climate justice – CARICOM https://caricom.org Caribbean Community Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:56:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.6 Jamaica commits to strong advocacy for climate finance and justice https://caricom.org/jamaica-commits-to-strong-advocacy-for-climate-finance-and-justice/ Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:56:35 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=46790 For the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the impact of climate change is a reality and not academic, manifesting as a sobering reminder especially during the hurricane season that lasts from July to November.

It is for this reason, that the Community must continue to strongly advocate for climate justice and climate finance. Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who assumed the Chairmanship of CARICOM on 1 July 2025, pledged that his country will be a “strong advocate” on the climate front. He made the commitment at the opening ceremony of the Forty-ninth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM on 6 July in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Climate finance, a matter of “the Region’s survival and prosperity”, was one of the key items on the agenda of the Meeting.

Chair of CARICOM, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica

“For others, the issue of climate change may be an academic discussion between scientists trying to determine whether the data set is accurate or whether historically, climate has changed overtime, and therefore climate changing now is nothing new. But last year, just around this time, Jamaica was staring down the earliest forming and perhaps the quickest forming Category 4 hurricane, which devastated a third of our island. So, for us, climate change is not an academic discussion; climate change is real. We live it almost every day. The impact of this has to be understood at the fiscal level, need for financing, but certainly because of our size,” he pointed out during his address at the opening of the Conference.

Dr Holness added that as the Region prepares for COP30 in Brazil later this year, “our call is urgent and clear: the promises of the Paris Agreement must be met—both in emissions reductions and access to climate finance at the level and scale required.”

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‘We are not asking for mercy or sympathy; we are asking for partnership’ – Grenada Prime Minister https://caricom.org/we-are-not-asking-for-mercy-or-sympathy-we-are-asking-for-partnership-grenada-prime-minister/ Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:00:08 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=43973 The Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and Immediate Past Chairman of CARICOM, on Wednesday emphasised the need for partnership to tackle climate change.

The Prime Minister, whose country was among CARICOM Member States that were devastated by Category 4 Hurricane Beryl last year, addressed the matter of climate change at the opening ceremony of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Bridgetown, Barbados. In his remarks, he praised the Region’s unity and support that provided the resilience the people of Grenada needed to rebound from the disaster.

“We are not asking for mercy. In fact, we are not asking for sympathy. We are asking for partnership. And make no mistake about it: we have one planet … We are simply asking for partnership in tackling the challenges of climate change and in protecting and sustaining the lives, the livelihoods, and the cultures of the people who are most prone to the devastating impacts of climate change,” he said.

Partnerships, collaboration, and multilateralism to combat climate change were recurring themes of the remarks at the opening ceremony of the Meeting which is being held under the theme ‘Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development.’

Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General warned that the current global scenario dictates that the Region cannot effectively address challenges “in splendid isolation.”

“In our Region, which accounts for less than one percent of the global population, we know that 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, intrinsic principles.

“Collective action, based on those principles, guided our Member States to be among the first to offer assistance and support to those impacted by the record-breaking Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. Regional commitment, strength and resilience were clearly visible by Grenada, as they hosted the 47th Meeting of the Conference within weeks after Hurricane Beryl caused catastrophic damage, not only to Carriacou and Petit Martinique in Grenada, but also to the Grenadines Islands of St. Vincent and several other Member States, as it trekked across the Caribbean,” the Secretary-General said.

Special guest of the meeting, His Excellency Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, also devoted time in his remarks to climate change. He characterised its impact on the Region as a “deplorable injustice“ and underscored the need for the Community to act in unison.

Making the case for greater partnership, special guest, Her Excellency Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission called for joined forces with “reliable partners” to solve the more pressing global problems.

She hailed the Caribbean Community as the “strongest and most respected voices” in the fight against climate change and to protect nature.”

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Ministerial Champions ‘a very necessary arrangement’ https://caricom.org/ministerial-champions-a-very-necessary-arrangement/ Fri, 14 Feb 2025 18:54:33 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=43490 The identification of ministerial leads for negotiations around sustainable development and the environment ensures the amplification of the needs and concerns of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Ms. Amrikha Singh, Programme Manager, Sustainable Development at the CARICOM Secretariat said.

