme is a bold and strategic investment in the fulfilment of CARICOM and Guyana’s shared vision for a resilient, productive and inclusive agricultural sector that not only feeds the nation but nourishes the Region and reinforces Guyana’s leadership role in advancing food and nutrition security in CARICOM.
“This programme is intended to enrich lives, uplift local communities and regions, and create new economic opportunities for producers and processors of coconuts, cocoa, coffee, peanuts, pigs and pork products, honey and associated by-products and vegetables,” he explained.
The CEO added that under the AIDP, the foundation for a safer, more competitive agricultural sector will be laid, with the construction of a modern swine abattoir, 13 new or upgraded agro-processing facilities, and eight enhanced surveillance outposts to enable officers to execute their duties under conditions which are more conducive and should yield better results in combating the prevalence of the carambola fruit fly.
With President Irfaan Ali being CARICOM’s lead representative for agriculture in the region, the project’s proposed activities have notably satisfied several aspects of CARICOM’s goal of reducing the Region’s food import bill, as well as in the areas of food and nutrition security, implementation and operationalisation of sanitary and phytosanitary- related policies, and increased production and climate smart agriculture.
The programme will contribute to the Government’s broader diversification strategy including through the further development in agriculture, one of the country’s main non-oil sectors. With most agriculture concentrated on the coast facing challenges such as climate change risks and reduced availability of water and suitable land, Guyana’s Ministry of Agriculture aims to increase production and value addition in selected commodities. Through projects such as this, the Ministry will be in a stronger position to propose policies and investments that generate the highest return for the country, in line with Guyana’s National Strategy for Agriculture (2020–2030). (Guyana Ministry of Finance Press Release)
]]>CSEF is the biennial flagship regional platform for high-level clean energy dialogue. This year, it is being organised by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) in collaboration with the Government of Grenada.
The sessions will focus on accelerating investment, showcasing practical energy solutions, and deepening collaboration among stakeholders to chart a sustainable and inclusive energy path forward.
“We are excited for what lies ahead and remain committed to supporting Member States in delivering an energy future that is secure, climate-resilient, and economically transformative. Together, through strategic engagement and visionary leadership, we will continue to advance the Caribbean’s sustainable energy revolution,” said Ms. Sandra Britton, Programme Manager, Energy, CARICOM Secretariat.
CSEF has been held in the Region since 2008 with the last Forum being convened in 2023 in Kingston, Jamaica.
]]>The Incoming Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, made the point in a video message ahead of the Forty-Ninth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, which he will host in Montego Bay, 6-8 July. The theme of the Meeting is ‘People, Partnerships, Prosperity: Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future.’
Referencing the Regional Digital Development Strategy, Prime Minister Holness said the Community will prioritise digital literacy, cyber security, and innovative solutions that can streamline governance, improve healthcare, and expand educational opportunities.
“We will work to ensure that AI and other emerging technologies are harnessed in ways that align with our values, promoting inclusion, fairness, and data privacy. This is not just about keeping pace with global trends, but moreso about empowering our people to compete and thrive in the digital age,” he said.
]]>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 18th 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 30th 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.
]]>“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.”
He identified the key advancements in the approval and implementation of the Trade Policy for Animal and Animal Products (TPAAP), Regional Agricultural Health and Food Safety Policy, Sanitary and Phyto Sanitary (SPS) Guidelines for Trade in 19 special agricultural commodities, and the Alternate SPS Dispute Settlement Mechanism.
“We are also seeing progress in some areas such as the introduction of a regional agricultural insurance product; increased cross-border investment; increased resource mobilisation and coordination towards the implementation of the 25 by 2025 Initiative; increased private sector involvement; large scale private sector investment in the sector – dairy, small ruminants, soya and poultry production; increased agricultural production in Member States (introduction of new/niche crops); development of a Regional Electronic Agriculture Market Information System; establishment of a US$100M fund for regional agriculture, and the Caribbean Food Systems Investment Initiative (CFSII)”, Amb. Prendergast said on 14 May, at the opening of the Caribbean Poultry Association’s Eighth International Technical Symposium and Exhibition in Jamaica.
With respect to securing the future of the agriculture sector, he drew attention to youth engagement in agriculture through the development of a Regional Youth in Agriculture Strategy and the establishment of a Youth Advisory Council.
“These initiatives, along with the introduction of new technologies, technical assistance programmes, enhanced alignment among development partners, and investments in cold storage and greenhouse technology, are collectively driving us towards greater food and nutrition security,” he said.
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