48 HGC – CARICOM https://caricom.org Caribbean Community Mon, 10 Mar 2025 20:13:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.6 STATEMENT from the Caribbean Community | Canada’s Support for Development Projects in CARICOM https://caricom.org/statement-from-the-caribbean-community-canada-support-for-development-projects-in-caricom/ Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:00:13 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=44188 The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) welcomes the recent announcement by the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development of Canada of $24.1 million in funding to promote social action, empowerment of women, human rights and security in the Region, including in Haiti.

This follows his announcement at the 48th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government held in February in Barbados, of $38 million in new funding for several initiatives. These include biodiversity governance; gender equality; recovery and reconstruction efforts following the passage of Hurricane Beryl in 2024, and reproductive education.

CARICOM deeply values Canada’s commitment to our strategic relationship founded on a shared commitment to democracy, respect for human rights and the rules-based international order, and which aims to advance common foreign policy, trade, security, and development priorities, including climate change.

The Community reaffirms its commitment to a multi-faceted, enduring, and vibrant partnership with the Government of Canada.

10 March 2025

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CARICOM SG welcomes UNSC’s A3 Plus Group for courtesy call in Georgetown https://caricom.org/caricom-sg-welcomes-a3-plus-group-from-the-unsc-for-courtesy-call-in-georgetown/ Wed, 05 Mar 2025 17:26:48 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=44153 (Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown) – On Thursday, 27 February, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr Carla Barnett welcomed a courtesy call from the A3 Plus Group of the United Nations Security Council.

The Delegation was headed by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations and Coordinator of the A3 Plus Group along with Permanent Representatives to United Nations from Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Somalia, Ghana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines as well as the President and CEO Africa Center, and the Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations. The interface took place at the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters in Georgetown.

H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations and Coordinator of the A3 Plus Group signing the Secretary-General’s Guest Book.

The outcomes of the recently concluded 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, Haiti, the need for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform, participation of Africa in CARIFESTA 2025, reparation and strengthening ties between Africa and CARICOM were at the forefront of discussions.

Both parties reflected on the tragic loss of the first Kenyan police officer in Port-au-Prince, a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those working to restore peace in Haiti. Against this backdrop, they emphasised the importance of CARICOM and Africa working together to bring tangible benefits through meaningful dialogue and action to the Haitian people.

Funding for the MSS Mission also formed part of the discussions, with the A3 Plus group urging CARICOM to continue advocating for international donors to secure the necessary support for the Mission.

CARICOM SG, Dr Carla Barnett (L), and Assistant Secretary-General, Elizabeth Solomon (centre) engaging members of the A3 Plus Group before the start of the discussions during the courtesy call.

The discussions also reflected on the work of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) at the United Nations to bridge food insecurity with reforestation initiatives, as Chair of the Working Group on food insecurity in the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Ad hoc Advisory Group on Haiti.

The upcoming Second AU-CARICOM Summit, scheduled for 7 September 2025 in Addis Ababa, was seen as an important political engagement in light of current geopolitical developments.

Additionally, the meeting discussed reparations as CARICOM intensifies its call for reparative justice by the governments of former colonial powers and relevant institutions for the crimes against humanity, including Native Genocide, the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, and a racialized system of chattel slavery.

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COMMUNIQUE |Forty-Eighth (48th) Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) | Barbados https://caricom.org/communique-48th-regular-meeting-of-the-conference-of-heads-of-government-of-the-caribbean-community-caricom-barbados/ Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:57:42 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=44117

The Forty-Eighth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held in Barbados from 19 -21 February 2025 under the chairmanship of the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.

Members of the Conference in attendance were: Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; Honourable Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas; Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados;  Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica; Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada; His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana; His Excellency Laurent Saint-Cyr, Councillor-President, Member of the Transitional Presidential Council, Haiti; Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica; Honourable Reuben Meade, Premier of Montserrat; Honourable Philip Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia; Honourable Terrance Drew, Prime Minister, St Kitts and Nevis; Dr the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines; His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of Suriname; and Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

Associate Members in attendance were: Honourable E David Burt Premier of Bermuda;  Honourable Julian Fraser Deputy Premier of the British Virgin Islands;  Honourable Juliana O’ Connor-Connolly Premier of the Cayman Islands, and Mr Djurick Comenentia, Secretary-General, Ministry of General Affairs and Foreign Relations, Curaçao.

OPENING CEREMONY

The Opening Ceremony was held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre in Bridgetown. The event featured remarks by leaders and guests of the Community, as well as cultural items from several Barbadian performers. CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Ms Ashley Lashley, presented welcome remarks.

In her remarks, CARICOM Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett, pointed to the need for renewed and expanded partnerships and collaboration as CARICOM seeks to grapple with existing and emerging uncertainties. “If we are to decisively counter and surmount the combined effects of adverse developments, we must redouble collective efforts, pool our combined wisdom and act on the basis of our fundamental principles,” she said.

Prime Minister of Grenada and Outgoing Chair, Honourable Dickon Mitchell, noted that following the passage of Hurricane Beryl, Grenada had rebounded more determined to advocate on climate issues. He also noted CARICOM’s history of collective action, including on the sovereignty of the State of Palestine and the former apartheid regime of South Africa. “We must not de-emphasise the role of our unity and advocacy,” he observed. The Prime Minister also recalled the urgent need to advance the issue of reparatory justice.

