The Forty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica from 6-8 July under the chairmanship of Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica.
Members of the Conference in attendance were: Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; Honourable Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Barbados; Honourable John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize; His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic 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 Terrance Drew, Prime Minister, Federation of St Kitts and Nevis; and Dr the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Dr Vince Henderson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Energy represented the Commonwealth of Dominica; Honourable Joseph Andall, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development represented Grenada; Honourable Veronica Dorsette Hector, Deputy Premier, represented Montserrat; Honourable Alva Baptiste, Minister of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs represented Saint Lucia; His Excellency Steven MacAndrew, Minister of Labour, Employment Opportunity and Youth Affairs represented the Republic of Suriname; Honourable Sean Sobers, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs,represented the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Associate Members in attendance were Honourable E David Burt, Premier of Bermuda; Dr the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, Premier of the British Virgin Islands, His Excellency Gilmar Pisas, Prime Minister of Curacao; and Honourable Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
OPENING CEREMONY
The Opening Ceremony was held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St James. The event featured remarks by leaders of the Community, and cultural items from several Jamaican performers. There was also a Declaration of solidarity from the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors for Jamaica which underscored their preparedness and desire to support the leaders of the Region in its development, prioritizing creativity, innovation and technology.
In her remarks, CARICOM Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett noted that the collective action of CARICOM Member States has delivered many commendable results for the people of the Region, in human and social development, economic integration, foreign policy coordination, and security, which provide a useful roadmap for the way forward.
“Unprecedented global uncertainty, economic pressures, technological innovations that challenge our capacity to keep pace, climate vulnerability, and the needs of our young people, our women and future generations, compel us to act collectively, with courage and with conviction,” the Secretary-General said.
Prime Minister of Barbados and Outgoing Chair, Honourable Mia Amor Mottley noted that CARICOM has seen many challenges and urged the gathering to persevere and persist in efforts to advance and strengthen integration. Quoting from popular Jamaican artiste, Jimmy Cliff, she said “We can get it if we really want, but we must try and try and try.”
She pointed to support for Haiti, efforts to control disinformation, and the need to tackle crime and enhance citizen security, as some of the critical issues which the Community must continue to address. “We must be resolute in preserving CARICOM as a Zone of Peace and reaffirm our commitment to working with the international community to promote de-escalation, uphold diplomacy, and pursue lasting solutions grounded in dialogue and mutual respect”.
In his remarks, the new Chair, Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness said his Chairmanship would focus on regional security, especially as it relates to transnational organised crime and gangs, noting that it is critical that a global war on gangs be declared similar to the war on terror. The Prime Minister called for concerted action to dismantle criminal networks and cripple their resources.
“Our theme: People, Partnerships and Prosperity – Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future” captures the essence of our regional purpose. It reflects a profound truth, that security and resilience are not optional; they are foundations for prosperity; that people-centered development and strategic partnerships are not aspirational, but essential,” the Prime Minister said.
He cited climate justice and climate finance, mobilizing support for Haiti, and strengthening internal coordination and external partnerships as critical to the ongoing work of the Community. Prime Minister Holness also stressed the importance of engaging young people in shaping the decisions that affect their future. He reminded that it was important to engage them in a deliberate, sustained and meaningful manner.
The opening ceremony can be viewed at: https://caricom.org/49hgc/
CARICOM SINGLE MARKET AND ECONOMY (CSME)
Implementation of Full Free Movement
To advance the goal of free movement of all Community nationals, Heads of Government, in accordance with the provisions of the Protocol on Enhanced Cooperation, authorised Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Participating Member States, to, among themselves, grant their nationals the right to enter, leave and re-enter, move freely, reside, work and remain indefinitely in the receiving Member State without the need for a work or residency permit. Their nationals will also be able to access emergency and primary health care, and public primary and secondary education, within the means of the receiving Member State.
The Participating Member States have agreed that the required legislative, security and administrative measures to support the free movement of their nationals will be undertaken and that free movement among them will commence on 1 October 2025.
Heads of Government also agreed to include aviation personnel among the categories of skilled Community nationals entitled to move freely within the Community under Article 46 of the Treaty. This category includes aircraft maintenance engineers, professional pilots, air traffic controllers, and flight operations officers.
EXTERNAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS
The Heads of Government discussed developments in United States (US) trade policy which have introduced a marked shift in the bilateral trade relations which have been underpinned by the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) trade preferential programmes for more than four decades. They agreed to continue the Community’s advocacy with the US Administration at the highest political level, to safeguard the Region’s trade interests with its most important trading partner.
They welcomed the tabling of a request by the US for a five-year WTO waiver for the CBI until 30 September 2030 and agreed that the Region would continue to engage constructively with the US Trade Representative to address the future bilateral trade relationship.
Heads of Government also agreed to deepen engagement with existing trading partners through the Joint Institutions established under the trade agreements concluded with these countries. They further agreed to pursue new market opportunities with non-traditional trading partners, in particular the African Union, Brazil and India.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND CLIMATE FINANCE
Heads of Government congratulated the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre on its 20th Anniversary and recognised its significant support to the climate agenda of CARICOM Member States.
They emphasised that CARICOM will continue to focus on the special circumstances of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). They registered their concern at the apparent erosion of support amongst several governments of the developed world for the special circumstances of SIDS, and underscored that CARICOM negotiators must continue to make the case for those circumstances across the Climate Agenda.
They called on major economies to take urgent action to increase the ambition of their Nationally Determined Contributions in line with the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement, and to fast-track implementation to keep 1.5 within reach.
The Conference registered support for the Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit to be convened by the Government of Guyana in Georgetown from 23 -25 July 2025.
As it relates to Climate Finance, Heads of Government reaffirmed support for the Bridgetown Initiative and reform of the international financial architecture, including an increased CARICOM representation in financial decision-making bodies.
Heads of Government expressed concern at the rising cost of insurance, insisting that it is a major barrier to climate resilience and threatens the viability and competitiveness of businesses in the Region.
They called for a significant portion of the $300 billion mobilisation goal under the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) decision to be channeled through the multilateral climate funds under the UNFCCC, and for finance to be targeted to adaptation and loss and damage for SIDS.
They acknowledged that COP 30 must serve as a vehicle to mobilise climate finance that is predictable and accessible that prioritises SIDS and LDCs and is responsive to the Region’s needs and priorities.
Heads of Government approved the Revised Regional Framework prepared by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center which outlines the strategic goals and priority actions to build regional climate resilience.
Heads of Government noted the recent publication of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) Advisory Opinion on “Climate Emergency and Human Rights”. The Advisory Opinion creates a legal framework for States to address the climate crisis from the human rights perspective. Through the Advisory Opinion, the IACHR has acknowledged the climate crisis as a threat to individuals and peoples which creates a legal framework for States to align climate policies with human rights.
FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY
Heads of Government approved the Formulation and Design Plan to expand the Vision 25 by 2025+5 food and nutrition security initiative. This Plan will allow for, inter alia, enactment of cross-cutting regional policies to support the sector including investment, establishment of businesses and movement of people; expansion of the stakeholder base to attract new capital and increased funding; and re-alignment of regional and national agricultural priorities.
His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana in keeping with his responsibility for food and nutrition security in the CARICOM Quasi-cabinet, outlined several successful Member State projects under the initiative in the last two years. He reported a marked region-wide increase in the involvement of women and youth in agriculture, and in nursery capacity, and commended regional governments for their commitment to the Initiative.
Heads of Government expressed their appreciation to President Ali for his continued dedication to the 25 by 2025+5 initiative. They welcomed the recent study identifying Guyana as the only food-sufficient country in the world as a plus for the Region’s efforts at food and nutrition security.
They noted that the Inter-American Board of Agriculture, at its forthcoming 23rd regular meeting in Brasilia in November 2025, was scheduled to elect a new Director General for the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) for the period 2025 to 2030. They reaffirmed their full and unequivocal support for the candidacy of Dr Muhammad Ibrahim of Guyana, as one eminently qualified for the post, and called on other hemispheric partners to lend their valuable support for his election.
ENGAGEMENT WITH SPECIALLY INVITED GUESTS
His Excellency Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary-General of the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL)
Secretary-General Urquiza expressed his appreciation for the exchange with CARICOM. He reported that data shared by INTERPOL member countries and regional analysis show that the rise of criminal networks, narcotics trade and a surge in firearms trafficking are three of the most pressing security threats confronting Caribbean nations. He reported that the IMPACS/INTERPOL partnership agreement now guarantees the continued presence of INTERPOL’s Liaison Office in Barbados, representing a renewed and sustainable framework for long-term collaboration.
Heads of Government expressed their appreciation for his presence and perspectives. They acknowledged the existing and potential benefits of increased collaboration to deal effectively with major organised crime.
They requested further assistance of INTERPOL with technology deployment and monitoring mechanisms to support border protection measures.
They noted Guyana’s announcement that it would be hosting the scheduled INTERPOL Conference in 2026.
His Excellency Albert Ramdin, Secretary General of the Organization Of American States (OAS)
The Secretary-General thanked the Region for its active engagement in his election. He gave a comprehensive presentation addressing the challenges facing the global and hemispheric environments, including climate change, development financing, migration, threats to multilateralism, sovereignty and territorial integrity, political instability, and particularly, the unprecedented levels of uncertainty.
Heads of Government warmly congratulated the Secretary-General on the assumption of his new role, noting he was the first from CARICOM to be so designated. They welcomed his recommendation for the development of a Caribbean Community agenda in preparation for the Tenth Summit of the Americas, scheduled for December 2025 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
THE SECOND CARICOM-AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT
The Summit is to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 7 September 2025, which is also Africa -CARICOM Day. Heads of Government agreed to prioritise representation at the highest level and emphasised the importance of the ongoing engagement with the African continent.
A coordinating committee, to include Jamaica, Barbados and St Kitts and Nevis, along with the CARICOM Secretariat, will work with representatives of Ethiopia and the African Union Commission to advance the logistical and other preparations for the Summit.
Heads of Government encouraged engagement with the Caribbean diaspora in Ethiopia and the participation of representatives of Regional Pan-African organisations.
SECURITY ISSUES
Heads of Government adopted the Montego Bay Declaration on Transnational Organised Crime and Criminal Gangs (accessible via: https://caricom.org/montego-bay-declaration-transnational-organised-crime-and-gangs-6-8-july-2025-jamaica/ ) in keeping with their commitment to dismantle criminal networks that have been impacting peace and security across the Region.
They acknowledged that the Declaration, together with the 2024 George-Bridge Declaration of the Second Regional Symposium on Crime and Violence as a Public Health Issue, and the 2023 Needham’s Point Declaration, comprise the principles of a new Regional Security and Judicial Framework.
The Conference welcomed the report presented by the High-Level Representative on Law and Criminal Justice, as well as the outcomes of the first dialogue held between Heads of Government and Heads of Judiciary from across the Region.
Regional Centre of Excellence for Policing
Heads of Government received a proposal from Barbados for a Regional Centre of Excellence for Policing. The Centre would be a hub for skills and leadership training for police officers who will, in turn, use these skills to implement best police practices and drive behavioural/ cultural change in policing in their respective jurisdictions.