Last year, in preparation for COP 29 negotiations, the Region identified Ministerial Champions to enhance its representation and coordination. The Champions for key areas of negotiation are:

  • Just Transition: Honourable Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, Minister of Planning and Development, Trinidad and Tobago;
  • Finance and the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG):  Honourable Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, Belize;
  • Global Stocktake: Honourable Kerryne James, Minister of Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy, Grenada;
  • Markets: Honourable Dr. Marciano Dasai, Minister of Spatial Planning and Environment, Suriname; and
  • Adaptation: Honourable Cozier Frederick, Minister for the Environment, Rural Modernisation and Kalinago Upliftment, Dominica.
  • Loss and Damage: Senator The Hon. Dr Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister of State for Climate Resilience in the Office of the Prime Minister of Barbados. The Honourable Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will provide support.

Ms. Singh said the strategy adds political weight to the work done by technical personnel in the year-round negotiations.

“It’s a very necessary arrangement and this sort of support is absolutely needed,” she said.

Listen:

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CARICOM lauds Grenada’s dedication to regional integration and its unwavering pursuit of climate justice https://caricom.org/caricom-lauds-grenadas-dedication-to-regional-integration-and-its-unwavering-pursuit-of-climate-justice/ Thu, 06 Feb 2025 20:15:00 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=43102 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, recognised Grenada’s commitment to regional integration as the nation celebrates its 51st Independence Anniversary under the theme ‘The Next 50: Embracing a Future of Development, Transformation and Unity.’

Dr. Barnett highlighted Grenada’s significant contributions to advance Science and Technology, including Information and Communications, in CARICOM and emphasised Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s leadership in achieving the Region’s sustainable development goals.

The Secretary-General noted that this year’s theme reflects the progressive spirit of the Grenadian people; a key factor in their past achievements that will be the impetus of their future progress.

Commending the country’s unwavering pursuit of climate justice, the Secretary-General lauded its resilience in recovering from the severe impacts of Hurricane Beryl and called it “exemplary.”

“We stand united in advocating for an international legal framework to hold major polluters accountable for global warming, and to secure the necessary resources for our survival and sustainable development,” Dr Barnett stated.

The full message reads as follows:

On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I extend warm regards to the Government and People of Grenada as you celebrate the Fifty-first Anniversary of your country’s Independence, under the theme “The Next 50: Embracing a Future of Development, Transformation and Unity.”

The spirit of progressiveness promoted by this year’s theme is indicative of the People of Grenada’s commitment to excellence, a driving force behind past successes and a crucial element for continued progress. Grenada’s invitation to Member States to join its Independence celebrations fosters stronger ties within our Community and demonstrates dedication to regional unity.

Grenada’s resilience amidst ongoing recovery efforts from the devastating effects of Hurricane Beryl is exemplary. In this vein, we recognise Grenada’s unwavering pursuit of climate justice.

We stand united in advocating for an international legal framework to hold major polluters accountable for global warming, and to secure the necessary resources for our survival and sustainable development.

Grenada’s dedication to regional integration, particularly its ongoing contributions to the development of Science and Technology, including Information and Communications, within CARICOM, is highly valued. Prime Minister, your leadership in this crucial domain is of paramount importance to the Region’s attainment of its sustainable development goals.

I extend best wishes to the Government and People of Grenada as you mark your Fifty-first Anniversary of Independence. I trust that the road ahead will lead to increased prosperity as you embrace a future of development, transformation and unity.

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Keynote address by the CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett at the opening of the 55th Annual General Meeting of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, Placencia Belize, 12 August 2024 https://caricom.org/keynote-address-by-the-caricom-secretary-general-dr-carla-barnett-at-the-opening-of-the-55th-annual-general-meeting-of-the-caribbean-broadcasting-union-placencia-belize-12-august-2024/ Thu, 15 Aug 2024 19:35:45 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=40836 Salutations

 Honourable John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize;

 Honourable Ministers and members of the National Assembly;

 Dr. Claire Grant, President, and Other Executives and Members of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union;

 Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am pleased to address you all for the convening of this Annual General Assembly and related activities. As a proud Belizean, I welcome you to my beautiful country, where our diverse landscape of mountains, beaches, mangroves, rainforests and our Belize Barrier Reef designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, all together present a fitting backdrop for your focus on Media and the Environment.