Special Guests, H.E.  Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations and

H.E.  Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission also pointed to the Region’s unity in advocacy for necessary bold and decisive actions, especially given changing global political realities.

The new Chair, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley said that, having regard to shifting global priorities, it cannot be ‘business as usual’. She urged her colleague Heads of Government to ‘find common ground and common purpose” to ensure that as things fall apart, CARICOM can hold the centre, “recognising that we will always be stronger together.”

The Honourable Reuben Meade, Premier of Montserrat, as a newly elected Head of Government, also addressed the gathering, urging the Region to act decisively and with unity of purpose.

The opening ceremony can be viewed at: https://caricom.org/48hgc/ or  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhfRWavR0QQ

ENGAGEMENTS WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

H.E. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations spoke to the Region’s triple priorities of climate change, security and finance.  He congratulated Heads of Government on their unified advocacy and bold initiatives, including the Bridgetown Initiative and the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). On security, he noted his intention to present proposals to the UN Security Council to support stability and security and address the root causes of the crisis in Haiti.

Heads of Government thanked him for his ongoing engagement and partnership with the Region, including advocacy for climate justice and support for the Multi-dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI). They urged attention to operationalising the Loss and Damage Fund to address climate change, and reform of the international financial architecture to reflect the unique needs of Small Island Developing States.

Heads of Government welcomed the frank exchange with the UN Secretary General on several areas of concern to the Region, in particular the worsening situation in Haiti. They support the recommendations, discussed with the UN SG, that a UN Security Council supported mechanism that is responsive to the situation on the ground, must be found. They also underscored the urgency of deploying such a mechanism.

Dr Kenny Anthony, former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and coordinator of the CARICOM-appointed Eminent Persons Group (EPG) emphasised the need for urgent action in relation to Haiti, especially in light of the anticipated holding of general elections.

H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission highlighted areas of common interest, including multilateralism, maintaining peace and territorial integrity, conflict resolution, climate change, and renewable energy solutions.

The Conference expressed appreciation to the President for the Commission’s long-standing partnership with the Region. Heads of Government noted that the EU’s pledge to fulfill the need for renewable energy was significant and would revolutionise the Region’s economies. They detailed the hydro, solar, wind and geothermal potential of the Community. Other possible areas of cooperation include the mobilising of resources to support the return of peace and stability to Haiti, advocacy for reparatory justice, climate and biodiversity initiatives, transportation in the context of food security, technology, renewable energy, opportunities for the private sector, sargassum processing, and scholarships for students.

Heads of Government expressed concern at the ongoing unilateral, arbitrary and non-transparent blacklisting strategy employed by the European Union (EU) against CARICOM Member States, particularly those alleged to be non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, and deficient in addressing Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT).

They also expressed concern with Europe’s stance on Investment Immigration Programmes in some Member States.

The EC President indicated her willingness to facilitate an address by the CARICOM Chair to the European Parliament on several issues, including blacklisting; and for dialogue on Investment Immigration Programmes, reparations, and on sharing satellite capacity.  She also expressed willingness to support further discussions on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in the context of CARICOM’s trade with the EU.

The President expressed gratitude for the feedback on the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and noted its potential to, for example, move CARICOM’s sargassum project from preparation to implementation. She committed to having the Commissioner responsible for the Global Gateway initiative meet with Member States to ensure concrete programmes were delivered.

She also recommended that the Region explore the Green Bonds market and expressed her willingness to support that process.

The Rt. Hon. Baroness Patricia Scotland, KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on her final official exchange with the Conference of Heads of Government, thanked them for their support over her nine-year tenure. The Chair expressed their appreciation for her collaboration and their wishes for her continued success.

ENGAGEMENTS WITH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Professor Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, reiterated the firm commitment that Afreximbank had made to a transatlantic partnership underpinned by trade, investment and economic cooperation. Twelve CARICOM Member States are now Participating States of the Bank and Afreximbank’sCARICOM Regional Office has been opened in Bridgetown.

The Bank’s interventions have supported CARICOM economies in sectors including hospitality, academia, sports, oil and gas, and trade. The  President reported that the Bank has approved an investment of some USD 180 million to develop the Afreximbank Africa Trade Centre (AATC) to host the Bank’s offices, a tech incubation hub, an SME incubation facility, a digital trade services centre, and a hotel and conference facilities.

A Grant Agreement to support the Development and Establishment of the Growth, Resilience and Sustainability Facility (GRSF) was signed between Afreximbank and the Caribbean Development Fund CDF in the presence of the Conference.

Mr   Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), outlined the support given by CAF to the Region to date. This includes close to USD 9 million in grant funding, and USD 363 million in approvals for projects, inclusive of those pertaining to water rehabilitation, resilient roads and schools, digital transformation and green energy.

CAF has also earmarked USD 2 million to a CARICOM facility to promote economic and social development in areas including tourism and culture, infrastructure and sustainability, climate and humanitarian assistance.