The Centre would be headquartered in a CARICOM jurisdiction and agency best positioned with existing infrastructure, capacity and other factors.
THE SITUATION IN HAITI
Heads of Government expressed grave concern over the degeneration of the humanitarian situation in Haiti, which now borders on famine. They committed to redouble the efforts of CARICOM Heads of Government to engage with all relevant actors for the mobilisation of resources for security support, and to provide direct humanitarian assistance.
They received an update from the Transitional Presidential Council on its activities and welcomed clarity on the situation provided by the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group.
They also received a proposal from the Secretary General of the OAS and noted commitments made through the OAS from several Latin American countries of direct and technical assistance to the Kenya-led MSS Mission and the Haitian National Police. Heads of Government agreed that urgent action is needed on the humanitarian crisis in Haiti and called on international partners to pay attention and to provide support which is needed to bring security and stability to Haiti.
REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY
Heads of Government noted the progress made towards developing a regional telecommunications strategy. To further advance this, they mandated the Working Group to also look at the role of Public Private Partnership Arrangements to finance the required investment in telecommunications infrastructure.
They also noted the need to finalise regulatory frameworks in conjunction with national regulatory authorities.
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).
The Conference also received, with concern, a report from Belize regarding the increased tensions in the Sarstoon River and the repeated maritime incursions by the Guatemalan military into Belize’s territorial and internal waters.
They underscored the obligation of Belize and Guatemala to refrain from any action which could exacerbate the dispute while the case is before the ICJ and reiterated the call for both countries to urgently fulfil their commitment to design a mechanism of cooperation for the Sarstoon River and maritime spaces, with the assistance of the OAS.
Heads of Government also expressed concern about the continued illegal activities by Guatemalans that result in the deforestation of Belize’s protected areas and biodiversity loss along the Belize-Guatemala border.
They acknowledged the valuable role of the OAS in accompanying the process of confidence building measures 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 the latest developments concerning the Guyana-Venezuela controversy. They noted that although Venezuela purported to have held elections on 25 May 2025 for a “Governor” and “Legislative Council” in the so-called “Guayana Esequiba State”, in defiance of the May 1, 2025 order of the International Court of Justice, in fact no elections were held by Venezuela in the Essequibo region of Guyana.
Heads of Government encouraged Venezuela to submit its Rejoinder, the final written pleading in the case, by 11 August 2025, in compliance with the scheduling Order of the International Court of Justice.
Heads of Government reiterated their full support for the ongoing judicial process as the means for resolving the controversy peacefully, finally and in accordance with international law.
Heads of Government reiterated and underscored their unequivocal and unwavering support for the maintenance of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.
COMMON LEGISLATION INITIATIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Heads of Government expressed concern about the deleterious effect that social media and artificial intelligence (AI) generated images could have on children and vulnerable groups, and the recent cessation of efforts at content moderation by Big Tech companies.
They agreedto pursue a regional approach to develop a framework for digital safety and associated laws, to safeguard the mental health and wellbeing of Caribbean citizens, and to establish a Regional Digital Safety Commission to develop proposals to enhance online safety.
REPARATIONS
Heads of Government expressed their full support for Jamaica’s undertaking to file a petition to King Charles III for the referral of three questions to the Privy Council related to the United Kingdom’s (UK) historic mistreatment of enslaved Africans on plantations in Jamaica. It was agreed that this approach was another path toward seeking Reparatory Justice and that it carried potential to contribute to the CARICOM regional approach as set out in the Ten Point Plan
FINANCIAL REGUALTORY PROCEDURES
Heads of Government reiterated their commitment to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing, including through strengthened regulatory and policy measures, as well as through partnerships at regional, bi-regional and multilateral levels. They recognised that Anti-money Laundering (AML) measures are critical for maintaining financial integrity. Heads of Government noted the significant reforms undertaken by Caribbean States to fully address the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the OECD’s tax transparency standards.
They further noted that Member States’ efforts have been acknowledged by the recent full delisting of Barbados and Jamaica by FATF, as well as by the European Commission’s recommendation to the European Parliament, via its Delegated Regulation of June 2025, that these two Caribbean countries be delisted.
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION
Heads of Government thanked the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) and Ferry Operators NSG for their detailed proposal on the operations of a regional ferry service. They agreed to establish a Sub-Committee comprising Heads of Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, to work with the CPSO and NSG to develop financial proposals to have an operational ferry service.
They also agreed to establish a Sub-Committee of the Foreign Ministers of Barbados, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago, to address the free movement of intra-regional trade, including customs procedures, insurance and drivers’ licenses to facilitate the smooth operation of the ferry service.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Heads of Government commended the British Virgin Islands on their completion of the governance reform programme and noted the difficulties posed by the Order in Council that can impose direct colonial rule on the BVI.
Heads of Government agreed to expedite negotiations with Bermuda on its application for full membership.
CARICOM INDUSTRIAL POLICY
Heads of Government noted the ongoing work to prepare a CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy, which will promote government interventions and policies to encourage, support, coordinate and improve the capability of specific industries, sectors and firms to achieve and sustain regional competitiveness.
REGIONAL POPULATION COMMISSION
Heads of Government noted the ongoing efforts to establish a Regional Population Commission, which is expected to inform a CARICOM Population Policy to address projected population trends, and formulate strategic approaches to reconciling population growth with regional development objectives.
CARIFESTA XV
Heads of Government welcomed the update provided on CARIFESTA XV to be held from 22 -31 August in Barbados under the theme “Caribbean Roots – Global Excellence”. Heads of Government expressed full support to Barbados for its hosting of CARIFESTA XV.
THE ENHANCED ROLE OF YOUTH IN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Heads of Government noted that a report has been prepared by youth of the Region on the enhanced role of young people in the Community.
The report was informed by regional consultations and calls for youth to be more incorporated in Caribbean development through structured and well-resourced action, and for youth development to be embedded as a core pillar of regional integration and progress.
CARICOM EDUCATION TRANSFORMATION COMMISSION
Heads of Government noted a report on the steps taken so far to establish a Commission to drive a unified equity-based regional education agenda. They looked forward to its early convening.
SURINAME
Suriname advised that its new President, Her Excellency Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, the first female to hold this position, will be sworn in on 16 July 2025. Outgoing President, His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, expressed his appreciation to the Conference, the CARICOM Secretar- General, staff of the Secretariat, and the wider CARICOM family, for their enduring partnership and solidarity.
The Government of Suriname underscored its ongoing commitment to the ideals and goals of the integration movement.
Heads of Government registered their thanks and appreciation to the outgoing President for his commitment and partnership in support of regional integration.
CONDOLENCE
The Conference expressed its condolences to the loved ones and colleagues of Rickey Singh, a Caribbean son of the soil and journalist, who passed away on 5 July 2025 in Barbados. They noted his passionate advocacy for CARICOM, and that his dedicated reporting and analysis of regional issues facilitated a deeper understanding of the Caribbean Community.
INVITATION
The Conference noted an invitation from Grenada to the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) to be held July 28 – 29, 2025.
APPRECIATION
Heads of Government expressed their gratitude to the Government and people of Jamaica for the excellent arrangements made for the Meeting, and the warm hospitality they received.
DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT REGULAR MEETING
Heads of Government accepted the invitation of the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis to the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference in Basseterre from 25 – 27 February 2026.
DECLARATION
The Conference issued the following Declaration:
TRANSNATIONAL ORGANISED CRIME AND GANGS
JULY 6-8, 2025
JAMAICA
We, the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) meeting in Montego Bay, Jamaica from July 6-8, 2025, on the occasion of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM:
Remaining deeply concerned and alarmed bythe surge of gun crime and violence across the Caribbean region, driven by the proliferation of illegal firearms and activities of gangs and/or organised criminal groups, which continue to pose a serious threat to the region, its institutions of governance, and the very fabric of our societies,
Underscoring our commitmentto addressthe concerns of our peoples, regarding the impact of organised crime and illicit trafficking on their communities, livelihood, and security,
Cognisant of the current global security threats and the potential impact on the stability and socioeconomic progress of our societies,
Recalling the decision to collaborate on implementing measures to address crime, violence, and national security, and the implications for public health, that directly result from gang activities and the illegal importation of guns into our region,
Renewing ourcommitment tostrengthening the Region’s response by implementing effective measures to monitor new trends in illicit firearms trafficking, enact robust legislation to include stringent penalties for firearm and gang-related offences, and to strengthen public awareness on the issues relating to the prevention and prosecution of all forms of organised criminal activities,
Determined to create societies characterised by productivity, prosperity, peace, and security,
1. Reaffirm our commitment to continue efforts to complete a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system to, inter alia, address criminal terrorists with a focus on the proactive management of investigations, prosecutions, and sentencing, while also expanding programmes aimed at the early identification and positive redirection of young people who may be at risk of social exclusion or vulnerability to crime;
2. Agree to strengthen the regional institutional security structures, to include the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), and implementation of programmes such as the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), to effectively enhance collaboration and sharing of information, to disrupt criminal networks, as well as, leverage shared resources to enable law enforcement and support border security efforts;
3. Reinforce national anti-gang strategies to more effectively monitor and disrupt gang movement and their linkages to cross border firearm-related crimes within CARICOM;
4. Recognise the importance of undertakingthe development or amendment of national legislation to effectively combat gun crimes, the illicit trade in arms and ammunition, trafficking offences in all forms, especially human trafficking as one of the most heinous crimes against humanity;
5. Commit to the development and implementation of comprehensive counter-narcotics strategies, through enhanced cooperation, resource sharing, and sustained policy engagement.
6. Resolve to integrate into the formal economy, rule of law, and governance systems, under governed spaces that provide, or can provide safe havens to criminal organisations.
Issued in Montego Bay, Jamaica on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, on the occasion of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
STATEMENT
Heads of Government issued the following Statement:
STATEMENT FROM THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) HEADS OF GOVERNMENT ON THE HUMANITARIAN CATASTROPHE IN GAZA
We, the Heads of Government of CARICOM, are profoundly distressed by the escalating and appalling situation in Gaza, now an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. We express grave concern over the immense, unabated suffering and tragic loss of civilian lives, particularly women and children.
CARICOM has consistently called for an immediate, unconditional, and sustained ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access. These urgent calls have largely gone unheeded, leading to a crisis of unparalleled proportions. Relentless military operations, including indiscriminate bombardment and direct attacks on aid-seeking civilians, flagrantly violate international humanitarian law.
We are appalled by UN and humanitarian reports depicting widespread hunger, disease, and displacement, deliberately exacerbated by deprivation of basic necessities such as food, water, medicine. Critical fuel shortages further threaten to halt all lifesaving services. The weaponization of essential resources is morally repugnant, intolerable and unconscionable.
We unequivocally condemn all violence against civilians, including the abhorrent 7 October 2023 attacks and hostage-taking. We equally condemn the disproportionate military response, actions contravening international law, and systematic undermining of peace by illegal settlement expansion. The unacceptable dismantling of humanitarian mechanisms, replacing UN-led coordination with military control, demonstrably leads to further civilian casualties.
