St. George’s, Grenada – The Forty-Seventh Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has concluded in St. George’s, Grenada. Held from July 28 to 30, the meeting was chaired by Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and saw significant deliberations on regional challenges and advancements, particularly in light of the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl.
Originally scheduled for July 3-5, the meeting was rescheduled due to the hurricane’s impact on eight member states. The storm has left considerable damage across the region, prompting urgent discussions on recovery and resilience.
Resilience and Recovery Efforts
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett opened the ceremony by acknowledging Grenada’s fortitude in hosting the meeting despite the recent natural disaster. She highlighted the vital role of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) in relief and recovery, underscoring the importance of regional integration and cooperation.
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, who is the current chair of CARICOM, expressed gratitude for the support from member states during the hurricane’s aftermath. He emphasized the urgent need for climate justice, citing the severe impact of climate change on the Caribbean.
New Membership and Honors
A notable development was Curaçao’s formal admission as an Associate Member of CARICOM, signed by Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas. This inclusion marks a new chapter in CARICOM’s expansion, promising enhanced regional cooperation and benefits.
The conference also honored Sir Clive Lloyd of Guyana and former CARICOM Secretary-General Roderick Rainford with the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) for their exceptional contributions to the region.
Key Areas of Focus
Food and Nutrition Security: President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali reported progress in regional food security efforts despite the setbacks from Hurricane Beryl. Measures include a new Regional Economic Agri-Insurance Programme aimed at bolstering agricultural resilience.
Digital Resilience Strategy: CARICOM unveiled plans for a new digital skills initiative and the establishment of a CARICOM Digital Skills Training and Learning Network. This includes training in artificial intelligence and data analytics, reflecting a push towards technological advancement in the region.
Transportation Improvements: Significant updates were provided on regional air and maritime transport. A Regional Symposium on Air Transport will be hosted in Barbados in early 2025 to further develop regional aviation.
Climate Change Advocacy: The conference emphasized the urgency of unified regional advocacy on climate change. CARICOM will push for robust climate finance goals at COP 29 and advocate for increased support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Hurricane Beryl’s Impact: The meeting addressed the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Beryl, with estimated losses in agriculture reaching $159.3 million. CARICOM is focusing on developing strategies for recovery and financial support.
International and Regional Relations
The conference also discussed ongoing regional issues, including the situation in Haiti, the impact of the U.S. embargo on Cuba, and border disputes between Belize and Guatemala, as well as Guyana and Venezuela. CARICOM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Haiti’s transition process and addressing humanitarian crises in Cuba.
Future Directions
The next regular meeting will be hosted by Barbados from February 20-21, 2025. The conference concluded with a call for continued collaboration and solidarity among member states to address the multifaceted challenges facing the Caribbean region.
Statements and Further Information
For detailed statements and additional information from the meeting, visit CARICOM’s official website.
As the Caribbean faces ongoing challenges, CARICOM remains dedicated to fostering unity and resilience across the region.
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