Mr. Daniel Best, the new President of the Caribbean Development Bank, shared his vision for a rebirth of the bank focused on unlocking finance that would allow CARICOM Member States to innovate, transform and thrive. His areas of focus include support to expand inter-regional and intra-regional trade; improve production processes to meet regional and international quality standards; modernise port infrastructure; incorporate climate-smart technologies; enhance transportation corridors; and increase market access.

Hon Adel bin Ahmed Al Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Minister, and Climate Envoy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, underscored the Kingdom’s ongoing interest in the Region. He reported that there is close to USD 1 billion worth of Saudi Arabian projects in the Region. Other possible areas of cooperation include establishing a CARICOM facility in Saudi Arabia, scholarships for students, digitalisation, and investments through a newly established investment company.

The Conference commended the rapid increase of Saudi Arabia’s investment in the Region.

SIGNING OF AGREEMENTS TOWARDS ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

The Agreement on Martinique’s accession to the Community as an Associate Member was signed bythe Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados and CARICOM Chair; and the Honourable Serge Letchimy, President of the Executive Council of Martinique, in anticipation of ratification of the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities by the French Parliament.

France also signed an Agreement undertaking to submit the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities to the French Parliament for ratification. Mr Thani Mohamed Soihili, Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships of France and the CARICOM Chair were the signatories to that agreement.

Ratification of the Protocol by the French Parliament will be the final step towards Martinique becoming an Associate Member of CARICOM.

CARICOM SINGLE MARKET AND ECONOMY (CSME)

The Conference noted the issues considered by the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on the CSME. They agreed to amend the Revised Treaty to simplify the way changes can be made to the rules of origin to quickly respond to the needs of Member States.

With respect to the free movement of people, the Conference agreed that Member States that have not yet done so, should sign and ratify the Protocol on Enhanced Cooperation by 31 March to enable Member States that are willing to move ahead with free movement to do so by 1 June 2025.

Heads of Government also agreed that implementation of full Free Movement will include the minimum guarantees for primary and secondary education, and emergency and primary health care.

They  further agreed to establish an Open-Ended  Working Group of Foreign Ministers to be chaired by Trinidad and Tobago and including  Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines,   to address mutual recognition of driver’s licenses; development of insurance products to cover vehicles in multiple countries; and harmonisation of customs and phytosanitary regulations  for the movement of goods across the Region to facilitate the movement of people and goods throughout the Region by way of maritime transport.

GEOPOLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

Heads of Government discussed current geopolitical developments and agreed that the Community should take steps to safeguard its market access with key trading partners, strengthen internal trade arrangements and further diversify its external trade arrangements.

CRIME AND VIOLENCE

Heads of Government agreed to intensify efforts at a holistic, region-wide approach to addressing crime and violence as a public health issue that includes mental health interventions and support systems, in particular for children affected by violence, at-risk youth, and violence and systemic failure endured by women. Heads of Government were also of the view that some of the actions of gangs and transnational crimes went beyond simply “crime” but must be designated as acts of terror.  Accordingly, there should be a review of the legislation to see how this phenomenon may be more appropriately addressed.

Heads of Government agreed to appoint Mr. Godfrey Smith, former Attorney General of Belize, as a High-Level Representative on Law and Criminal Justice, whose terms of reference would be to design and lead the implementation of a Strategic Plan to improve and modernise Criminal Justice Delivery Services across the Community.

They noted that the Third Symposium on Crime and Violence as a Public Health Issue is to be held in St Kitts and Nevis in 2025.

FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY

The Conference noted the continued hard work of the Special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security and the achievements of the 25 by 2025 Initiative. They agreed to extend the initiative to 2030, to allow for, among other things, expanding participation among stakeholders in the Region, increased uptake of the regional agricultural insurance product, greater investment support from the regional private sector, and the removal of barriers to regional trade in agricultural products.

They noted the continued adverse effects of climate change on agricultural production.

Lead Head of Government on Agriculture, H.E. Dr Irfaan Ali, outlined five projects in support of increased food and nutrition security across the Region and reported on an investment of USD 14 million in a regional food hub in Guyana.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND CLIMATE FINANCE

Heads of Government received a report on the Region’s engagements at the United Nations’ Conference of the Parties (COP 29) held in Azerbaijan in November 2024. The report noted that while the capacity constraints of Small Island Developing States were acknowledged, there was little progress on mobilising finance, and no decisions to satisfy priorities for Global Stock Take (GST) implementation.

They noted the importance of coordinated and strategic efforts to reinforce regional ` priorities during these engagements, especially in the lead up to COP 30 to be held in Brazil from 10 – 21 November 2025.

ECONOMIC ISSUES

Heads of Government agreed to strengthen cooperation and continue to enhance bilateral and multilateral relationships with third countries to advance the interests of the Community. They also agreed to focus efforts on raising the level of investment aimed at fostering innovation, and to move quickly to build out the regional capital market and finalise the revised Industrial Policy.

They notedthat the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) will be undertaking a study on the proposed regional stock exchange.