CARICOM reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a two-state solution as the only viable path to comprehensive, just, and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, consistent with UN Security Council Resolutions and international law. We lament the belligerent and continued disregard for these resolutions, urging the international community to redouble efforts for strict adherence and enforcement.
We, the Heads of Government, urgently demand an immediate ceasefire. There must be full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Gaza, ensuring vital aid, including fuel, medical supplies, food, and water, reaches all in need without delay. We call for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and detainees. We demand an end to forced displacement of Palestinians and protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law. It is imperative that there is accountability for all violations of international law, with perpetrators brought to justice.
We, the Heads of Government, reiterate our solidarity with all victims and urge maximum diplomatic efforts for a durable solution to the legitimate security and humanitarian concerns of all parties. The international community cannot stand idly by while this catastrophe deepens.
CARICOM stands ready to support all constructive initiatives for a lasting peace that meets the legitimate aspirations for security, dignity, and stability of all Israelis, Palestinians, and peoples in the wider Middle East.
8 July 2025
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Dated: 11 July 2025
]]>2. The Summit provided a platform for dialogue on global and regional issues, facilitating increased coordinated action in international organizations and promoting regional integration. Above all, it represented an opportunity for the development of stronger cooperation between Brazil and countries of the Caribbean.
3.1n this regard, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) as the primary political consultation mechanism that brings together all the countries of the region. We are determined to advance the process of regional integration, promoting the unity and diversity of our peoples, with the aim of strengthening Latin America and the Caribbean as a community of sovereign nations. We are committed to building consensus on issues of common interest, contributing to the well-being and sustainable development of the region, and maintaining Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace.
4.We emphasize the crucial role of regional financial institutions, such as the Caribbean Development Bank, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), and the Inter-American Development Bank, in promoting integration through different projects and programs in a wide range of sectors.
5.The Brazil-Caribbean Summit took place at a complex geopolitical juncture and enabled fruitful discussions on food security and nutrition, including water management; climate change; energy transition; disaster risk management; and connectivity; among other pressing issues.
Food security and nutrition, including water management
6.We express our commitment to deepen our cooperation on food security and nutrition, including water management, based on solidarity, mutual learning, shared experiences and the principles of South-South and trilateral cooperation.
7. We underscore the need to promote enhanced food security and nutrition by diversifying the suppliers of agricultural products and by providing more affordable food for our populations. In this regard, we agree to take steps to safeguard market access to key trading partners, while upholding the principles of free and fair trade.
8. We recognize the vital role played by fisherfolk, smallholder and family farmers — in particular rural women and youth — in ensuring global food security and nutrition, and underscore the need to transform agrifood systems to become more resilient, socially inclusive, and sustainable, while promoting the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
9.We highlight the vital role of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in achieving food security and nutrition in Brazil and countries of the Caribbean, while supporting the livelihoods of millions. We recognize aquatic food systems as engines for inclusive growth, climate resilience, and poverty reduction and express our commitment to enhancing sustainability and maximizing the contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to employment, economic diversification, and ecosystem restoration.
10.We reaffirm the importance of working together to advance food security and nutrition in our regions, including through mechanisms such as the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty and the CARICOM Agrifood Systems Agenda, as well as to deliver concrete and measurable results. This includes efforts to improve access to development financing and to strengthen cooperation in areas such as cash transfer programs, school feeding, water management, among others.
11.We acknowledge the converging priorities between the CELAC Plan for Food and Nutrition Security and the Eradication of Hunger 2030 and the aforementioned mechanisms, and emphasize the need, as appropriate, to enhance synergies between these initiatives to contribute to implementing effective policies in the region, with a view to reversing recent setbacks, accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 1 (no poverty) and SDG 2 (zero hunger).
12.We recognize the potential of the Sustainable School Feeding Network for improving school feeding programs and policies in the region, strengthening sustainable food systems, combating food insecurity and promoting human development. Countries of the Caribbean that have not yet joined the Network are encouraged to do so.
13.We call for increased collaboration on expanding institutional food procurement programs, national school feeding schemes, technical support to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture activities, and public policies to promote smallholder, family farming and rural development.
14.We encourage greater investment in regional integration efforts, particularly in infrastructure for food production, food reserves, processing and distribution, equitable access to climate finance, technologies and capacity-building programs.
15. We encourage enhanced efforts to strengthen the region’s food storage capacity as a means of reducing vulnerability to external shocks. We further encourage greater political will and increased financing to support these efforts, which align closely with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022—2031.
16.We also encourage cooperation between Brazil and countries of the Caribbean on initiatives in the area of sustainable water management, including through the exchange of best practices, taking into account national legislation and contexts. We also recognize the importance of cooperation between Brazil and countries of the Caribbean with respect to the modernization of water management policies to effectively address the current challenges confronting the water sector, recalling that water is essential for achieving the 2030 Agenda. We are open to promoting actions related to SDG 6, particularly in projects focused on clean water and sanitation.
Climate change
17. We recognize that climate change represents one of the greatest challenges of our time that must be addressed as a priority, and we urge the international community to unite efforts to tackle global warming, as well as to ensure the protection of all ecosystems, including oceans and seas.
18.We reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism and to broadening, deepening and diversifying coordinated efforts towards strengthened and effective global governance for the implementation of the principles and goals enshrined under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), its Kyoto Protocol and its Paris Agreement.
19. We commit to accelerate climate action in this critical decade on the basis of the best available science, reflecting equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in light of different national circumstances and in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty.
20. We also reaffirm the pursuit of “Mission 1.5” to significantly enhance international cooperation and the international enabling environment to strengthening action and implementation over this critical decade and keeping the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 o c above its pre-industrial level within reach.
21.We recognize the specific needs and special circumstances of developing country Parties, especially those that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, such as Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the region, as provided for in the UNFCCC and the Paris
Agreement thereunder.
22.We emphasize that finance, capacity-building, technology transfer and innovation are critical enablers of climate action and underscore the importance of urgent delivery of means of implementation by developed countries for developing country Parties, reaffirming the support to the COP29 and COP30 Presidencies guidance, in consultation with Parties, towards the “Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T” to scale up needed climate finance to developing country Parties.
23. We commit to help create and deliver a full menu of financing options to accelerate private and public investment through, inter alia, results-based payments, concessional finance, as well as enhancing cooperation through high integrity carbon markets, as appropriate, in line with the multilateral agreements and the different national priorities and circumstances. In this context, we look forward to the launch of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, an innovative and large-scale incentive for developing countries to conserve and restore their rainforests.
24.We recognize the potential of a technical cooperation project related to climate change mitigation within the framework of Brazil’s trilateral SouthSouth cooperation programs, to address a specific demand from the Caribbean countries. This project aims at customizing, for countries of the Caribbean, the Brazil Data Cube platform to generate remote sensing imagery data cubes, enabling the analysis of time series of images for monitoring ocean encroachment in nearshore and coastal areas using artificial intelligence. The technical expertise will be provided by the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research.
Energy transition
25. We recognize the urgent need for advancing clean, sustainable, just, affordable and inclusive energy transitions, through various pathways in light of different national circumstances, for contributing towards achieving our sustainable development goals as well as net-zero greenhouse gas emission by or around mid-century, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, and in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty, taking into account the relevant decisions, including the outcome of the Global Stocktake at COP28.
26.We recall the importance of energy security and the need to increase energy access and affordability to our populations, especially those most vulnerable, such as SIDS.
27.We underscore the need to catalyze and scale up investment and the provision of resources from multiple financial sources and channels for bridging the funding gap for energy transitions and reaffirm that developing countries need to be supported in their transitions, in accordance with relevant provisions under the UNFCCC.
28.We acknowledge the important role of domestic energy planning, capacity building, policy strategies and frameworks, as well as cooperation between different levels of government, in creating enabling environments to attract financing for energy transitions. In this context, we note the creation of the Global Coalition for Energy Planning, whose first summit took place earlier this month in Rio de Janeiro, and its goal to support domestic energy planning capabilities.
29. We underscore the crucial role of technologically neutral, integrated, and inclusive approaches to develop and deploy a variety of low-emitting energies, sustainable fuels and technologies, including for abatement and removal, carbon management, and emission reduction, with a view to creating scale and global markets to accelerate energy transitions, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors. We encourage, as appropriate, the use of mutually recognized methodologies and standards for assessing greenhouse gas emissions. We also emphasize the importance of financing and facilitating the transfer of these technologies to developing countries.
Disaster risk management
30.We commit to increase cooperation on comprehensive disaster risk management, including fire-related disasters, through the exchange of knowledge, technologies and resources, and the development of early warning systems, to increase the resilience of communities and guarantee the protection of the environment and the safety of populations.
31.We stress the importance of regional cooperation in disaster risk management, placing special emphasis on SIDS of the Caribbean, which suffer the greatest proportion of the impacts of the climate crisis, coordinating existing convergences in different regional and sub-regional organizations, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), in an effort to take advantage of the potential of each one. Likewise, we express our willingness to work together to promote disaster risk management on a regional scale.
32.We note the importance of the CELAC Fund for Climate Adaptation and Comprehensive Response to Natural Disasters (FACRID), taking into account the serious impact of climate change and the effects and aiming at implementing projects for prevention and disaster response in the region.
Connectivity
33.We express interest in strengthening existing partnerships and exploring new opportunities towards comprehensive cooperation and closer economic partnership to facilitate trade, tourism, investment, connectivity as well as people-to-people contacts.
34. We acknowledge the Brazilian government’s “Integration Routes” project and, in particular, the one concerning Brazil’s Northern Region, which aims to improve transportation infrastructure and physical connectivity, with possible positive repercussions in terms of increased trade with the Caribbean.
35.We note that some participant countries to the Brazil-Caribbean Summit are in the process of signing open skies bilateral agreements and hope that this institutional framework may encourage companies to explore nontraditional routes and improve air connectivity, promoting tourism and business ties.
Other issues
36.We express our grave concern over the multidimensional crisis that affects Haiti and the ongoing deterioration of its security, humanitarian, and economic situation, where the population continues to suffer the consequences of extreme and persistent violence perpetrated by heavily armed criminal gangs. We take note of the proposal of United Nations Secretary-General on the possible role the UN could play in Haiti, presented to the Security Council on 24 February 2025. We reaffirm our support to the
national, regional and international efforts to find pacific, inclusive and sustainable solutions to the crisis, convinced that any solution to the current crisis must be Haitian-led, and call for the UN to have a leading and central role in the response to the pressing security challenges facing Haiti. We call on the international community to support the Haitian interim government’s endeavors to dismantle the gangs, put in place the foundations for longlasting social and economic development, and hold elections, as soon as security conditions permit.
37.We are equally concerned about the increasing measures against Cuba and underline the need to put an end to the unjust economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America. We reject the arbitrary and unjustified re-inclusion of Cuba on the unilateral list of state sponsors of terrorism and express our call for Cuba to be immediately removed from this list.
38. We recognize that the massive influx of sargassum has caused significant damage and high costs to the tourism and fishing sectors, harmed coastal ecosystems, affected energy systems, and poses a risk to human health in the entire Greater Caribbean region. We stress the urgency to address this phenomenon and ensure intersectoral collaboration through the support of innovative initiatives for the management and valuation of sargassum.