I begin by extending heartfelt congratulations to your President, Dr. Grant, who has just been awarded the Order of Distinction by the Government of Jamaica for services to journalism, media and communications. Congratulations too, to the family of the late Honourable Oliver Clarke, who will be inducted this evening into the Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s (CBU’s) Hall of Fame, in recognition of his distinguished contribution to the media.

Keynote address by the CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett at the opening of the 55th Annual General Meeting of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, Placencia Belize, 12 August 2024

Ladies and gentlemen,

As we gather this evening, the memory of the record-breaking early season weather system, named Beryl, and its devastating and extensive impact on several Member States of the Caribbean Community, forcing the postponement of the Forty-Seventh Regular Meeting of the Conference, is fresh in our minds and will no doubt feature in discussions throughout the week. Deliberations on the aftermath of the hurricane were also high on the Agenda during the rescheduled Forty-Seventh Meeting of the Conference which was held at the end of July in St. George’s, Grenada. While there, I visited the island of Carriacou, where along with President Ali of Guyana and the Prime Minister of Grenada, we were able to view firsthand the devastation caused by the hurricane. It was a sobering visit and a painful reminder of the urgency of the climate crisis facing the Caribbean region and other Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS) which do not cause climate change, but which continue to bear the disproportionate and increasingly onerous burden of its consequences.

Data from UNESCO show that 30.7 million people were displaced globally by natural disasters in 2020. In the Caribbean, the extensive destruction of our nations caused by the passage of hurricanes is a familiar refrain. In the last ten years only, hurricanes such as Irma, Maria, Dorian, Ivan, and now Beryl, have severely impacted the Region. Coupled with this increase in adverse weather events are the other effects of climate change – warmer oceans, droughts, floods, salination of our aquifers from sea level rise – all of which undermine the sustainability of sectors such as agriculture and fisheries.

The increasing cost of repeated replacement of critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges, and restoration of essential economic services such as electricity, water and telecommunications, and social services such as health and education, erodes the socio-economic gains which we have been making.

Given rising global emissions, scientists expect the effects of natural disasters and sea-level rise to worsen by 2050, putting the lives and livelihoods of Caribbean people even more at risk.

CARICOM Heads of Government have been deliberate and unrelenting in their advocacy for urgent action by the large emitters to do what is necessary to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, and for timely activation of the Loss and Damage Fund. This unified advocacy will continue, including at the 29th Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 29), in Azerbaijan in November, where we will present a coordinated position on the climate crisis.

I commend CBU for adding its voice to our advocacy by selecting this relevant and timely theme around which to center discussions at this Assembly. Commendations are also due to the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) for its partnership with CBU over the past two years, which has resulted in a notable increase in the volume and the depth of content on climate change. This is important work which deserves recognition and commendation, and I congratulate all who will receive awards in this regard at tomorrow’s ceremony.

The regional media have traditionally played a very active role in disseminating information on disaster preparedness and around major weather events. As we seek to amplify our call for climate justice, the CARICOM Secretariat is seeking to broaden its partnership with the regional media. You are ideally placed to present a platform for scientists, activists and policymakers to speak directly to the public; to package the impacts of climate change for public consumption; and to counter misinformation.
We especially have to engage with our young people who stand to lose the most if the global community cannot find a way to do what is right to reduce carbon emissions.

Critically, in the context of our vulnerable Caribbean Region, our media must scrutinise international efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and demand accountability for the negative effects of climate change on our small countries. What is true, is that even if we in SIDS do everything we can do to eliminate our already almost negligible carbon emissions, even as we continue to build our social and economic resilience, the inevitable warming of the oceans and sea level rise will continue to place our continued existence at risk unless the major carbon emitters do what is necessary to reduce their emissions and do so in time. There is, indeed, very little time left. Scientists are telling us that we are at risk of losing the ability to keep global warming within the 1.5 degrees centigrade which is essential to our survival as a civilisation.

