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.

In his remarks at the opening of a National Consultations on CSME Implementation Arrangements and Procedures in Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Browne said that the CSME goes beyond an economic structure, embodying a shared vision of strength, unity, and prosperity for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

He stated that the CSME represents CARICOM’s collective goal to foster an environment where businesses can flourish, investments can move freely, and people can work and contribute meaningfully across the region.

“The CSME is a testament to the principle that our greatest strength lies in collaboration and that by working together, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone,” said the Trinidad and Tobago Foreign Minister.

You can read the full text of Dr. Browne’s speech below.

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Remarks by Sen. the Hon. Dr Amery Browne | at the National Consultations on CSME Implementation Arrangements and Procedures | Trinidad and Tobago | 18 March 2025

It is my distinct honour and privilege to welcome you all to this important National Consultations on CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) Implementation Arrangements and Procedures.

I am especially pleased to extend a warm welcome to His Excellency, Wayne McCook, Assistant Secretary-General, Single Market and Trade Directorate of the CARICOM Secretariat, along with his esteemed delegation. This distinguished group includes the Director of the CARICOM Single Market Unit, the Assistant General Counsel, the Communications Specialist, the Deputy Programme Manager of the Free Movement and Labour Unit and the Senior Project Officer of the Customs and Trade Policy Unit. Your presence here today underscores the shared commitment to deepening regional integration and strengthening the mechanisms that drive our collective progress.

Ladies and gentlemen, the CSME is the cornerstone of regional integration. It provides a robust framework for economic cooperation, resilience, and sustainable growth. At its core are five fundamental pillars; the free movement of labour, goods, capital, services, and the right of establishment, which collectively create the foundation for a more dynamic and integrated regional economy.

However, the CSME is far more than an economic construct; it is a shared vision of strength, unity and prosperity for our Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It reflects our collective aspiration to create an environment where businesses can thrive, investment can flow freely and our people can move, work, and contribute meaningfully across the region. The CSME is a testament to the principle that our greatest strength lies in collaboration and that by working together, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone.

For these reasons, upon assuming the Chairmanship of CARICOM in January of this year, the Prime Minister of Barbados in concert with Trinidad and Tobago and other Heads of Government, underscored the urgency of resuming the full implementation of the CSME. This will allow Member States continue to navigate the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the external shocks of climate change and the impacts of global geopolitical developments. Prime Minister Mottley highlighted that the free movement of all CARICOM nationals is fundamental to this vision, stating, and I quote, that free movement is essential for “unlocking the true potential of our peoples and our economies.”

In response to this critical call to action, CARICOM Heads of Government, at the recently concluded Forty-Eighth Regular Meeting of the Conference, agreed to implement full and free movement of all CARICOM nationals by 1 June 2025. This regime will be facilitated through the Protocol on Enhanced Cooperation, allowing Member States that are ready to advance this initiative, to do so, in a coordinated manner.

Significantly, this commitment extends beyond the facilitation of orderly migration; it ensures that CARICOM nationals will benefit from basic social benefits, including guarantees for access to primary and secondary education, access to emergency and primary healthcare, the right to indefinite stay and the right to work without a work permit. This decision marks a transformative milestone in our regional integration agenda, our collective determination to uphold the vision of CARICOM’s founding fathers and deliver meaningful, tangible benefits to the citizens of our Community.

At the national level, Trinidad and Tobago has been steadfast in its commitment to this goal. Since the announcement of full and free movement at the Forty-Fifth Regular Meeting of the Conference in July 2023, significant strides have been made to operationalize this critical aspect of the CSME. Recognizing the importance of labour mobility, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs established the Domestic Legislative Drafting Committee (DLDC). This dedicated team of twenty-five (25) legal and technical experts undertook a comprehensive review of sixty (60) pieces of domestic legislation, to identify and address legal and regulatory barriers to full and free movement.

In January of this year, I had the opportunity to apprise Cabinet of the Committee’s progress, including the prioritization of legislative amendments to key laws such as the Immigration Act, the Immigration (Caribbean Community Skilled Nationals) Act, and the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act. Additionally, the Committee provided actionable recommendations aimed at introducing relevant regulations and establishing appropriate orders to ensure the benefits under the full and free movement regime are realized. I wish to assure you that Trinidad and Tobago is steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) and remains dedicated to the full implementation of the CSME.