39.We note with satisfaction that educational cooperation between Brazil and countries of the Caribbean has been increasing in recent years, as illustrated by the growing participation of Caribbean students in Brazilian student mobility programs, such as the Program for Partner Students (PEC) and the “Move la América” program, in addition to educational partnerships with other actors. We welcome the fact that, in the current year, Brazil concluded the process of signing educational cooperation agreements with all the countries of the Caribbean and the Americas as a whole.
40.We recognize the intrinsic value of culture as a driver of sustainable development, encompassing creativity, innovation, inclusive economic growth, decent job creation, and income generation, as well as social cohesion and environmental protection; and encourage the inclusion of culture as an independent objective in the post-2030 development agenda.
41.We aim to increase our cultural exchange, including through the sharing of experiences and best practices, and also in advocating for and promoting cultural expressions related to local communities, Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, among others. In particular, we underscore the importance of African heritage in our societies.
42. We commit to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, and to combat all forms of discrimination, including racism and racial discrimination, to achieve sustainable development, especially for the realization of a more just, equitable and sustainable world.
43.We welcome the signing of the Basic Agreement on Technical
Cooperation between Brazil and the Association of Caribbean States, in January 2025, in addition to the Agreement on Technical Cooperation between Brazil and the Caribbean Community, signed on the occasion of the Brazil-CARICOM Summit, in April 2010, whose Joint Commission met in
April 2025 to discuss its implementation.
44.We highlight the importance of the election and subsequent assumption of Albert Ramdin as Secretary-General of the Organization of American States for the 2025-2030 term, the first representative of a Caribbean country to hold the position.
45. Guided by the principle of fostering dialogue in the region, Brazil and the Bahamas have launched candidacies to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, mandate 2026-2027. Taking into account the longstanding cooperation between our countries, Brazil and the Bahamas count on the participants to the Brazil-Caribbean Summit to consider to support their candidacies.
46.We celebrate Brazil’s hosting of the Caribbean Development Bank’s 55th Annual meeting in Brasilia, where Governors discussed issues such as climate change, inclusive development and resilient institutions, highlighting the possibilities of cooperation between Brazil and the Caribbean region. We congratulate the President of the CDB, Daniel Best, and the Chair of the Board of Governors, Viviane Vecchi, for their capable stewardship of the meeting.
47.1n order to follow-up on issues discussed at the Summit, we agree, without prejudice to any other existing cooperation mechanisms that the region may have with Brazil, that a Brazil-Caribbean Forum should meet every two or three years, at ministerial level, alternatively in the Caribbean and Brazil, with the aim of contributing to achieving concrete results in the thematic areas identified.
BRAZIL-CARIBBEAN SUMMIT
STATEMENT ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE COP30
1. We, the leaders of Brazil and countries of the Caribbean, met in Brasilia, on 13 June 2025, and issued the following statement on climate change and the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
2. Recognizing climate change as one of the greatest challenges of our time, we note with concern that 2024 was the warmest year on record globally, and the first calendar year that the average global temperature exceeded 1.5 0C above its pre-industrial level. The scale and gravity of climate change and its growing impact on people’s lives poses an existential threat to humankind.
3. Climate change is of special concern for the Caribbean, as the region is heavily affected by natural disasters, exacerbated by sea level rise and saltwater intrusion, making it urgent to address those specific needs and circumstances. We recall the recognition of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) under the Paris Agreement as being among the particularly vulnerable and deserving of special consideration.
4. We acknowledge that our response to climate change must be global, in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. We urge all Parties, particularly developed country Parties, to fulfill their continuously unmet commitments with regard to emissions reductions and their obligations in providing support to developing country Parties, including climate finance.
5. We recognize that the new cycle of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) represents a good opportunity to renew all Parties’ commitment to the global action required for implementing the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement. We acknowledge the efforts made by countries in the region to submit their updated NDCs, including the submissions already made by Saint Lucia, Cuba and Brazil.
6. We must remain united in our global fight against climate change more than ever, upholding the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement as the cornerstone of our collective efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 0C. We reaffirm the pursuit of “Mission 1.5” to significantly enhance international cooperation and the international enabling environment to stimulate ambition, with a view to strengthening action and implementation over this critical decade and keeping 1.5 0C above pre-industrial level within reach.
7. We note that the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that international cooperation is a critical enabler for achieving ambitious climate action, encouraging development, and implementation of climate policies, particularly for those who have significant capacity constraints. International cooperation shall aim to strengthen respective capabilities and institutions in all countries.
8. We must scale up efforts to build resilience through meaningful adaptation plans and put adaptation at the center of climate action in this critical decade. In the context of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme events, we emphasize the urgency to address loss and damage caused by the adverse impacts of climate change and strengthen the loss and damage response under the UNFCCC to support developing countries. We welcome the launch of a start-up phase for the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage in which half of available funds will be for Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). We emphasize the importance of ensuring the accessibility, predictability and adequacy of finance for addressing loss and damage, particularly for SIDS and LDCs.
9. We call for significantly scaled-up climate finance, including increased access to concessional finance and grants, to support mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage responses in developing countries. We urge the proper capitalization of climate funds, and the financial reform needed to scale adaptation in developing countries. We reaffirm that adequate financing, robust capacity-building initiatives and technology transfer are critical enablers of climate action and essential to empowering all countries in their climate responses and resilience. In this regard, we call for greater financial and technical support.
10.We reaffirm our support to the Presidencies of the 29th and 30th COPs for guiding the “Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T” to scale up needed climate finance to developing countries. The Roadmap must serve as a tool for leveraging finance to low-carbon and climate-resilience pathways in developing countries, recalling that IPCC’s alerts on the urgency of climate action are centered on findings that finance, technology, and international cooperation are critical for accelerated climate action. It is an urgent requirement to enhance the scale and speed of climate finance according to the needs of developing countries, including through the immediate reform of the international financial architecture. The unique vulnerabilities and special circumstances of SIDS must be adequately considered in financial decisions.
11. We commit to help create and deliver a full menu of financing options to accelerate private and public investment through, inter alia, results-based payments, concessional finance, as well as enhancing cooperation through high integrity carbon markets, as appropriate, in line with the multilateral agreements and the different national priorities and circumstances. In this context, we look forward to the launch of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, an innovative and large-scale incentive for developing countries to conserve and restore their rainforests.
12. We stress the essential role of the oceans as climate regulator and carbon dioxide sink and their importance to the mitigation of global warming. We highlight their contribution to the adaptation and resilience to the adverse effects of climate change. We encourage the inclusion of ocean-based measures in national climate policies.
13. We recognize that climate change-related sea level rise disproportionately affects SIDS and coastal communities, especially in developing countries, and reaffirm our commitment to cooperate and support communities particularly vulnerable to its impacts.
14. We affirm the importance of climate justice when taking action to address climate change and emphasize that just transition processes are directly related to promoting sustainable development, eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities, between and within countries.
15. We acknowledge the vital contributions of people of African descent embodying traditional ways of life, preserving shared knowledge systems, and maintaining deep connections with their lands in the efforts to achieve sustainable development.
15. We also recognize that groups such as Indigenous Peoples, local communities, women, youth, children, and persons with disabilities are often disproportionately affected by the adverse impacts of climate change. At the same time, they are among the most active and resilient agents on the frontlines of climate action. As such, just transitions to a low-carbon future should address their needs and circumstances.
16. We welcome the hosting of the COP30 in Belém, Brazil, from 10 to 21 November 2025, for the first time in the Amazon region. We will join efforts to transform COP30 into a movement of financial, technological and social transformations towards a new era in the global fight against climate change
]]>REITERATED their commitment to further strengthen relations between the Caribbean Community and the Republic of Colombia, to advance regional cooperation as an important instrument to achieve sustainable and inclusive development in each of their States, as well as regional integration and coordination mechanisms in which they share membership, and to renew their support for the proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace.
AFFIRMED their commitment to face the global triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Noting that despite current efforts to maintain the goals set out by the Paris Agreement, these challenges continue to pose an existential threat to humanity;
ACKNOWLEDGED the intrinsic relationship between climate change and biodiversity loss, and the role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities and their value-systems and ancestral knowledge for the protection of ecosystems, and the adaption and mitigation of the effects of climate change;
HIGHLIGHTED the importance of South-South Cooperation as a strategic tool for foreign policy that may allow the promotion and strengthening of best practice exchanges and knowledge-sharing, oriented towards capacity building underlined by solidarity, replicability, and horizontal cooperation;
EMPHASIZED the relevance of developing high added value, integrated and sustainable cooperation projects, with the support and commitment of all technical government bodies for the implementation of concrete solutions to local and shared challenges;
ACKNOWLEDGED the importance of the development of projects such as “ImPARAbles” for the Caribbean Paralympic Development, as well as strategies and successful experiences in terms combating of cybercrime, cooperative emergency response within Urban Search and Rescue operations, and digital agricultural projects completed with the support of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI);
COMMITTED to promote the development of cooperation projects within the Colombia-CARICOM, Joint-Commission of Technical, Cultural, Educational and Sports Cooperation. Furthermore, the Member States expressed their commitment to issue invitations to their corresponding technical government bodies to participate in the different activities within the approved 2023-2025 Joint-Commission project framework. With a view to continue our cooperation in these areas, both sides agreed to proceed with the negotiations and approval of the III iteration of the Joint-Commission in 2026, which will be based upon Colombian shared best practices found within the Colombia Supply Portfolio presented at this Summit and focus on areas such as sustainable development and climate change, disaster management, financing for development, renewable energy, health and tourism, among others;
UNDERSCORED the importance of strengthening and enhancing trade relations between CARICOM and Colombia. In this regard, CARICOM and Colombia have committed to redouble efforts to revitalize their bilateral trade relationship, including through the current negotiations to expand preferential market access under the CARICOM-Colombia Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (TECA). The negotiations will serve to consolidate and update the Agreement with a view to promoting trade between the Parties and providing a critical base for export and market diversification within the context of current global geopolitical realities.
AGREED to convene the IV CARICOM-Colombia Ministerial Summit in the next two years, for the purpose of reviewing and examining the implementation of the agreements reached herein, and to continue a high-level dialogue.
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community expressed their gratitude to the Colombian Government for convening and hosting the III Ministerial Summit in the City of Cartagena.
]]>The COFCOR was attended by the Honourable Frederick Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; the Honourable Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belize (virtual);the Honourable Dr. Vince Henderson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy of the Commonwealth of Dominica; the Honourable Joseph Andall, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development of Grenada; Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, J.P. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica; the Honourable Alva Baptiste, Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs of Saint Lucia; the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis; the Honourable Frederick Stephenson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Consumer Affairs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (virtual); His Excellency Albert Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of the Republic of Suriname; the Honourable Sean Sobers, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (virtual).
Mr. Kurt M. Williams, Senior Foreign Service Officer represented Antigua and Barbuda; Ambassador Donna Forde, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, represented Barbados; Her Excellency Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, Permanent Secretary, represented the Co-operative Republic of Guyana (virtual); His Excellency Chenet St Vil, Ambassador to CARICOM represented the Republic of Haiti.
OPENING REMARKS
The Honourable Dr. Terrence Drew, Prime Minister of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis attended the Opening Ceremony.