Earlier today, I participated in a constructive exchange of views with regional media practitioners on how we can more effectively collaborate on information-sharing. Despite the proliferation of media channels and more cost-effective means of disseminating information, access to news of the services and programmes being implemented as part of the regional integration process remains a challenge. In many cases, this is especially true for the most vulnerable among us. Our hope is that, going forward, we will balance the scales, so that even as we are probed on matters on which we can do better, achievements, opportunities and benefits are also publicised and shared.

In this information age, access to digital technologies is a key driver of information dissemination, and digital media are a crucial tool for driving change and development within societies. While the Caribbean has adopted transformative digital technologies in recent years, significant digital divides remain within and across the Region.

At the recent Meeting of our Heads of Government in Grenada, the Prime Minister of Grenada who is at this time CARICOM Chair, the Honourable Dickon Mitchell, who leads on Science and Technology (including Information and Communications) in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet, launched the development of a Strategy for Regional Digital Resilience. This Strategy will focus on digital integration; infrastructure and connectivity; workforce skills development; and the necessary policy and regulatory framework.

Our expectation is that this strategic focus will help to equip the people of the Region to participate robustly in initiatives to improve competitiveness, boost innovation and growth, and build our resilience to cyberattacks, and other risks. This is especially critical for our young people as they prepare to lead the Region. Importantly, today, August 12, is the international observance of Youth Day under the theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”, drawing attention to the pivotal role of young people in harnessing technology to advance sustainable development.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

This year the CBU is marking its 54th Anniversary. Its longevity and impact are due, in large measure, to the organisation’s responsiveness to the dynamics of the sphere within which it operates, exemplified, for example, by its development of a Social Media Policy Framework for the Caribbean. The CBU actively engages on the work of the Secretariat, including on the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), and as a member of CARICOM’s ICT Cluster of Institutions which are advancing the CARICOM Single ICT Space.

We look forward to the continued robust participation of the organisation, and its membership, in the important conversations about the digital future of the Region. This includes raising awareness of the need for our countries to make the leap to cutting edge technologies. This is necessary to:

  • support distance education;
  • provide access to specialised medical diagnostics, emergency messaging and security;
  • improve digital literacy skills at all levels;
  • Utilise the great potential of artificial intelligence paying due regard to the need for ethical content, creation and usage;
  • more effectively integrate the use of digital capabilities in the delivery of public services across the region; and
  • support the Region’s drive for the necessary rollout of 5G and its continued evolution to improve and modernise operations in both the public sector and the private businesses.

I wish you a very productive 55th Annual General Assembly, and look forward to increased collaboration with the CBU, and the regional media, to advance the interests of the men, women and young people of the Caribbean Community.

Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen.

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COMMUNIQUE – Forty-Seventh Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government | Grenada | July 2024 https://caricom.org/communique-issued-at-the-conclusion-of-the-47hgc/ Thu, 01 Aug 2024 15:52:09 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=40722 Issued at the conclusion of the Forty-Seventh Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community | St. George’s, Grenada

The Forty-Seventh Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held from 28-30 July in St George’s, Grenada under the chairmanship of the Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada.

The Meeting was rescheduled from the previously announced date of 3 -5 July, due to Hurricane Beryl, which impacted eight Member States and Associate Members.

Members of the Conference in attendance were: Honourable Gaston Browne (virtual) Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda;  Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Honourable Roosevelt Skerritt, Prime Minister of Dominica; Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada; His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana; Senator Edgard Leblanc Fils, President of the Transitional Presidential Council of Haiti; Honourable Philip Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia; 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.

The Honourable Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training represented The Bahamas; Honourable Francis William Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, (virtual), represented Belize; Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson-Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade represented Jamaica; Honourable Charles Kirnon, Minister of Education, Health, Social Services, Sports, Youth and Ecclesiastical Affairs represented Montserrat; and the Honourable Geoffrey Hanley, Deputy Prime Minister, represented St Kitts and Nevis.