ENGAGEMENT WITH THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, CANADA

In his engagement with Heads of Government, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development of Canada, announced $38 million in new funding for initiatives in several Member States. These include humanitarian assistance funding for Haiti, bio-diversity governance innovation, recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Caribbean following Hurricane Beryl, inclusive governance, reproductive education and adolescent community health, and support to women-led businesses.

Heads of Government expressed their appreciation to Minister Hussen for Canada’s ongoing support to the Region.

ENGAGEMENT WITH THE SANDALS GROUP

Heads of Government noted the significant contribution of the Sandals Group to the development of the tourism sector in the Region and accepted the offer of the Executive Chairman of the Sandals Group to allow the hotel chain to serve as a laboratory for the practice of tourism in the Region. Given the importance of coordinating and strengthening the training of workers within the Regional hospitality industry, Heads of Government agreed to the need for a meeting between Sandals University and all regional hospitality training Institutes;

They agreed that the Secretariat and the CPSO would undertake a granular study of the linkages between tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment  and cultural sectors in the Region. The study should identify the twenty most important products used by the tourism sector from each of the other sectors with a view to facilitating more and better regional production of these products.

They requested that the Sandals Group, the Caribbean Hotel Association and the CPSO discuss the ‘greening ‘and digitalisation of the tourism industry and provide an update by the Forty-Ninth Meeting of the Conference.

ENGAGEMENT WITH YOUTH

Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors, Vanessa Burke of the Cayman Islands, addressed Heads of Government on issues of concern to the youth of the region, including Mental Health. She acknowledged the positive initiatives of the CARICOM mental health survey and mental health first-aid training implemented in the Region, and advocated for more forums and opportunities where young people can freely share ideas, concerns, and aspirations.

The Conference reiterated its commitment to the ongoing inclusion of youth.

ENGAGEMENT WITH BUSINESSES

In a side event, Heads of Government received presentations from Silicon Valley enterprises associated with Celesta Capital, a venture capital fund. The presentations outlined a variety of opportunities for access to various software and technologies presented by Celesta Capital as well as for Caribbean investment in the fields of medical technology, artificial intelligence, and data privacy and sovereignty.

CONSULTATIONS WITH ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Heads of Government welcomed the report from the Bahamas on its consultations with Associate Members, particularly the information on the visit by the Special Committee on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (C24) to the British Virgin Islands in August 2024.  Heads of Government endorsed the C24 Report from that visit, which reaffirmed that self-determination remains an essential process and is a key pillar of the Region’s reparatory justice movement.

BORDER ISSUES

Belize – Guatemala and Belize – Honduras

 Heads of Government received an update on the Belize – Guatemala and the Belize – Honduras cases before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and commended the Parties for seeking a peaceful resolution to all legal claims against Belize’s land and insular territories and any maritime areas pertaining to those territories.  They called on all Parties to abide by and implement the ICJ decision when delivered. 

Heads of Government reiterated the importance of Belize, Guatemala and the Organisation of American States (OAS)continuing to fully implement the existing Confidence Building Measures. They also reiterated their call for both countries and the OAS to finally fulfil their commitment to design a mechanism of co-operation for the Sarstoon River and maritime spaces.

They expressed appreciation for the role of the OAS in accompanying the process and called on the international community to increase support for the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone.

Heads of Government reaffirmed their steadfast support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Belize.

Guyana / Venezuela

Heads of Government received an update on developments concerning the Guyana/Venezuela controversy.  They noted with grave concern, both the statements made by the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Chairman of the National Electoral Council of Venezuela on 27 January, 2025, declaring their intention to conduct elections in the Essequibo region of Guyana on 27 April, 2025 for a “Governor” and “Legislative Council” of the so-called “Guayana Esequiba State,” which Venezuela illegally purported to “annex” last year.

Heads of Government underscored that the convening of any such elections in Guyana’s territory would be contrary to general principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, the 1 December 2023, Order of the International Court of Justice and the agreements reached in the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela. They urged Venezuela not to attempt to carry out elections, or to intrude in any other way, in Guyana’s sovereign territory.

Heads of Government condemned the attack on 17 February 2025, perpetrated by an armed group of men from Venezuela on members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) while they were carrying out their lawful business along the Guyana/ Venezuela border.

Heads of Government welcomed the submission by Venezuela of its counter-memorial on 8 April 2024, on the merits of the case regarding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award that had determined the boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela, and the submission of the Reply by Guyana on 9 December, 2024. They encouraged Venezuela to submit its Rejoinder, the final written pleading in the case, on 8 August 2025, in compliance with the Court’s scheduling Order.

They reiterated and underscored their unequivocal and unwavering support for the maintenance of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana and for the judicial process before the Court as the means for resolving the controversy peacefully, finally and in accordance with international law. 

HAITI

Heads of Government agreed to continue CARICOM’s Good Offices through the efforts of  the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) to engage with Haitian stakeholders as they seek to address the crises in that Member State.

CANDIDATURES

Heads of Government reaffirmed CARICOM’s unanimous support for the candidature of His Excellency Albert Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of the Republic of Suriname, to the post of Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States.

They also expressed their support for the candidacy of Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim of Guyana for the position of Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) at elections to take place in November 2025.