Remarks were delivered by Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community; the Honourable Dr. Vince Henderson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy of the Commonwealth of Dominica and Outgoing Chair of the COFCOR; and the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Economic Development and Investment of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis and Chair of the COFCOR. The statements are available at www.caricom.org
RETREAT
Foreign Ministers, at their Retreat Session, received a presentation by Dr. Riyad Insanally, entitled “The Development of a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Enlargement Policy”. Ministers considered the importance of ensuring that any form of expansion is aligned with the founding principles and priorities of CARICOM and serves to promote and protect the strategic interests of the Community. The Ministers also received the Report of the Technical Working Group Considering the Dominican Republic’s Application for Associate Membership in CARICOM and an update on the status of Bermuda’s Request for Full Membership of the Caribbean Community.
CANDIDATURES
The COFCOR continued to emphasise the importance of CARICOM’s participation in international bodies, including the pursuit of increased CARICOM representation in these organisations. In this regard, Ministers considered and endorsed several CARICOM candidatures to the United Nations (UN), the Organization of American States (OAS), and other international and regional organisations. They also considered the requests by Third Countries for CARICOM’s support for their candidatures to various bodies.
BILATERAL RELATIONS
The COFCOR noted the progress made in the strengthening of relations with several Third States since its last Meeting. In so doing, it reaffirmed the importance of CARICOM’s relations with its traditional partners, while recognising the need to expand the Community’s outreach to develop relations with non-traditional partners and groupings.
Foreign Ministers noted the recent political developments in Canada and welcomed the opportunity for CARICOM to elevate its strategic partnership with that country. In this regard, the Ministers acknowledged that a timely engagement through the Fourth Meeting of the CARICOM-Canada Foreign Ministers’ Group would maintain the momentum in the relationship.
In respect of CARICOM-Cuba relations, the COFCOR noted the decision of the Government of the United States of America (US) to expand the visa restrictions policy to include foreign government officials of countries considered by the US to be exploiting Cuban health professionals; reiterated the Community’s profound gratitude for Cuba’s assistance to the Region and expressed concerns regarding the implications of the expanded policy for the health sectors of CARICOM Member States.
Foreign Ministers also considered recent policy changes implemented by the new administration in the US. The Foreign Ministers agreed that the Community should continue to advocate for multilateral engagement and to avail itself of all opportunities to pursue advocacy with the US Government on issues of priority concern for CARICOM.
MULTILATERAL AND HEMISPHERIC RELATIONS
: United Nations (UN)
Foreign Ministers considered upcoming Summits and High-level Meetings at the United Nations (UN) and underscored the value of the Community’s active participation at the highest political level to ensure the effective protection and promotion of CARICOM’s interests. The Ministers highlighted the importance of the Third UN Oceans Conference and the signature and ratification of the International Legal Binding Instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). Foreign Ministers emphasised that the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development would be a vital platform for the Region to advocate for key reforms of the international financial architecture including concessional financing for middle income countries, climate finance, the Bridgetown Initiative and the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, in building resilience for sustainable development.
The Ministers also recognised the importance of the upcoming High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, and the High-Level Forum on Sustainable Development. The Ministers further considered the Fourth High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-Being, noting the submissions put forward by the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) in a resource document, Preparing CARICOM Ministries of Foreign Affairs for the Fourth United Nations High-level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (HLM4), September 2025, and Beyond: A Briefing Note from Civil Society.
: Organisation of American States (OAS)
The COFCOR received a presentation from His Excellency Albert Ramdin, incoming Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States, regarding issues of strategic interest to the Community currently before the OAS, including the OAS Group of Friends of Haiti, reaffirming the importance of multilateralism, and functional cooperation. Foreign Ministers took the opportunity to reaffirm their support for the work of the OAS and conveyed their best wishes to Minister Ramdin for a successful term in office.
: Association of Caribbean States (ACS)
The Council welcomed the assumption of Her Excellency Noemí Espinoza Madrid to the office of Secretary-General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) and agreed that CARICOM should continue to act strategically within the Association.
The Ministers received a brief presentation from the Honourable Alva Baptiste, Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs of Saint Lucia on the strategic planning exercise being undertaken by the ACS to shape its future by defining its vision and priorities, establishing objectives and developing action plans to improve institutional effectiveness, and address emerging challenges to strengthen cooperation in the Greater Caribbean over the coming decade.
Ministers further noted the upcoming Thirtieth Ordinary Meeting of the ACS Ministerial Council and the Tenth Summit of Heads of State and Government and encouraged the full and active participation of CARICOM Member States in these high-level engagements, which are being held within the context of the Thirtieth Anniversary of the establishment of the ACS.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Foreign Ministers received a report on the situation in Haiti and expressed deep concern about the worsening of the security crisis, the growing mistrust of the Transitional Presidential Council amongst Haitians and the insufficiency of international support, including for humanitarian relief. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the Community’s Good Offices role through the efforts of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), in engaging with key Haitian stakeholders and supporting peace and stability in Haiti; and called for greater international attention and support.
There was agreement that CARICOM would continue to advocate within the halls of power and in upcoming multilateral fora to mobilise critical humanitarian, financial and human resource aid for Haiti, in addition to the urgency of long-term support for the country, in light of the flagging support for the funding of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) and deep concern over the delay of the United Nations Security Council in responding to the proposal of the UN Secretary-General to deploy a hybrid mission to Haiti to address the insecurity situation.
Amidst grave concern regarding the conditions for the effective holding of the referendum and its delay, and the implication of this delay for the general elections later this year, Ministers underlined the importance of integrity, effectiveness and good governance in facilitating the progress of the transition process in attaining its major objectives. These objectives focused on security, the referendum and elections, and retaining the necessary confidence of the international community.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The COFCOR received an update on the Community’s upcoming bilateral and hemispheric meetings at the levels of Heads of Government and Ministerial, that are expected to be held in 2025. These include the Brazil-Caribbean Summit, the Second CARICOM-Africa Summit, and the Tenth Summit of the Americas inter alia. Foreign Ministers agreed that CARICOM should utilise these forums to promote and protect its strategic interests on the global stage and to further deepen its relations with traditional and non-traditional partners.
BORDER ISSUES
: Belize-Guatemala Dispute
The COFCOR received an update on developments relating to the territorial, insular and maritime claim of Guatemala and the dispute between Belize and Honduras arising from Honduras’ claim against the Sapodilla Cayes, both of which are now before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The COFCOR expressed its concern about the report received from Belize regarding the increased tensions in the Sarstoon and the repeated maritime incursions by the Guatemalan military into Belize’s territorial and internal waters. COFCOR underscored the obligation of Guatemala to refrain from any action which could exacerbate the dispute while the case is before the ICJ and reiterated its call for both countries to urgently fulfil their commitment to design a mechanism of cooperation for the Sarstoon River, with the assistance of the OAS.
The COFCOR also expressed concern about the continued illegal activities by Guatemalans that result in the deforestation of Belize’s protected areas and biodiversity loss along the Belize-Guatemala border.
The COFCOR reiterated its call on Belize, Guatemala and the OAS to respect and fully implement the Confidence Building Measures agreed under their Framework Agreement of 2005, pending a resolution of the case before the ICJ.
The COFCOR commended the OAS for its key role in the process aimed at resolving the dispute arising from Guatemala’s claims on Belize and called on the international community to continue supporting the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone.
The COFCOR reaffirmed its unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of Belize.
: Guyana-Venezuela Controversy
The COFCOR received an update on the most recent developments in the controversy between the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. They noted that on 9 December 2024, Guyana submitted to the International Court of Justice its final written brief on the merits of the case and that Venezuela’s final written submission is due to be filed on 11 August 2025, after which, the Court will schedule oral hearings on the merits of the case, to be followed by the Court’s deliberations and the issuance of its final Judgment.
They also noted the Court’s Order of 1 May 2025 in response to Guyana’s request for additional provisional measures to address Venezuela’s announced plan to carry out elections for a governor and legislative council in Guyana’s Essequibo region. They urged that Venezuela comply with that Order of the Court which “reaffirms the provisional measures indicated in its Order of 1 December 2023, which should be immediately and effectively implemented”; and that “pending a final decision in the case, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shall refrain from conducting elections, or preparing to conduct elections, in the territory in dispute, which the Co-operative Republic of Guyana currently administers and over which it exercises control”.
The COFCOR reiterated its full support for the ongoing judicial process as the proper means of resolving the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela peacefully, finally and in accordance with international law, and they reaffirmed CARICOM’s firm and unwavering support for the maintenance and preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.
INTERFACE WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THIRD STATES
The Council engaged in a virtual interaction with His Excellency Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the United Mexican States. The Foreign Ministers noted the strong state of the relationship between CARICOM and Mexico, characterized by economic and technical cooperation and a high level of shared interests. Both sides renewed their commitment to advancing bilateral, hemispheric, and global issues of mutual interest, and to accelerating efforts towards the convening of the Fifth CARICOM-Mexico Summit.
The Foreign Ministers exchanged views with His Excellency Enrique A. Manalo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines. The parties explored further opportunities to strengthen the relations between CARICOM and the Philippines. Foreign Ministers also noted their request for support for their candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028.
The COFCOR also received requests for the Community’s support for the candidatures for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, for the term 2027-2028 from their Excellencies Dr. Christophe Eick, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to CARICOM, and Mr. João Pedro do Largo, Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic to CARICOM.
APPRECIATION
Foreign Ministers expressed their deep appreciation to the Government and people of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis for the warm hospitality, excellent arrangements and courtesies extended, which contributed to the successful outcome of the Twenty-Eighth Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations. They also expressed their anticipation for the Twenty-Ninth Meeting of the COFCOR, to be held in May 2026.
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14 May 2025
]]>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
]]>His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who is also the Caribbean Community’s Lead Head of Government with responsibility for Agriculture and Food Security, expressed his optimism at the Media Conference for the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in St. George’s, Grenada, on 30 July.
The President referred to the devastation of the agriculture sectors in Member States which were impacted by Hurricane Beryl in early July, and pointed out that preliminary estimates for damage and loss are in the vicinity of US$150M. Notwithstanding the challenges “we will be successful in reducing that food import bill and expanding our production,” he said.
During the Heads of Government Meeting, the President reported that the Region was making measured progress towards regional food and nutrition security, with the April 2024 CARICOM/World Food Programme Livelihood Survey indicating a 17% reduction in food insecurity.
The Meeting Communique stated 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.
“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,” the Communique stated.
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
- 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
]]>The COFCOR was attended by the Honourable Frederick Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; the Honourable Dr. Vince Henderson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy of the Commonwealth of Dominica; the Honourable Joseph Andall, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development of Grenada; Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica; the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis (Virtual); the Honourable Keisal M. Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; His Excellency Albert Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of the Republic of Suriname; and Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
His Excellency Clarence Henry, Ambassador to CARICOM, represented Antigua and Barbuda; Ambassador Donna Forde, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, represented Barbados; Ambassador Amalia Mai, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration, represented Belize; His Excellency George Talbot, Ambassador to CARICOM, represented the Co-operative Republic of Guyana; Ms. Janelle Modeste-Stephen, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs, represented Saint Lucia.