With this in mind, I encourage my colleagues present to make full use of these National Consultations. Engage meaningfully with the CARICOM Secretariat officials to ensure timely implementation in your respective areas, whether that be trade in goods, regional transportation, food security and nutrition, regional financial initiatives or ratifying the requisite Protocols. This platform can significantly boost our national efforts.

To the private sector, your role in this process is equally important. Full and free movement expands access to skilled labour, facilitates business growth, streamlines operations and fosters meaningful regional business partnerships. Your continued support for the CSME is vital to the success of our economic integration.

Furthermore, I also encourage continued partnership between International Organizations present and regional bodies. By sharing global best practices and leveraging international support, this region can drive innovation, attract investment and position our economies for sustained growth in an increasingly competitive and uncertain world.

In closing, I wish to extend best wishes to the CARICOM Secretariat for the success of these consultations. Your unwavering commitment to ensuring the full implementation of the CSME across Member States is truly commendable, and the entire region greatly relies on your diligence and expertise. I have full confidence that your engagements with Government Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, the private sector, the media, The University of the West Indies, and, for the first time, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) will be both productive and impactful.

I leave you in the capable hands of the outstanding team from the CSME Unit in the Ministry, who will undoubtedly steer this process with hard work and dedication. These national consultations present us with a unique and invaluable opportunity to refine our strategies, address any existing gaps, and work together on solutions that will help create a more cohesive and effective regional framework.

Let us move forward with shared determination, collaboration and unity, confident that we have the collective strength to ensure that the CSME becomes a meaningful reality for all.

I thank you.

The Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) for the Wider Caribbean has been officially activated and will commence its activities this year, marking a significant achievement in advancing the sustainable management of marine resources in the region.

Designed to facilitate enhanced collaboration among countries, inter-governmental organisations (IGOs), and other ocean stakeholders, the OCM is aimed at promoting well-coordinated efforts to restore and preserve the region’s valuable marine ecosystems. By fostering synergies and improving efficiency, it aims to address critical environmental challenges while unlocking the economic, environmental, and social benefits of a healthy ocean.

On 23 January 2025, the ProCaribePlus Project announced the activation of the OCM. The ProCaribePlus Project is a regional initiative for protecting and restoring the ocean’s natural capital, building resilience and supporting region-wide investments for sustainable, blue, socio-economic development in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems (CLME+ region).

Seventeen states and nine Intergovernmental Organisations (IGOs) have now signed the ‘Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Enabling the Creation of a Coordination Mechanism to Support Integrated Ocean Governance in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems’.

As one of the intergovernmental organisation signatories to the OCM MOU, the CARICOM Secretariat, is pleased to be part of this ambitious governance arrangement to advance sustainable use and conservation of shared marine resources in the wider Caribbean. For over two decades, the Region has been collaborating with other countries, intergovernmental organisations and civil society organisations, as part of the Caribbean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem (CLME) approach to ocean management. The coordination mechanism is the latest evolution in this process. It creates a governance platform where countries of the wider Caribbean influence coordinated efforts and strategic impacts in sustainable Caribbean Sea management.  

Within CARICOM, efforts are also underway to strengthen ocean governance and management through the articulation of a regional sustainable ocean management policy to harmonise blue pathways to achieving the objectives of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. The development and implementation of this policy will naturally synergise with the strategic actions of the wider Caribbean’s large marine ecosystem approach, strengthening the connections of national, subregional and regional management of our shared natural resources in the marine environment.

Please read the PROCARIBE+ Press release below:

The Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) for the Wider Caribbean has been officially activated and will commence its activities this year, marking a significant achievement in advancing the sustainable management of marine resources in the region.

With the signature of the Government of the Bahamas on 19 December 2024 and of the IOC of UNESCO on 14 January 2025, a total of 17 States and 9 Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) have now signed the “Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Enabling the Creation of a Coordination Mechanism to Support Integrated Ocean Governance in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems.”

The OCM is designed to facilitate enhanced collaboration among countries, IGOs, and other ocean stakeholders, promoting well-coordinated efforts to restore and preserve the region’s valuable marine ecosystems. By fostering synergies and improving efficiency, it aims to address critical environmental challenges while unlocking the economic, environmental, and social benefits of a healthy ocean.