REPARATIONS

Heads of Government agreed to take advantage of the valuable opportunities for advocacy and public engagement presented by the observance of a Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025-2034); the bicentenary of the imposition of the independence ransom on Haiti in 1825; and the declaration by the African Union of 2025 as the year for ‘‘Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”.

They also agreed to strengthen collaboration with the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent and other relevant human rights bodies in the United Nations system, to ensure tangible outcomes from the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, especially in relation to reparatory justice, and to the human rights, well-being and development of people of African descent.

APPOINTMENT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE (CCJ)

Heads of Government confirmed the appointment of the Honourable Mr Justice Winston Anderson to the position of President of the Caribbean Court of Justice.

They conveyed their appreciation to the outgoing President, the Honourable Mr Justice Adrian Saunders for his sterling service to the Region.

UPDATE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES ON INDIGENISATION

Heads of Government agreed to the recommendations in a report from the Vice Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, which requested approval for the creation and adoption of an inter-governmental treaty that will replace the Royal Charter that currently forms the constituent instrument establishing The University of the West Indies. 

This treaty will be signed and ratified by all contributing countries to the University.

GOVERNANCE AND FINANCE OF THE COMMUNITY

Heads of Government reinforced the critical importance of the regional integration movement to survival as Caribbean states. They noted that functional cooperation that is integral to the regional movement allows Member States to benefit individually from regional institutions that they might not be able to afford, or to staff.

They agreed to commission a paper to examine how to improve CARICOM Governance and articulate a set of Governance Arrangements to deepen functional cooperation and to ensure that CARICOM remains suited for current times. The paper would also look at ways to finance regional institutions including through the automaticity of payments.

EDUCATION IN THE REGION

Heads of Government received a presentation on the concerns of parents on the administration of examinations by the Caribbean Examinations Council. They requested that the relevant parties should meet urgently with the representatives of the parents‘ association to address those concerns.

They also agreed on the need to establish a CARICOM Education Transformation Commission to address education in the region.

The Conference also welcomed the initiative of the Government of Guyana to establish the Guyana Digital School to serve the digital learning needs of students in Guyana, and especially welcomed the offer of access to the School for  students across the Region.

Caribbean Future Skills Fund

Heads of Government welcomed and endorsed the creation of a Caribbean Future Skills Fund, designed to serve as a catalyst both for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and broader capacity development efforts across the Region, in particular in digital learning and transformation. 

WEST INDIES CRICKET

Heads of Government expressed their deep gratitude to the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley, for his stewardship of the Prime Ministerial Sub-committee on Cricket, and his efforts to reinvigorate West Indies cricket. They endorsed the recommendation for H.E. Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, to assume chairmanship of the Sub-committee.

Heads of Government expressed concern that partisan political conduct by the administrators of Cricket West Indies could adversely affect regional cricket as such actions are not condoned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and so could put the CWI at odds with the procedures and regulations of the ICC.

GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE ISLANDS SUMMIT 2025, BASSETERRE, SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS 

Prime Minister Drew invited colleague Heads to participate in this Summit which will be held in St Kitts and Nevis from 27 -29 May 2025, to advance discussions on innovative solutions for sustainable island development, including renewable energy, climate resilience and sustainable practices.

CARIFESTA XV

The Government of Barbados will host CARIFESTA XV from 22 -31 August 2025 under the theme “Caribbean Roots- Global Excellence”. The event will incorporate new technologies, and promises a diverse and engaging offering of performing, visual, literary and culinary arts, through symposia, community events, creative industries business networking, super concerts and legacy projects.

The Chair invited Heads to ensure participation to showcase the Community’s culture.

AFRICAN UNION (AU) – CARICOM SUMMIT

Heads of Government noted that the Honourable Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia has agreed to host the Second AU-CARICOM Summit on 7 September 2025 at the Adwa Convention Centre in Addis Ababa.

APPRECIATION

Heads of Government expressed their gratitude to the Government and People of Barbados for their excellent hospitality and courtesies as host of the Meeting.

They also paid tribute to Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, who was attending his last CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting.

DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT REGULAR MEETING

Heads of Government accepted Jamaica’s invitation to the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference in Montego Bay from 6-8 July 2025.

STATEMENTS

The Conference issued the following statements:

Statement on Palestine

Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) continue to call for the release of all hostages and prisoners and for unimpeded humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. 

CARICOM expresses support for the proposal for a permanent cessation of hostilities, and a major reconstruction plan for Gaza and calls on all parties to remain committed to a peaceful resolution of the Israel-Hamas conflict through meaningful dialogue and negotiation.  

CARICOM reiterates its position that lasting peace between Israel and Palestine that guarantees human rights, the principle of self-determination, human dignity, and citizen security is through a two-state solution that guarantees the right of the people of Israel and Palestine to live in lasting peace and security.

Statement on Cuba

The Forty-Eighth Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community is gravely concerned with the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Cuba resulting from the embargo imposed on the people and Government of Cuba by the Government of the United States of America.

The Conference renews its call for the lifting of the unilateral financial, economic, and trade embargo and for Cuba to be immediately removed from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.