OPENING REMARKS
Remarks were delivered by Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community; Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica and Outgoing Chair of the COFCOR; and the Honourable Dr. Vince Henderson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy of the Commonwealth of Dominica and Chair of the COFCOR.
(The statements are available at www.caricom.org)
CANDIDATURES
The COFCOR reiterated the importance of CARICOM’s effective participation in international fora, including through the pursuit of increased CARICOM representation in multilateral organisations. In this regard, Foreign Ministers considered and endorsed several CARICOM candidatures in the United Nations (UN), the Organisation of American States (OAS) and other international and regional organisations.
CLIMATE CHANGE
The Council received an update on climate change issues, including efforts being undertaken at the regional level and follow-up actions from COP28 in preparation for COP29.
The Council welcomed the intention of Barbados to host the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund. Additionally, Barbados assumed the Chairmanship of the Climate Vulnerable Forum commencing in May 2024, for the period 2024-2026. They emphasised the importance of Member States joining the Climate Vulnerable Forum given the significance to the Community of the issues the Forum seeks to address.
Foreign Ministers acknowledged the proposal by Barbados to host pre-COP meetings for COP29 and COP30, respectively.
BILATERAL RELATIONS
The COFCOR acknowledged the significance of building on existing relations between CARICOM and several Third States. Particular attention was paid to the recent Dialogue between Heads of Government and the President of Brazil in the margins of the Forty-Sixth Regular Meeting of the Conference earlier in February this year. Follow-up to that High-level engagement will include areas of cooperation of critical interest to the Community and support for global financial reform through efforts such as the Bridgetown Initiative.
Further, the Council received a presentation on the Health Development Partnership for Africa and the Caribbean (HDPAC). This Partnership is in line with the COFCOR decision to facilitate CARICOM – African Union cooperation and presents an opportunity to identify common health development challenges and propose solutions for future actions by leveraging opportunities and existing institutional structures for a better response. Additionally, discussions took place on preparations for upcoming Ministerial meetings with Canada, Cuba, India, and Japan, and further cooperation with other development partners.
Foreign Ministers noted the upcoming elections in Third States from the perspective of exploring opportunities to strengthen relations with both traditional and non-traditional partners.
MULTILATERAL AND HEMISPHERIC RELATIONS
United Nations (UN)
The COFCOR received an update on matters of importance to the Community that are being considered within the United Nations, including Security Council Reform, the International Legal Binding Instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), the Summit of the Future, and the Global Digital Compact.
Ministers recognized the importance of Member States for the Community remaining actively engaged in the preparatory process of the BBNJ, including the signing and ratification of the Agreement. They welcomed the intention of Belize to host a workshop to improve the understanding of the BBNJ Agreement and enhance preparedness for the entry into force of the Agreement.
Organization of American States (OAS)
The COFCOR received an update on the issues of strategic importance to the Caribbean Community before the Organization of American States (OAS).
The COFCOR noted with concern the possible expansion of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) to non-Caribbean States and possible implications to trade and investment for CARICOM Member States.
Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)
CARICOM Foreign Ministers commended St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ successful Pro Tempore Presidency (PPT) of CELAC, particularly the key role played by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves in facilitating political dialogue between President Irfaan Ali of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and President Nicolas Maduro of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, on the border controversy between both countries.
Association of Caribbean States (ACS)
Foreign Ministers received a report of the Twenty-Ninth Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) held in Paramaribo, Suriname, on 9 May 2024. They commended the Republic of Suriname on its chairmanship of the ACS Ministerial Council for the period 2023-2024.
The COFCOR acknowledged the importance of the ACS for Member States of the Community particularly in the context of the Thirtieth Anniversary of the establishment of the Association.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
The COFCOR received an update on the prolonged and multidimensional situation in Haiti. Ministers welcomed the establishment and installation of the Transitional Presidential Council. They noted, in particular, the multi-stakeholder representation of the Transitional Presidential Council as a new approach to governance in Haiti and observed the commitment of the Transitional Council to building inclusive institutions recognizing the important role to be played by women and youth. However, they expressed concerns over the worsening of the security crisis and pledged CARICOM’s continued support in helping Haiti to return to normalcy, organize free and fair elections, restore democracy, and achieve sustainable peace and development.
INTERFACE WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THIRD STATES
Foreign Ministers welcomed His Excellency Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest with a view to enhancing their bilateral cooperation and relationship.
The Council expressed appreciation for Qatar’s continued support to CARICOM Member States through collaboration in key areas such as infrastructure, climate change, blue and green economy conservation, post-disaster relief, water security, and energy, as well as through the provision of humanitarian aid to Haiti.
The State of Qatar expressed an interest in intensifying and expanding bilateral relations, including the conclusion of a proposed Memorandum of Understanding between CARICOM and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In this regard, Foreign Ministers extended invitations to Qatar to pay bilateral visits.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Foreign Ministers considered several High-level Meetings/Summits of interest to CARICOM scheduled to take place this year, including the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS44).
Ministers received an update on the preparations for SIDS4 and expressed best wishes to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for a successful conference, as host of this important meeting.
BORDER ISSUES
Belize-Guatemala Dispute
The COFCOR received an update on developments relating to the territorial, insular and maritime claim of Guatemala that is now before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The COFCOR noted that the written pleadings phase of the case is now completed.
The COFCOR further noted that Belize found it necessary to use the facility provided by the Pact of Bogotá to submit to the ICJ the dispute between Belize and Honduras arising from Honduras’ dormant but existing claim against the Sapodilla Cayes, which are also claimed by Guatemala. The two countries have completed their pleadings in the case, but Guatemala has applied to intervene, and that matter is pending.
The COFCOR expressed concern about the continued illegal activities by Guatemalans that result in the deforestation of Belize’s protected areas along the Belize-Guatemala border. They also expressed their concern about recent incidents at the Sarstoon River and called on both countries to urgently fulfil their commitment to design a mechanism of cooperation for the Sarstoon River, with the assistance of the OAS.
The COFCOR reiterated its call on Belize, Guatemala, and the OAS to respect and fully implement the Confidence Building Measures agreed under their Framework Agreement of 2005, pending a resolution of the case before the ICJ.
The COFCOR commended the OAS for its key role in the process aimed at resolving the dispute arising from Guatemala’s claims on Belize and called on the international community to continue supporting the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone.
The COFCOR reaffirmed its unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of Belize.
Guyana-Venezuela Controversy
The Foreign Ministers received an update on recent developments on the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.
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, agreed to by the parties on 14 December 2023 – with substantial regional support 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, this issue was brought by Guyana to the attention of the United Nations Security Council which reminded that both parties were obligated to comply with the Order of the Court. Ministers also noted Guyana’s concerns over the continued military build-up by Venezuela on the border between the two countries.
Ministers welcomed the submission made by Venezuela on 8 April 2024 of its Counter-Memorial to the Court. They reiterated their continued support for the judicial process to resolve the controversy. They further underscored Caricom’s support for the maintenance and preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.
STATEMENT
The COFCOR agreed to issue the following Statement:
Cuba
The Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) welcomes the decision of the Government of the United States of America (USA) to remove the Republic of Cuba from its list of states that are “not cooperating fully” in its fight against terrorism.
COFCOR notes, however, that the Republic of Cuba remains on the US State Department’s list of countries that have been deemed by the USA to be State Sponsors of Terrorism. COFCOR therefore, renews its call for the urgent removal of Cuba from the list of countries deemed to be State Sponsors of Terrorism.
COFCOR also reaffirms its rejection of the unilateral imposition by the United States of America of the economic, commercial, and financial embargo against Cuba. Both the designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism and the 62-year-old embargo are unjust and wrongly imposed upon the Cuban people and must be terminated.
ROSEAU
24 MAY 2024
APPRECIATION
Foreign Ministers expressed their deep appreciation to the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Dominica for the warm hospitality, excellent arrangements and courtesies extended to delegations, which facilitated the successful deliberations of the Twenty-Seventh Meeting of the COFCOR. They looked forward to convening the Twenty-Eighth Meeting of the COFCOR in Suriname in May 2025.
]]>Chair of the Conference, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, presided over the Meeting.
Members of the Conference in attendance were: Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Honourable Gaston Browne; Prime Minister of Barbados, Honourable Mia Amor Mottley; Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Honourable Philip Davis; Prime Minister of Dominica, Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit; Prime Minister of Grenada, Honourable Dickon Mitchell; President of Guyana, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali; Prime Minister of Haiti, His Excellency Dr. Ariel Henry; Premier of Montserrat, Honourable Joseph Taylor-Farrell; Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew; Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Honourable Philip Pierre; Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves; President of Suriname, His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi; and the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley.
Belize and Jamaica were both represented by their Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Honourable Francis Fonseca and Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson-Smith, respectively.
Associate Member States represented were Bermuda by Premier, the Honourable Edward David Burt; the British Virgin Islands, by Premier, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley and the Turks and Caicos Islands, by Honourable Arlington Alexander Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services.
OPENING CEREMONY
CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla N. Barnett, welcomed the Community and Guests to the Opening Ceremony at the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown. She noted that it was fitting for another Regular Meeting to be held in the home of one of the four Signatories to the Original Treaty of Chaguaramas, as celebrations continue for CARICOM’s landmark 50th Anniversary.
The Secretary-General said that significant technical and policy work by the Secretariat and Member States has led to accomplishments in various areas. She also pointed to the Region’s influence in key international forums where Member States have a voice in addressing complex and multi-faceted global issues. “CARICOM speaks loudly and clearly in the international community. Our determined advocacy has helped to spur positive change for critical hemispheric and global issues,” she said.
The Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica and Outgoing Chair, pinpointed signing of a Double Taxation Agreement to ease trade and investment within the Community; continued calls toward raising climate change awareness; deepened engagement with international partners to secure crucial support for our development priorities; efforts toward a lasting solution to the challenges faced by Haiti; and regional collaboration to defuse the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy, as signal achievements over the past year.
“These achievements are not merely footnotes; they represent the collective spirit of the Caribbean. They represent the unwavering commitment of our governments, the dedication of our people, and the power of regional collaboration,” he emphasized.
His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Chairman, stressed the importance of accountability to the people of the Region and of ensuring the fulfilment of commitments made. He highlighted initiatives in areas including Food Security, Climate Change, Regional Digitalization and Youth, and Regional Transport.
On Haiti, the CARICOM Chair emphasized, “Our Region has one interest when it comes to Haiti – that is the people of Haiti. We will not deviate from that interest.”
He also underscored the “brilliance of culture” in the Region. “In this Region, culture is our staple. Culture is that common thread that brings us together,” he emphasized.
A highlight of the Opening Ceremony was the presentation of a drumming corps comprising performers from host country Guyana, Grenada, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their spirited, lively performance, “Sounds of the Caribbean”, and other cultural performances by Guyanese young people added colour and energy to the ceremony.
The Ceremony can be viewed here.
Presentations are available here.
CARICOM SINGLE MARKET AND ECONOMY (CSME)
The Conference received an update from the Prime Minister of Barbados, Chair of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (PMSC-CSME), on progress regarding its implementation.