Associate Member States represented were Bermuda, by the Honourable Walter Roban, Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs; the British Virgin Islands, by Premier, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley; Curaçao by His Excellency Gilmar Pisas, Prime Minister; and the Turks and Caicos Islands, by the Honourable Arlington Alexander Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services.

OPENING CEREMONY

CARICOM Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett, welcomed the Community and guests to the Opening Ceremony at Charter Hall, St George’s University.

The Secretary-General acknowledged Grenada’s courage and determination in hosting the Meeting despite the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl.  She noted the significant role played by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) in relief and recovery efforts as an example of the critical role of CARICOM institutions in deepening integration.

“We have taken notable steps towards realising some of the main tenets of the Grand Anse Declaration signed on this soil in July 1989,” the Secretary-General said. “As our countries reinforce resilience and growth, it is critical that this Forty-Seventh Regular Meeting advances discussions and decisions intrinsic to the objectives of CARICOM integration.” 

Outgoing Chair, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, highlighted several CARICOM accomplishments due to inter-regional cooperation, such as improvements in food and nutrition security, advancements in restoring peaceful governance in Haiti, managing natural disasters and efforts to revitalize West Indies cricket.

“There is no stronger voice on climate change and reform of the financial system to bring climate justice to Small Island Developing States than the voices of the Caribbean,” he pointed out.

Chairman of the Conference, the Honourable Dickon Mitchell, expressed appreciation for the significant support he received from CARICOM Member States in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. He underscored the increasingly devastating impact of climate change on the Region. “We are not exaggerating the impact. The stark reality is that we may not have a country to pass on to future generations, and that is why CARICOM will not fail to advocate for climate justice,” he said.

Admission of Curacao, Sixth Associate Member

In keeping with the Decision of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM taken at its Thirty-Eighth Inter-Sessional Meeting held in Caucus on 4 June 2024, Curaçao was formally admitted as an Associate Member of CARICOM during the opening ceremony.

The Agreement was signed by the Chairman of CARICOM and the Prime Minister of Curaçao, His Excellency Gilmar Pisas.

“As we embark on this new chapter, we are committed to contributing to and benefitting from the synergies that CARICOM membership offers,” Prime Minister Pisas said.

Conferral of the Order of the Caribbean Community

A highlight of the Opening Ceremony was the conferral of the Region’s highest honour, the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC), on West Indian cricketer extraordinaire, Sir Clive Lloyd of Guyana, and former CARICOM Secretary-General, the Honourable Roderick Rainford, OJ , of Jamaica.

Both were lauded for their sterling contributions to the Region.

The opening ceremony can be viewed at:

Presentations are available via :

https://caricom.org/47hgc/         and

CARICOM SINGLE MARKET AND ECONOMY (CSME)

The Hon Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados and Lead Head of Government for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) reported that progress has been made in updating the Common External Tarriff and Rules of Origin Regimes, developing model laws to support the harmonisation of business laws and promote mutual recognition. She recognised the ongoing work to address competition policy in the Community through the possible dual function role of the CARICOM Competition Commission (CCC), and the progress made a draft regional industrial policy.

THE CARICOM AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS AGENDA- FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY

His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Lead Head of Government for Agriculture and Food Security, reported that the Region was realising measured progress in its efforts towards regional food and nutrition security, with the April 2024 CARICOM/World Food Programme Livelihood Survey indicating a 17% reduction in food insecurity. It was noted that by the first quarter of 2024, CARICOM Member States had recorded a 30% achievement of targets set and a 12% decline in real imports, equal to a quarter of a billion dollars.  He also noted that these achievements were before Hurricane Beryl which devastated the agriculture sector of the affected states and damage assessments were ongoing. Early estimates are that the passage of Hurricane Beryl has resulted in losses to the Region’s agriculture sector (excluding fisheries) of some US$159.3 million.

The Meeting noted the development of a Regional Youth in Agriculture Strategy and the launch of the Regional Economic Agri-Insurance Programme (REAP) on 26 July 2024, as positive steps toward building resilience and production.