Key initiatives of the OCM include the development of a holistic Ocean Action Programme, the launch of a periodic reporting mechanism on the “State of the Marine Environment and Associated Economies”, and supporting the strengthening of climate-resilient ocean-based economies – the latter being of key importance for the region’s many Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Globally, there is growing recognition of the need for enhanced coordination among the many organizations and institutions dealing with marine resources. The Wider Caribbean region has positioned itself as a leader by pioneering this unique mechanism.

With additional memberships expected in 2025, the aim is that the OCM will ultimately bring together 11 Intergovernmental Organizations – including several UN Agencies – as well as the governments of the 32 States and Territories from the region.

Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, emphasized:

“The Ministry and by extension the Government remain committed to the goal of fostering partnerships and coordination to achieve and safeguard healthy marine and coastal ecosystems. These ecosystems are key drivers for thriving, sustainable and climate-resilient ocean-based economies in the Wider Caribbean Region and hemisphere.”

Dr Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States

“The OECS Commission is thrilled that the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) officially came into effect, marking a significant milestone in our collective efforts to safeguard the health of the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf marine ecosystems. This achievement reflects the tireless work and collaboration of intergovernmental organizations and countries dedicated to sustainable ocean governance. The OCM will undoubtedly strengthen regional cooperation, promote sustainable fisheries, and contribute to the resilience of our coastal and marine environments, ultimately driving the prosperity and well-being of livelihoods and economies. As the first intergovernmental agency to sign the MOU, the OECS is honoured to serve as the Convener of the inaugural Executive Group Meeting and looks forward to providing initial leadership on this important initiative.”

Felicia Cruz, Director of Blue Economy at Belize’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, upon the of the OCM MoU indicated:

“This endorsement underscores Belize’s commitment to the sustainable management and utilization of our ocean resources, aligning with our broader objectives of fostering a resilient

The project, titled ‘Towards A Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Framework for Strengthening Oceans Governance – Effective Engagement in the International Oceans Agenda’, aims to support the collaborative development of a CARICOM Blue Economy Policy.

The primary objective of this project is to articulate a Policy that fosters improved governance, regional coordination and ultimately, enhanced capacity of Member States to sustainably manage both sovereign and shared marine resources. The policy will build on international momentum for sustainable ocean economic development, including the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, Sustainable Development Goals, and the Commonwealth Blue Charter. The project also seeks to upscale national successes and progress made under the UK’s Sustainable Marine Economies Programme.

In the coming months, the project will undertake a comprehensive assessment of the policy, institutional, and legal landscape within CARICOM Member States concerning sustainable ocean-based economies. There will also be a series of virtual and in-person consultations to engage stakeholders, share national progress, and identify regional priority actions.

“This initiative is a testament to CARICOM’s dedication to fostering a sustainable blue economy that benefits all Member States in recognition of the significant contribution the Caribbean Sea makes to CARICOM’s development priorities,” said Ambassador David Prendergast, Director, Sectoral Programmes at the CARICOM Secretariat.

Impetus

The Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which underpins the regional integration process within CARICOM, includes provisions that support sustainable development and the establishment of a blue economy framework. CARICOM Member States are increasingly focusing on their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) to unlock growth and development opportunities. These opportunities span various sectors, including fisheries, energy, nature tourism, and coastal and ocean services like carbon sequestration. Strong sectoral management of marine resources exists, but comprehensive regional, cross-sectoral coordination remains a challenge. The Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP), for example, is a best practice in regional cooperation in conserving and sustainably utilising fisheries and related ecosystems, ensuring the welfare and well-being of Caribbean people.

CARICOM’s initiative to strengthen ocean governance and promote sustainable ocean management is a significant step towards realising a blue economy that benefits all Member States. With the collaboration of the CARICOM Member States, Regional Institutions and other key regional and international partners, the Region is poised to enhance its engagement in the international oceans agenda and ensure the sustainable use of marine resources for future generations.

• Other Honourable Ministers and Other Heads of Delegation;

• All Staff of the Secretariat;

• Distinguished Delegates;

• Ladies and Gentlemen.

I welcome all of you to this Fiftieth Meeting of the Community Council of Ministers with a wish is for a productive, successful and prosperous 2023.

As we prepare to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Community this year, as we prepare to commemorate the vision and courage of those who went before us, this is a year to renew our commitment to the Community and enrich this unique legacy for those who will follow us.