The Conference noted the report of the PMSC-CSME on the status of important CSME objectives and agreed on urgent steps to expedite several of them. These include intensified work towards free movement, speeding up reviews to facilitate harmonization of certain Business Laws and Mutual recognition. They stressed the importance of digital transformation with respect to companies’ registries and agreed to establish a regional committee of information technology experts to help with this digital transformation, under the leadership of Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell as Lead Head responsible for ICT and Incoming Chair.
The Conference noted the work underway to complete initiatives such as the establishment of a Regional Securities Market by July 2024.
WORK TOWARDS FREE MOVEMENT OF ALL COMMUNITY NATIONALS
The Conference received a report on the work of the Reconstituted Inter-Governmental Task Force (ITGF) to implement the Decision of the Conference of July 2023 to work towards Free Movement of all Community Nationals.
They agreed that draft amendments to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas should include basic guarantees to be afforded to all CARICOM nationals exercising the right of free movement and directed the IGTF and Legal Affairs Committee to complete their work for the consideration of a meeting of the Conference to take place on 15 March.
THE AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS AGENDA- FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY
Heads of Government received a report from the Chairman, Lead Head of Government with responsibility for Agriculture and Agriculture Development in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet, and from the Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture of Guyana and Chair of the Ministerial Taskforce on Food Production and Food Security.
The Meeting was updated on efforts towards achieving the 25 by 2025 Food and Nutrition Security Initiative, including policy approvals; removal of barriers to intra-regional trade; agricultural trade promotion; cross-border investments; human resource development and capacity building; increased production and productivity; and transportation and logistics.
The Agriculture Minister noted that there has been increased awareness and buy-in to improve Food and Nutrition Security in the Region, and outlined that more than 73 projects and programmes which support the 25 by 2025 initiative are being implemented by over 13 regional partners and donors. Another 20 or so initiatives are at different stages of formulation.
The Conference commended the Chairman’s leadership on this critical agenda item. They encouraged Member States to take advantage of the agricultural insurance product being offered to the sector and encouraged greater collaboration among Member States. They noted cooperation projects with the Community’s external partners, including Cuba, the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Conference further observed that the upcoming pilot regional ferry service would be a key component to the Region’s food security efforts.
They agreed that Member States would develop a Pre-Clearance/Regional Export Trade Mechanism for agricultural produce for endorsement and approval by the Conference at its 47th Regular Meeting in July 2024, and requested that the MTF accelerate the identification of additional investor-friendly policies and programmes for implementation under the 25 by 2025 food security initiative.
Heads of Government also strongly encouraged the regional private sector to take advantage of the proposal from Suriname, which is making available 300,000 Ha of land for regional agricultural development. They underscored the private sector’s role in taking urgent action to invest in the production of agricultural items for which frequent suspensions of the CET are granted.
DEVELOPMENTS IN REGIONAL AIR AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION
The Meeting received a report from the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) on efforts to address the Region’s air and maritime transportation issues. The CPSO noted that opportunities exist for maritime solutions in agro-food products requiring cold chain, including fresh produce, meat and poultry, and to supplement the movement of persons. They also noted that container-shipping capacity exceeds demand and purpose-specific interventions are needed to connect opportunities.
Heads of Government expressed appreciation to the regional Private Sector for their work to complete “Commercial Assessment Phase 1” and encouraged the CPSO to place greater emphasis on re-engineering routes. They reiterated the need for the Private Sector to capitalise on the myriad investment opportunities in regional air and maritime transportation.
REPLENISHMENT OF THE CDF CAPITAL FUND
Heads of Government consulted on the replenishment of the CDF Capital Fund for the 3rd Contribution & Subvention Cycle. They agreed on the baseline period of 2016 -2021 for the formula for the replenishment of the CDF based on a capitalization of US$80 million, and to review and revise the contribution formula before the next replenishment cycle.
Heads of Government agreed to establish a committee led by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to examine innovative ways to finance the CDF.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND CLIMATE FINANCING
Heads of Government reviewed the situation facing the Region as it relates to Climate Change and took stock of the outcome of COP 28. They noted the continuing inadequacy of the international response and the rapidly closing window of opportunity to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels despite many commitments and promises. Heads issued a Statement on Climate Financing.
GLOBAL AND HEMISPHERIC ISSUES
The Conference expressed grave concern with the ongoing situation in Gaza.
They acknowledged efforts made by Member States of the Community to support the residents of Gaza facing catastrophic food insecurity, displacement, and intersecting humanitarian crises, given the operational challenges facing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
They also acknowledged the need for CARICOM to advocate for a positive resolution, and underscored the pre-eminent role that the Community can assume with Trinidad and Tobago as the current President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Guyana as a member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and President of the Council in February 2024.
Heads of Government issued a Statement on the Ongoing Situation in Gaza.
HAITI
Heads of Government issued a Statement on Haiti.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE 2024 ICC T-20 CRICKET WORLD CUP
The Conference received an update on preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 from Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies.
Six Member States (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago) will host matches of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Tournament from 4 – 30 June 2024.
The Conference noted the indication from the CWI President that to date, CWI has received four million applications for tickets from 120 countries. Heads of Government urged the CWI to put measures in place to ensure the availability and ease of access to tickets for matches by the people of the Region who have long been passionate supporters of the sport.
The Conference underscored the unique character of West Indies Cricket and the importance of a strategic review of cricket both as a game and business towards ensuring growth and sustainability of the sport in the Region. In that context, Heads acknowledged the proposal by Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and Chairman of the CARICOM Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket, to host a conference on West Indies Cricket on 19 April 2024 in Port of Spain to explore the business trajectory for the sport.
Heads of Government expressed appreciation for the technical work that the Health, Safety and Security Sub-Committee (HSSC) had commenced to facilitate hassle-free travel and improved citizen security for the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup.
REPARATIONS
The Meeting heard from Sir Hilary Beckles, Chairman, CARICOM Reparations Commission, and Prime Minister Mottley, Chair of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee (PMSC) on Reparations, on the successful advocacy of the CARICOM Reparations Commission over the past decade, in bringing global attention to the Region’s call for Reparatory Justice.
They endorsed the Regional Strategic Framework as recommended by the PMSC, and approved the Regional Work Plan and Budget for 2024 – 2026.
The Conference proposes to place more emphasis on direct engagement, advocacy and negotiations, including strengthening partnership with the African Union. They agreed to broaden the context for Reparatory Justice to include native genocide, chattel enslavement, indentureship and colonialism, and recognised the peculiar circumstances of overseas territories in the Region in relation to Reparatory Justice. They requested the PMSC on Reparations to advise on modalities for their involvement in CARICOM’s Reparations agenda.
They also agreed to seek to have Reparations included on the agendas of the SIDS Conference in Antigua and Barbuda in May 2024, and the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) Conference in October 2024.
CARIFESTA
Heads of Government welcomed the offer from Barbados to host XV CARIFESTA in August 2025.
HIGH-LEVEL DIALOGUE WITH GUESTS
Heads of Government extended a warm welcome toSpecial Guest of the Conference, His Excellency Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil. They noted that his presence is indicative of the strong bond between the Region and Brazil and that the two sides share a rich history of South-South cooperation and are united by geography as well as by a common desire to build prosperity for their peoples.
They expressed appreciation for the instrumental role played by Brazil in facilitating the Guyana-Venezuela Joint Commission in January 2024.
The Conference highlighted the immense potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in areas including Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation; Disaster Preparedness; and Food and Nutrition Security, especially for the Region’s 25 by 2025 initiative.
President Lula expressed his great joy to be present at the Conference. He noted that his country took a strategic decision to prioritise its relationship with countries in CARICOM. He underscored Brazil’s support for efforts to address the Region’s priorities of climate change, regional security, intra-regional connectivity, and sustainable development including through advocacy at the G20 during Brazil’s Presidency in 2024.
The Second CARICOM-Brazil Summit is to be held in 2024.
Heads of Government also welcomed His Excellency Adel Al-Jubeir, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia. They looked forward to the early opening of a CARICOM House in Saudi Arabia as well as the formalization of a mechanism to ensure other projects in the pipeline are realised.
The Minister of State underscored his country’s desire for a long-term partnership in areas including trade and investment, environment and climate change, and education.
ENGAGEMENT WITH SIR CLIVE LLOYD
The Conference received Guyanese cricketing legend, Sir Clive Lloyd and announced the consensus of the Community to confer on him the Region’s highest honour, the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC)
They lauded his sustained excellent performance over decades and hailed him as “one of the brightest examples of leadership” from the Region.
BELIZE – GUATEMALA AND BELIZE – HONDURAS
The 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 their willingness to seek a peaceful resolution to all legal claims against Belize to land and insular territories and to any maritime areas pertaining to those territories, through the ICJ. They called on all Parties to abide by the ICJ decision when delivered, and to work together to demarcate the borders in compliance with the ruling.
The Conference expressed concern over the continued illegal activities by Guatemalan nationals 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 tension and building good neighbourly relations between Belize and Guatemala and encouraged both countries to continue to mobilize resources for the operations of the OAS office, whose work will continue to be critical including after the ICJ decision on the territorial, insular and maritime dispute.
GUYANA – VENEZUELA
Heads of Government received an update on developments in Guyana/Venezuela relations. They decried the significant Venezuelan military border activity, but noted a lowering of tensions since the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela, was issued on December 14, 2023, following the meeting of the Presidents of the two countries.
They welcomed the convening of the first meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Guyana and Venezuela and their technical teams in Brasilia on January 25, 2024, as a positive step to rebuilding cooperation between the two countries, while the International Court of Justice determines the case concerning the land boundary.
Heads also noted that Venezuela has until April 8, 2024, to submit its counter-memorial 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 urged it to do so.
They reaffirmed their solid support for the maintenance and preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
CANDIDATURES
Heads of Government expressed CARICOM’s endorsement of the candidature of H.E. Albert Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of Suriname, for the post of Secretary-General of the Organization of American States.
APPRECIATION
Heads of Government expressed their appreciation to the Government and People of Guyana for their excellent hospitality and the arrangements as Hosts of the meeting.
DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT REGULAR MEETING
Heads of Government accepted the invitation of Grenada to host the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference from 3 -5 July 2024.
01 March 2024
STATEMENTS
Statement: CARICOM Heads of Government Exchange on Haiti
CARICOM Heads of Government, including Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, met with International Partners of Haiti including, Canada, France, the United States, the United Kingdom and the United Nations in a coordination meeting on the situation in Haiti in the context of the Security Council Resolution 2699. Haiti, as a sister nation of the Community was a key focus of the 46th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community in Georgetown, Guyana, on 26 February.
The Heads of Government and the Partners received an update on the situation by the Coordinator of the Eminent Persons Group, former Prime Minister Kenny Anthony. In the course of a frank and in-depth discussion on the situation in Haiti, the CARICOM Heads expressed their deep concern over the continued deterioration of the security, humanitarian and political situation and the continued delay in overcoming the political stalemate, which have blocked the possibility of free and fair elections. CARICOM Heads underlined the critical and immediate need for a clear political path forward which should be participatory and inclusive.