Heads of Government urged regional financial institutions to provide a special programme of support to the agriculture stakeholders and enterprises towards recovery and rehabilitation of the sector.  They also agreed to the adoption of a regional resilient Farmstead- Shadehouse Model geared towards the economic improvement of rural family farms. This model is adaptable to the specific circumstances of particular Member States.

STRATEGY FOR REGIONAL DIGITAL RESILIENCE 2025 – 2030

As part of a strategy for Regional Digital Resilience presented by Prime Minister Mitchell, Chairman of the Conference, and Lead Head on Science and Technology (including Information and Communications), the Conference agreed to establish a CARICOM Digital Skills Training and Learning Network (CDSTLD), and to launch the Digi-Smart CARICOM Digital Skills Initiative in 2024.

They also agreedto undertake a regional project to train CARICOM citizens in key areas such as Artificial Intelligence and data analytics.

Additional activities under the Strategy will include establishment of the Cybersecurity and Resilience Information Sharing Framework at IMPACS; launch of a telemedicine pilot in three CARICOM Member States; commissioning of a CARICOM Digital Health Strategy; and the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence in Grenada.

DEVELOPMENTS IN REGIONAL AIR AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION

The Meeting received an update on the notable improvements in airlift to, from and within the Region, including the operationalization of LIAT 2020 with provision of jet services.

Heads of Government agreed to host a Regional Symposium on Air Transport in Barbados by the first quarter of 2025, under the theme “Building cooperation for the further development of Regional Civil Aviation”.

The Symposium will provide International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) training programmes to industry personnel, and will address regulatory, operational, safety, security, and gender issues in the sector.

Heads of Government received a status report on the Intra-Regional Passenger/Cargo Ferry Service between Barbados, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago, on which actions are far advanced.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTANABLE DEVELOPMENT

The Conference noted the urgency for the Region to engage in high-level political advocacy to continue to reiterate the Region’s position on Climate Change; advocate for urgent action across the climate agenda; emphasise the vulnerability of SIDS; and deliver a robust climate finance goal at COP 29.

They called for the Loss and Damage Fund to address scale and responsiveness, the two issues which are most critical for SIDS.

They agreed that CARICOM Member States will each deliver a unified statement at COP29, and convene a Donor’s Conference on the margins of COP 29.

Hurricane Beryl and its Aftermath

The Conference received an update from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) on the relief and recovery support given to the Region by Member States, regional institutions and international agencies. Eight CARICOM Member States and Associate Members were impacted by the hurricane. There was significant damage to housing stock and other critical infrastructure in some countries, and to the agriculture and fisheries sectors. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) also presented an update on its post-disaster health response noting the rising risks to public health, including from vector borne diseases, from climate change and resulting extreme weather events.

Heads of Government have established a CARICOM Sub-Committee to develop a strategy towards financing for recovery from the hurricane. They agreed to regional cooperation to advance the recommendations of the sub-committee.

They noted that all future regional insurance schemes should be realistic and reflective of the realities of the CARICOM Region. The Conference requested an examination of parametric insurance and called for a special meeting of Finance Ministers with the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility Segregated Portfolio Company (CCRIF) to discuss models and products suitable for the Region.

Message from the Minister Mukhtar Babayev, President of COP 29 (Virtual)

In his video message, the Minister for Ecology and Natural Resources of the Azerbaijan Republic and President-Designate of COP 29 noted that as host, Azerbaijan is committed to ensuring that SIDS experiences, challenges and concerns are at the centre of discussions during COP 29 scheduled for 11 – 22 November.

He further noted that the commitments of his Presidency are to enhance ambitions with clear plans on how to keep 1.5 degrees with reach; and create the conditions to shape the global financial architecture to deliver for people and the planet.

ENGAGEMENT WITH SPECIAL GUEST (VIRTUAL)

The Right Honourable Patricia Scotland, KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth

In her video message, the Secretary General noted that CARICOM has been central to the process which has reestablished the Commonwealth as a powerful force for good. She said the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa on 21 October 2024 will examine debt and reform of the global financial architecture, urgent action needed at COP 29, and will put forward a new oceans declaration.