I congratulate the new Chairman, the Honourable Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Public Service of The Bahamas, an experienced hand to guide the Council in this auspicious year. When this Council last met, the Honourable Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration of Belize, was in the chair and I thank him for his astute leadership at this time. The heavy calendar in the second half of last year worked against convening this meeting in November or December last year, so regretfully we did not have the pleasure of meeting under the chairmanship of the Honourable Albert Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of Suriname.

In welcoming new Members, Honourable Kerrie Symmonds, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados, and Honourable Joseph Andall, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development of Grenada, I look forward to their fresh perspectives and an infusion of new energy into the discussions of this Council, as it seeks to play the pivotal role laid out for it.

Each meeting of our Organs, Councils and Bodies represents an opportunity to work together to deliver results to improve the lives of the citizens of our Community. The particular responsibility of this Council as outlined in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, places it at the center, the organisational and operational core of much of the Community’s aspirations.

As the second highest Community Organ, this Council is tasked, in Article 13 (3) of the Revised Treaty, with:

“(a) approving the programmes of the Community on the basis, inter alia, of proposals emanating from other Community Organs;

(b), amending proposals developed by the Ministerial Councils or request them to develop proposals for the achievement of Community objectives, and have responsibility for promoting and monitoring the implementation of Community decisions in the Member States.”

Article 13 (4) goes on to set out, at a more granular level, the tasks of this Council as:

• … examine and approve the Community budget;

• mobilise and allocate resources for the implementation of Community plans and programmes;

• establish, subject to the provisions of Article 26, a system of regional and national consultations in order to enhance the decision-making and implementation processes of the Community;
• promote, enhance, monitor and evaluate regional and national implementation processes and, to this end, establish a regional technical assistance service;

• function as a preparatory body for meetings of the Conference;

• ensure the efficient operation and orderly development of the CSME, particularly by seeking to resolve problems arising out of its functioning, taking into account the work and decisions of COTED;

• receive and consider allegations of breaches of obligations arising under this Treaty, including disputes between Organs of the Community;

• on the instructions of the Conference, issue directives to Organs and to the Secretariat aimed at ensuring the timely implementation of Community decisions;

• undertake any additional functions remitted to it by the Conference, arising under this Treaty.

The reality is that this Council has primarily been organized to discharge 2 of these 8 functions set out in the Treaty: (i) examine and approve the Community budget; and (ii) function as a preparatory body for meetings of the Conference.

The 3 tasks aimed at enhancing the decision-making and implementation processes of the Community are: (i) regional and national consultations; (ii) establish a regional technical assistance service; and (iii) issue directives to Organs and to the Secretariat – all aimed at promoting timely implementation of Community decisions very seldom figure on the agenda of this Council.

I do not say this to cast blame; there is enough of that already being thrown around by others in explaining the slow rate of implementation of Community decisions.  I say this to emphasize the importance of this Council seeking to exercise these functions in the future.

When the Heads met in Suriname last July, the impatience for improving performance was clear, whether it was in the conduct of Heads Meetings, in the implementation of decisions generally, the focus on matters of critical importance to the Community such as climate change/climate finance, agriculture development, transportation, and crime and security. These are all matters that, up to a few years ago were found on the agendas of this Council.

Part of the solution to addressing slow and uneven implementation is the work on improving Community Governance, which Heads have agreed is to be done. This Council has a critical role in moving this forward.  As a part of that process, the Secretariat must do better in ensuring that the matters that this Council is to consider are prepared and circulated in a more timely manner to facilitate proper consideration by Members of the Council, well before the meeting. 

This is something that we at the Secretariat are seeking to improve, as part of the revamping of the governance processes which Heads of Government have mandated the Secretariat to work with the Lead Head of Government for Governance in the Quasi-Cabinet, through his Minister on this Council. This improvement will apply to all of the Councils of the Community.

Your work, therefore, should help our citizens to recover from real challenges, assist in furthering integration of our economies and societies, and building a truly resilient Region.

Chair, Ministers, if we are to meet the challenges of 2023 frontally and accelerate the realisation of the vision of this Caribbean Community, then it is imperative that we engage with the tenacity that building this safe, prosperous and viable society requires.

We have made significant progress in the first 50 years of our Community, and the aim must be not only to build on that success, but to surpass it over the next 50.

This is the first Ministerial Council meeting of the year, and it gives you the opportunity to set the tone for the rest of this landmark year with very meaningful, engaging and fruitful discussions today.

I thank you!