28 February 2025

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CARICOM reviewing regional telecommunications environment https://caricom.org/caricom-reviewing-regional-telecommunications-environment/ Thu, 27 Feb 2025 19:05:59 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=44084 The Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, will lead a review of the telecommunications environment in the Region. Prime Minister Mitchell is Lead Head of Government with responsibility for Science and Technology in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet.

The Prime Minister and the Hon. David Burt, Premier of Bermuda, will support the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados and Chair of CARICOM, to review the sector’s environment, with a view to creating a competitive environment where customers and providers are treated fairly.

Addressing the media at the end of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, Prime Minister Mottley referred to the annual billion-dollar earnings of some communications platforms and services from which the Region does not benefit economically.

“We were informed that (these entities) earn as much as $11.6B a year and they pay no taxes. There is no contribution in any way to the regional economy, and at the same time, the absence of revenue to the telecommunications firms means that at the very time that we need to be looking at re-investment to make our telecommunications infrastructure sturdier, it is not there,” the Chair stated.

“We are at the stage of exploration, but Premier Burt and Prime Minister Mitchell will work with me to be able to put the Community in a position to be able to better level the playing field to ensure that there is fairness to the consumer, fairness to the provider and a competitive environment. We are conscious that the Caribbean, as a region of small states, has higher telecommunication costs than we would normally like to see as compared to other regions,” Prime Minister Mottley said.

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“Face-to-face discussion on reparatory justice is absolutely important”–CARICOM Chair https://caricom.org/face-to-face-discussion-on-reparatory-justice-is-absolutely-important-caricom-chair/ Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:48:39 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=44049

“While there have been instances of people offering a public apology or even a quantum, as in the case of the Church of England, there has been no face-to-face discussion which we deem as absolutely important because if you can’t see me or hear me, it is not appropriate to be able to make a judgment as to who or what I am and what I should receive.” – CARICOM Chair and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley

CARICOM leaders have agreed that a face-to-face conversation on reparations with all stakeholders is essential.  This was stated by CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley during the closing media conference for the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference on Friday, 21 February in Barbados. In her remarks, the Chair highlighted leaders’ continued advocacy for reparatory justice and underscored that the issue is a high priority for the body.

“The Heads agreed that the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee (PMSC) on Reparations would meet, but that without prejudice to this, we were settled on the need for an apology and the need for compensation remains absolutely important to us”, explained the Chair.  

She added that convening the PMSC on Reparations is a priority and that the members would be responsible for refining the Region’s negotiating mandate for reparations. “While there have been instances of people offering a public apology or even a quantum, as in the case of the Church of England, there has been no face-to-face discussion which we deem as absolutely important because if you can’t see me or hear me, it is not appropriate to be able to make a judgment as to who or what I am and what I should receive.”

During his remarks at the media conference, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Hon. Philip Davis, stated, “We’re also looking now at what legal avenues that we could engage to ensure that we can have perhaps a judicial response or answer if the negotiations fail.”

The Bahamas Prime Minister,  Hon. Philip Davis

Reparatory Justice is not a new concept

Prime Minister Davis also shared examples of other groups receiving reparatory justice:

 “We also wanted to point out that reparations for wrongdoings and similar situations are not new. With regard to the Jews and the Holocaust, the Germans negotiated the 50 billion dollar reparations. Jews are still, today, I think, getting cheques for the harm that was done to that Community during that period. The South Korean Comfort Ladies were compensated by Japan in the tune of…one billion dollars, and which goes to them and their families and to provide cultural and other assistance for them. And the United States themselves…I think it was in 1988; they passed a reparation act to compensate the US citizens of Japanese descent who were detained during World War II.”

 “This is information that we have to put forward to ensure that people don’t think that this is some new aberration by the African descendants,” Prime Minister Davis stated.

The PMSC on Reparations was established under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister of Barbados and comprises the Chair of the Conference and the Heads of Government of Guyana, Haiti, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname to oversee the work of the CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC).

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Working group established to advance maritime transportation arrangements https://caricom.org/working-group-established-to-advance-maritime-transportation-arrangements/ Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:43:16 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=44057 Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have established an inter-governmental working group to advance arrangements to improve maritime transportation in the Region.

Senator the Hon. Dr. Amery Browne, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, will head the working group which will include other ministers from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Hon Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados and Chair of CARICOM, made the announcement at a press conference on Friday, 21 February 2025, following the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Barbados.

The Chair said that within the next six weeks, the working group must identify steps towards the mutual recognition of drivers’ licences, insurance products, harmonising customs and phyto-sanitary regulations, and removing non-tariff barriers for the smooth intra-regional movement of goods.

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CARICOM, UN, European Commission call for cooperation, partnerships amid global flux https://caricom.org/caricom-un-european-commission-call-for-cooperation-partnerships-amid-global-flux/ Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:28:54 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=44043 (Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) – Chair of CARICOM, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados; CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett; United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres; and European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen have underscored the need to work together amid current global flux.

Delivering the keynote address at the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, in Bridgetown, Barbados on Wednesday 19 February, Prime Minister Mottley stated that global partnerships are crucial.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados and Chair of CARICOM addressing the opening ceremony of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, 19 February in Barbados

“We live in a world where the opportunity for facts and shared values in common spaces is becoming rarer and rarer, simply because everyone is in their own echo chamber, rather than in national entities being able to share and to relate so that we have a common perspective to keep our democracy strong. This meeting, my friends, cannot be business as usual.”