The Conference expressed appreciation to Baroness Scotland for the work accomplished during her leadership of the Commonwealth Secretariat, particularly the continued focus on seeking to address the needs and concerns of small states.

ENGAGEMENT WITH THE UNITED NATIONS PERMANENT FORUM FOR PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT (UN PFPAD)

Her Excellency Dr. June Soomer, Chair

Dr. June Soomer updated the Conference on the work of the Permanent Forum and proposed opportunities for strategic engagement and partnership between the Forum and the Community.

Heads of Government noted the important role played by the Permanent Forum. They endorsed Dr Soomer’s recommendations for increased engagement between the UNPFPAD and relevant arms of CARICOM to advance a programme of joint advocacy, including on reparations.

They reiterated their call for support to the Permanent Forum’s campaign for the United Nations to proclaim a second International Decade for People of African Descent.

ENGAGEMENTS WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR, LABOUR, CIVIL SOCIETYAND YOUTH

The Conference received presentations from the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation( CPSO), Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL),  Caribbean Policy Development  Centre (CPDC) and the CARICOM Youth Ambassador  corps (CYA). They noted the ongoing work towards establishing an appropriate mechanism to ensure adequate consultation with them for more inclusive decision-making in the Region.

They also noted the valuable contributions by CARICOM Youth Ambassadors and other youth, and underscored the need for the enhanced involvement of young people in regional development efforts.

HEALTH DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP FOR AFRICA AND THE CARIBBEAN (HeDPAC) 

 The Partnership is a South-South collaboration effort initiated by Barbados, Guyana and Rwanda to address pressing health challenges in Africa and the Caribbean. This includes health-related issues of the climate crisis.  The HeDPAC initiative has three main priorities: to mitigate the difficulties faced by the health workforce of the Africa and Caribbean regions, including education, employment, deployment, retention, and performance; to build resilient health systems capable of withstanding emerging threats; and to promote the local manufacturing of medical products, including vaccines, to manage the gaps identified during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Partnership could also be leveraged to improve knowledge exchanges between Africa and the Caribbean, to enhance regulatory capacity for medicines, medical supplies and equipment, and to facilitate the free movement of CARICOM nationals within the Community through advancing the digitalization of health information systems. 

All Member States are invited to partner with HeDPAC to leverage sustainable health development and capacity building through political, technical, and scientific collaboration between the Regions.

BORDER ISSUES

  1. Belize- Guatemala

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. 

The Conference expressed concern over the continued illegal activities by Guatemalan nationals in Belizean territory along the Belize – Guatemala border and called on the Guatemalan Government to dissuade its nationals, in accordance with the Confidence Building Measures signed in 2005, from entering Belizean territory.   They called on both governments to work together to confront illicit activities along the Belize – Guatemala border by organizing joint patrols with the assistance of the Organization of American States (OAS).

They commended the work carried out by the OAS in reducing tensions and building good neighbourly relations between Belize and Guatemala and urged the international community to continue their support for the operations of the OAS office, whose work will continue to be critical including after the ICJ decision. 

  • Guyana- Venezuela

Heads of Government received an update on recent developments in Guyana/Venezuela relations.

They noted that despite the 1 December 2023 Order of Provisional Measures made by the International Court of Justice and the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela, and agreed by the parties on 14 December 2023, with support from CARICOM and CELAC, Venezuela continued its aggressive posture towards Guyana. They noted that following the promulgation of the organic law by the Government of Venezuela on 3 April 2024 to annex more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, Guyana brought this matter to the attention of the United Nations Security Council which reminded both parties that they were obligated to comply with the Order of the Court.

Heads of Government took note of the concerns raised by Guyana that the continued military build-up by Venezuela on the border between the countries poses a threat to regional peace and security.

Heads welcomed the submission by Venezuela on 8 April 2024, of its Counter-Memorial to the Court and the Court Order dated 14 June 2024, authorising the submission of a Reply by Guyana on 9 December 2024 and a Rejoinder by Venezuela on 11 August 2025. They reiterated their continued support for the International Court of Justice, which has accepted jurisdiction over the controversy, to resolve it fully and finally by means of its binding legal Judgment.