The CARICOM Heads took note of the commitment made by Prime Minister Ariel Henry to major steps to move the political process forward, including the holding of general elections to restore constitutional government and authority no later than 31 August 2025. To this end, an electoral needs gap assessment team will be dispatched by CARICOM by 31 March 2024, in consultation with the United Nations in line with existing Security Council mandates, with the support of Canada, USA and the OAS. The Assessment Team will support planning and efforts of the relevant Haitian institutions to be established.
The CARICOM Heads and the key Partners recognised the depth of the suffering of the Haitian people. This has been exacerbated by the lack of consensus among the political stakeholders, civil society, the private and religious sectors and the Government of Haiti. In this regard, the CARICOM Heads called on all concerned to make the necessary concessions to arrive at a resolution of the political impasse. They urged that each Stakeholder must recognize that they will not obtain all that they want, but Haiti must obtain what it needs.
Against this background CARICOM will extend an invitation to the Stakeholders to participate in a meeting urgently to address and settle the critical political path that is participatory and inclusive.
Statement on the Ongoing Situation in Gaza
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) remains deeply distressed by the ongoing violence and deteriorating situation in Gaza, which has resulted in the tragic loss of civilian lives, including the deaths of women and children on an unprecedented scale, and widespread displacement and suffering.
CARICOM reiterates its strong condemnation of the attacks by Hamas and the taking of hostages on 7 October 2023, as well as of the Israeli actions that violate international humanitarian law and the human rights of the Palestinian people. The incessant Israeli bombardment of Gaza has led to catastrophic loss of civilian lives, the destruction of critical infrastructure and the deprivation of basic necessities, food, water and medical care.
In this regard, CARICOM urges an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and safe and unimpeded access for the delivery of adequate and sustained humanitarian assistance. We also strongly advocate for the rule of law to prevail and for the return to their families of all hostages and persons held in administrative detention without charge.
Israel’s continued and expanding occupation of territory in the occupied West Bank poses a serious and continuing threat to a peaceful, secure and stable world. CARICOM, therefore, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a holistic roadmap towards a two-state solution, in keeping with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 242, as the only viable path to peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
CARICOM also deplores the fact that Israel has flouted the Resolutions of both the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council calling for a ceasefire, as well as the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The Community, therefore, calls on the United Nations General Assembly to invoke its powers under UN General Assembly Resolution 377A “Uniting for Peace” to hold an emergency session and to issue appropriate recommendations to UN Member States to collectively impose measures designed to motivate Israel to adhere to its obligations under the said UN Resolution and under the ICJ Order.
The Community, therefore, calls for a renewed commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through meaningful dialogue and negotiation and calls upon the international community to play a constructive role in facilitating a lasting solution to the conflict and achieving a durable peace that guarantees the human rights, dignity and security of both sides.
Statement on Climate Change
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) remains on the frontlines of the global climate crisis, an issue the Region has been aggressively advocating on for the past thirty years. Despite the many commitments and promises of international partners, the window of opportunity to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is rapidly closing.
Heads of Government are concerned that while COP 28 was widely regarded as a historic event, with the completion of the first global stock take (GST), on progress in achievement of the Paris Agreement goals, the outcomes of GST show that emissions of greenhouse gases continue to rise and the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) of Parties will not keep global temperatures below the 1.5-degree goal enshrined in the Paris Agreement.
Heads of Government also expressed concern to be heading to COP 29 where a New Finance Goal will be articulated to replace the 100bn goal, which has not yet been met, even as developing countries require trillions to deal with the escalating impacts of Climate Change. Developed country parties have not provided enough finance at scale, technology and capacity building support required to help developing countries tackle their pressing needs to build their resilience, especially in adapting to the adverse and increasingly catastrophic impacts of Climate Change. The clear absence of definitive timelines for action and quantitative commitments for scaling up of investments, and particularly adaptation finance emerging out of COP 28, cause great concern to our Region.
The Conference noted that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) recognized as the most vulnerable group of countries and a special case for sustainable development, have been facing strong push back against the recognition of their special circumstances especially in the context of climate finance. There is limited international support for special allocations for SIDS within financing arrangements and available climate finance from international and private sources is limited, expensive and too onerous to access.
In light of the preceding, Heads of Government called for CARICOM to take a strategic, unified and coordinated approach to ensure that the Region remains influential in the climate and development arena through engagements with key partners and advocacy groups.
They called for renewed focus by the Region to advocate for inclusion of forests, nature-based solutions and blue carbon into market mechanisms with the aim of articulating clear regional positions and strategies.
Heads of Government reiterated the call for improved readiness programmes, simplified approval procedures, a change to the criteria for determining access to low-cost finance, and for the adoption of programmatic approaches to address the bottlenecks in accessing finance.
The Region reiterates its support for the Bridgetown Initiative’s call to expand capital adequacy of international financial institutions.
Heads recognized that the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, scheduled to be held in Antigua and Barbuda, 27 – 30 May 2024, will be an inflection point for many of these discussions to be articulated. As such, the Region remains committed to participating in the Conference at the highest level.
CARICOM STATEMENT ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Following the inaugural symposium on Crime and Violence as a Public Health Safety Issue and the Declaration of the Heads of Government in Trinidad and Tobago on 17-18 April 2023, CARICOM Heads of Government met in caucus in Georgetown, Guyana, on 27 February 2024 to discuss the prevailing dire state of crime, violence, and public safety amongst its Member States.
Heads of Government reiterated their firm commitment to the principles stated in, and to the implementation of the actions set out in the Declaration on Crime and Violence as a Public Health Safety Issue.
In reaffirming the right to freedom of expression and to public speech CARICOM Heads of Government strongly condemned the development, presence, tolerance, or acceptance of violent, anti-social music and social media content that denigrate women and encourage or promote or support the use of violence, guns, and other anti-social behaviour, particularly targeted to our Youth.
CARICOM Heads of Government affirmed their support for engaging with young people in the creative economy, including the entertainment and music industry, and the sporting industry to develop, support and spread across the Region positive content to offset the negative impact of anti-social, violent, and criminal behaviour which some elements in that sector promote and support.
Given the serious, significant and chronic negative developmental impact that crime and violence is having on Member States, CARICOM Heads of Government committed to working with all sectors and institutions, including civil society, academia, labour, churches, our creatives, law enforcement, the judiciary, political parties, employers and businesses, and our external partners to implement all of the measures set out in the Declaration on Crime and Violence as a Public Health Safety Issue.
CARICOM Heads of Government remain committed to maintaining this Region as a zone of domestic peace and safety to ensure the preservation of our Caribbean civilization.
Statement on Matters Related to Regional Financing for Development in the Region
Heads of Government are of the view that funds should be streamlined to ensure that there are no conflicting mandates.
In this regard, Heads of Government supported the establishment of the Blue-Green Investment Bank, which is being established by Barbados, whose mandate is exclusively on investments aimed at achieving adaptation and safeguarding resilience in our Region and in our individual Member States.
Heads of Government are also of the view that pursuit of the CARICOM Development Fund’s (CDF) mandate should support investments aimed at stabilising Disadvantaged Countries, regions and sectors, with a view to achieving high levels of long-term economic growth in our Region and our individual Members States.
Heads of Government noted the existence of substantial amounts of funds held by households and the Private Sector in the financial institutions of the Region, both bank and non-bank. A fraction of these deposits could be mobilised to finance Bonds issued by the CDF after consultation with the Regional Central Banks and preserve compliance with the prudential requirements of the financial sector in the respective jurisdictions.
It was agreed that the Lead Head of Government in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet with responsibility for CARICOM Single Market and Economy, Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, will coordinate the establishment of a Working Group on Financing for Caribbean Development, to be convened and headed by Vice-President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo to address the matter of mobilising financing including from the sources identified above, to be intermediated through the Blue-Green Investment Bank and the CDF to advance the objectives of regional resilience and growth.
It was also agreed that this Working Group on Financing for Caribbean Development should conclude its work within four months of the current meeting with a view to submitting the Report by the next meeting of Heads of Government.
All statements are available here.
]]>To mark the occasion of the first Canada-CARICOM Summit held in Canada, leaders launched a Strategic Partnership, establishing a new permanent mechanism for structured high-level engagement and follow through on joint actions. They reaffirmed their unwavering friendship, built on strong people-to-people, historical and cultural ties, shared economic interests, and a commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Discussion focused on priorities of climate change, access to finance, regional and global security, and trade and investment.
On climate change, leaders called for an intensified collaborative effort to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. While recognizing recent efforts on mitigation, adaptation, and the protection of biodiversity, they expressed the importance of practical actions, such as assistance on carbon pricing and operationalising a fund on loss and damage from climate change in the lead up to COP28 and beyond. CARICOM leaders welcomed Canada’s new support of $64.5 million in new climate financing, and $10 million for resilient agriculture systems.
On access to finance, leaders acknowledged the particular vulnerabilities of CARICOM countries to external shocks and offered perspectives on how to overcome systemic challenges in order to access finance. Focus was placed on reforming the international financial architecture, including the proposals of the Bridgetown Initiative. They agreed to work together in advancing solutions, such as new criteria to access finance at the Caribbean Development Bank, the widespread adoption of climate resilience debt clauses, and jointly advocating for common interests through Canada and CARICOM members’ shared constituency at the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
On regional security, leaders focused on the crisis in Haiti. They welcomed the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699 (2023) adopted on 2 October 2023 and emphasized the importance of establishing a strong transitional government of unity to support the role of the MSS, the multinational security support mission (MSS). Leaders fully supported the central role of CARICOM and its Eminent Persons Group (EPG) in advancing political dialogue to establish a stable and representative arrangement that can effectively govern towards free and fair elections, and work with the international community to set the parameters for the MSS. Leaders welcomed Canada’s coordination role in building the Haitian National Police (HNP) capacity, including additional training support of the HNP.
While discussions focused on Haiti, leaders also engaged on key security challenges in the region, including illicit trafficking of weapons and drugs, and surging violent crime. In support of this, Canada committed $6.6 million to tackle illegal arms trafficking in Haiti and the wider Caribbean, as well as $4.6 million to address gender-based violence and women’s rights in the Eastern Caribbean.
Leaders also spoke of the importance of our common commitment to enhancing peace and security in both the Western Hemisphere and the world, including in Venezuela and the Middle East.
On trade and investment, leaders shared their perspectives on growth opportunities in the region to deepen commercial ties between Canada and CARICOM. CARICOM leaders welcomed Canada’s expansion of the Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff program (CCCT), which gives countries in the region duty-free trade access to the Canadian market, to include textiles and apparel, as well as a new foreign labour program for agriculture and fish processing under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Shared priority sectors outlined for trade and investment included agriculture, renewable energy and infrastructure. Leaders also offered insights on addressing ongoing supply chain issues; increasing the movement of people, goods, and investments; facilitating educational exchanges; and critical development needs. They emphasized the importance of engaging Caribbean diaspora communities in Canada to build strong and sustainable economies.
Participants
- Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
- Antigua and Barbuda High Commissioner Ronald Sanders
- Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis
- Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley
- Belize Prime Minister Johnny Briceño
- Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit
- Grenada Foreign Minister Joseph Andall
- Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali
- Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry
- Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness
- Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew
- Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip Pierre
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves
- Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi
- Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley
- CARICOM Secretary General Carla Natalie Barnett