CARICOM Chair, Prime Minister Mia Mottley

She added, “the only way we will make it through these difficult times is if we are prepared to be more unified and bolder than ever.”

CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, addressing the opening of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, 19 February in Barbados

“The current global challenges cannot be effectively addressed in splendid isolation,” Dr Barnett stated, highlighting the need for collective efforts, knowledge sharing, and adherence to core principles. The focus of this 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference is Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development. It highlights the need for renewed and expanded partnerships, and collaboration, as we grapple with existing and emerging uncertainties.”

CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett stated.

Noting that the simultaneous global crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution; crime and violence; ongoing military and trade wars; and other global shocks, pose real and present threats to CARICOM countries, she added,


“It is at times like this that CARICOM’s continuous call for international cooperation, multilateralism, and respect for international law, takes on special significance.”

The Secretary-General praised CARICOM’s quick response to Hurricane Beryl in 2024 and thanked Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell for stewardship of the Community at a time when he grappled with the devastating impact of Beryl on his own country.

She also reaffirmed the Community’s support for a Haitian-led solution to the multifaceted crises there, and for the territorial integrity of Guyana, Belize, and Palestine.

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, who was a Special Guest to the Meeting, commended CARICOM’s commitment to multilateralism and stressed the need for international solutions to current global challenges.

Highlighting the “irrepressible strength of a unified Caribbean,” the UN SG added,

“International solutions are essential to create a better today and a brighter tomorrow for this wonderful region, and for the world.”

He urged CARICOM and the UN to work together on unity, peace and security, particularly in Haiti where gangs are inflicting intolerable sufferings on desperate and frightened people.

UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, addressing the opening ceremony of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, 19 February in Barbados

“We must keep working for a political process – owned and led by the Haitians – that restores democratic institutions through elections,” Mr. Guterres stated.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also attended the Meeting as a Special Guest, marking her first trip abroad since her re-election and her inaugural visit to the Caribbean region.
She emphasised Europe’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Caribbean.


“The Caribbean and Europe may sit on different sides of an Ocean. But in recent years, we have decided to stand on the same side of history.”

EC President Ursula von der Leyen

She acknowledged CARICOM’s call for reparatory justice, which outgoing chair of CARICOM, Hon. Dickon Mitchell of Grenada highlighted in his speech to the Conference.

European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, addressing the opening ceremony of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, 19 February in Barbados

“Slavery is a crime against humanity. The dignity and the universal rights of every single human being are untouchable and must be defended by all means.

Echoing the call for partnerships, President von der Leyen said,

“We are in a race against time. So even in a moment of harsh competition, we need to join forces. This is what brings me here today. In this world there is a clear attempt by some to build spheres of influence. Where competing visions of world order are leading to a more transactional approach to global affairs. Where the disruptive potential of intense competition is rising. In this world, Europe’s offer is clear. Let us look for mutual interests and work together.”

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Food Security Initiative Expanded, Extended to 2030 https://caricom.org/food-security-initiative-expanded-extended-to-2030/ Tue, 25 Feb 2025 20:17:27 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=44036 Uncertainties in the global trade arena and impacts from natural disasters in the Region are among the factors that have necessitated an extension to the regional food security initiative.

The 25 by 2025 Initiative, which targeted the reduction of the Region’s more than $6B food import bill by 25 percent by yearend, has now been extended to 2030. New goals have also been added to the Initiative.

H.E. Dr. Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana and Lead Head of Government with responsibility for agriculture and food security in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, made the announcement on Friday, 21 February 2025, at the end of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Barbados.

While acknowledging the significant progress that was made to date under the Initiative, the President pointed to the devastating consequences of Hurricane Beryl on the agriculture sector and continuing global supply chain disruptions.

“In relation to our 25 by 2025 programme…we have made significant progress. If you look at 2022 to the end of October/November 2024, we have had about a 24 percent increase in food production across the Region. We have had major investments in infrastructure to support food production, whether it’s cold storage, farm-to-market access roads, solar dryer facilities, loan approval, establishment of dairy facilities. We have seen significant increase in private sector investment and lending in the agriculture sector and the food production chain within the Region,” the President told the media.

Given the current situation, he said the Region has established a “holistic framework” to build a resilient, sustainable, and competitive industry and food system that will encourage participation, particularly, of young people and women.

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“Gang violence should be regarded as acts of terrorism and a threat to democracy in the Region” – PM Holness https://caricom.org/gang-violence-should-be-regarded-as-acts-of-terrorism-and-a-threat-to-democracy-in-the-region-pm-holness/ Mon, 24 Feb 2025 15:38:24 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=44003

“We must take a very strong approach to it from a legislative perspective to create the laws that will enable us to have surveillance to detain them – of course, within the accepted rules of human rights and the treatment of citizens – but certainly, there needs to be what we call in Jamaica enhanced measures to treat with this new and emerging threat to our democracy.”

Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness

Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries must adopt a strong stance on incidents of gang violence, stating that they “must now be regarded as acts of terrorism”.

The Prime Minister, speaking at the closing press conference following the three-day 48th Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Leaders in Barbados, said that “enhanced measures” are needed to tackle gang violence as an emerging threat to democracy in the Region.

“I think the Region should begin to consider carefully that the level of criminal enterprise that exists is at some times over and beyond the capacity of regular law enforcement and regular legislative tools that are available to treat with ordinary criminality,” stated Prime Minister Holness. He added, “The use of violence in a criminal pursuit and then the spread of fear, sometimes deliberate, that comes from that, to weaken States, to undermine institutions, to corrupt public officials, to make the state incapable of addressing the issue, should not be treated as ordinary criminality.”

He referred to Haiti as the obvious example. He cited incidents of extreme gang violence emerging in other CARICOM territories “with gangs that are arming themselves deliberately, stockpiling weapons, seeking, as I’ve said before, to capture communities and corrupt public officials, that should not be considered as ordinary criminality.”

Transnational crime

The Prime Minister underscored that violence of this nature is a threat to the State, and Caribbean nations must face that squarely and deal with it accordingly.

“These are acts of terror, and they are oftentimes transnational. The criminals in Trinidad may have links to criminals in Jamaica. Certainly, the criminals in Haiti are transporting guns to Jamaica and possibly likewise. Certainly, criminals in Miami…some of them are our nationals, are illegally trafficking weapons to Kingston, and therefore, the government of Jamaica alone trying to treat with the issue would not be as effective as if we had a global approach, a regional approach, and certainly a CARICOM approach to treating with this issue of criminal enterprise. We call them gangs, but I maintain that that is a euphemism. They are not just socially marginalised youngsters who have been deprived of social and economic opportunities,” asserted the Prime Minister.  

Criminal Enterprise

Prime Minister Holness underscored that some criminal gangs are operating as enterprises or businesses to weaken governments. 

“We must take a very strong approach to it from a legislative perspective to create the laws that will enable us to have surveillance to detain them – of course, within the accepted rules of human rights and the treatment of citizens – but certainly, there needs to be what we call in Jamaica enhanced measures to treat with this new and emerging threat to our democracy,” urged the Prime Minister.

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Appropriate legislation needed to tackle violent crime surge – PM Rowley https://caricom.org/appropriate-legislation-needed-to-tackle-violent-crime-surge-pm-rowley/ Mon, 24 Feb 2025 14:43:15 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=43991

“We also expect that these acts – using the tools of trade of the criminals at large in our communities from The Bahamas to Suriname, Saint Lucia to Trinidad and Tobago – that they be deemed to be acts of terrorism and allow us to view them, not only the executive, but by our judiciary and allow us to fashion the appropriate legislation.”

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr The Hon. Keith Rowley

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr The Hon. Keith Rowley says CARICOM leaders deem the current surge of violent crime affecting Member States as “acts of terrorism.” 

“We also expect that these acts – using the tools of trade of the criminals at large in our communities from The Bahamas to Suriname, Saint Lucia to Trinidad and Tobago – that they be deemed to be acts of terrorism and allow us to view them, not only the executive, but by our judiciary and allow us to fashion the appropriate legislation,” stated Dr Rowley.

Addressing the media following the three-day 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government in Barbados, Prime Minister Rowley also revealed that leaders will continue to treat violence as a public health issue, noting the impact on communities and the public health system. 

“So we adopted the working definition of crime and violence as a public health issue since the effect on human conditions is such that violent crime – largely carried out by firearms – 80% of the killings that we are experiencing are done by firearms – and 90% of those firearms are coming to us from one particular source. So we agree that this is a public health issue, and of course, we will continue to engage it as such,” said Dr Rowley.

George-Bridge and Needham’s Point Declarations integral to crime fighting

The Prime Minister shared that the George-Bridge and Needham’s Point Declarations are fundamental to the leaders’ holistic approach to tackling crime. He reiterated that the George-Bridge Declaration was approved by leaders at the Second Regional Symposium: Violence as a Public Health Issue — The Crime Challenge in Guyana. He stated that they would continue to support the aims and recommendations of Needham’s Point Declaration.  “These are all positions taken by CARICOM Heads, which should flow into actions through legislative and other arrangements,” emphasised Dr Rowley.

Crime: One of the highest hurdles for CARICOM Leaders to overcome

While providing details of the strategic plan by leaders to tackle crime, Prime Minister Rowley admitted that crime continues to be a significant challenge for the body.

“So basically, these are the foundational things that we are doing at the level of the Heads – acknowledging that one of the highest hurdles that we are required to overcome and to treat with at this time is the high level of violent crime in our societies and the organised commercial arrangements of criminals who terrorise our populations, whether they are large ones or smaller ones in the community,” underscored Dr Rowley.  

However, leaders expect that the agreed decisions would make significant changes to the current state of crime in the Region. 

Dr Rowley added, “So we maintain our high priority on that, and we expect that the changes that we are about to bring about in a number of areas – in a holistic way – would see us getting the upper hand and reversing the trend, which in some instances are in fact threatening the very sovereignty of the States in which we live.”

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