They reaffirmed CARICOM’s unswerving support for the maintenance and preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.

THE SITUATION IN HAITI

The Conference welcomed the report by the President of the newly established Transitional Presidential Council and recognised the appointment of a Prime Minister and a new Cabinet. The Conference noted the significant role played by the Eminent Persons Group (EPG)  in the process.

Heads of Government noted the arrival in Haiti of some 400 security personnel from Kenya in support of the Multi-national Security Support Mission authorised by the UN Security Council, as well the shortfall in financing for the deployment of Security Support personnel from CARICOM Member States.

They expressed great concern at the dire humanitarian situation, characterised by acute food insecurity, and reiterated their commitment to support Haiti through its transition process and beyond, including through continued support of the Eminent Persons Group.

CUBA 

Heads of Government registered their concern at the growing humanitarian crisis in Cuba occasioned by the ongoing embargo issued by the United States of America and issued a Statement of solidarity with Cuba.

The Statement can be accessed via:   https://caricom.org/statement-from-the-caribbean-community-on-cuba/

CRIME AND SECURITY

Heads of Government received a security brief from the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and issued a Statement on Crime and Violence.

The Statement can be accessed via:  https://caricom.org/statement-from-the-caribbean-community-on-crime-and-violence/

APPRECIATION

Heads of Government expressed their appreciation to Dr Joy St John, who ended her tenure as Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) on 30 June 2024.

Heads of Government also expressed appreciation to Assistant Secretary General Economic Integration, Innovation and Development, Mr Joseph Cox who was leaving the CARICOM Secretariat after serving three terms as ASG.

The Conference also expressed appreciation to the Government and People of Grenada for their excellent hospitality and courtesies as host of the meeting.

DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT REGULAR MEETING

Heads of Government accepted the invitation of Barbados to host the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference from 20 – 21 February 2025.

STATEMENTS

The Conference issued the following Statements:

Statement on Crime and Violence

We, CARICOM Heads of Government are deeply concerned by the levels of crime and violence in the Region, fueled in part, by firearms and ammunition trafficking, transnational criminal networks, and a deterioration of social structures. We are also particularly concerned about the impact of crime and violence on young people and children.

We reiterate our commitment to ongoing urgent action to protect the citizens of the Region and to the safety, security and preservation of public interest in dealing with crime and violence, including through the sharing of information and the strengthening of legislation in respect of firearms offences, violent crime and bail. We further recognize the value of restorative justice, social and cultural interventions and intolerance of corruption, in achieving long- term social change.

We commit to the strengthening and increased use of existing regional mechanisms and institutions to address crime and security, including the CARICOM IMPACS Regional Intelligence Fusion Centre and the urgent exploration of new approaches to combatting high levels of criminality.

CARICOM recognises the importance of the April 2023 Regional Symposium on Crime and Security as a Public Health Issue hosted by Trinidad and Tobago and welcomes the offer by Barbados to host a second Symposium before the end of 2024.

Ongoing regional and national collaboration are critical to addressing the multifaceted challenges to crime and violence which threaten modern Caribbean society. We call on all CARICOM citizens to be part of the solution by reporting crimes and by refusing to support criminal activity, recognising that crime and violence affects us all.

St. George’s, Grenada

30 July 2024

Statement on Cuba

The Forty-Seventh (47th) Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community is gravely concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Cuba resulting from the embargo wrongfully imposed on the people and Government of Cuba over the last 62 years by the Government of the United States of America.

The Conference reiterates its call for the lifting of the unjust unilateral financial, economic, and trade embargo.

In light of the depth of the humanitarian situation, CARICOM Heads of Government agreed to provide material support to assist Cuba.

CARICOM considers the US State Department’s ongoing inclusion of Cuba on its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism as wrong and offensive. The Conference reiterates its call for Cuba to be immediately removed from this list.

St. George’s, Grenada

30 July 2024


1 August 2024

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