ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC—The following is the full text of the communique issued Thursday following the 47th regular Meeting of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, which ended on Tuesday.
“The Forty-Seventh Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held from 28 to 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.
The 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 realizing some of the central 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.
He pointed out, “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.”
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, which 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 honor, 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:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rJDPvMudpg
Presentations are available via :
https://caricom.org/47hgc/ and
https://caricom.org/remarks-by-dr-carla-barnett-secretary-general-of-the-caribbean-community-at-the-opening-ceremony-of-the-forty-seventh-regular-meeting-of-the-conference-of-heads-of-government-of-the-caribbean-communi/
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 had been made in updating the Common External Tariff and Rules of Origin Regimes, developing model laws to support the harmonization of business laws and promote mutual recognition. She recognized 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 on 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 and Lead Head of Government for Agriculture and Food Security reported that the Region realised measured progress in its efforts toward regional food and nutrition security. The April 2024 CARICOM/World Food Programme Livelihood Survey indicated a 17% reduction in food insecurity.
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 show 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 launching of the regional economic agri-insurance program (REAP) on 26 July 2024 as positive steps toward building resilience and production.
Heads of Government urged regional financial institutions to provide a unique support program to agriculture stakeholders and enterprises in the sector’s recovery and rehabilitation. They also agreed to the adoption of a regional resilient FarmsteadShadehouse 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 launch the Digi-Smart CARICOM Digital Skills Initiative in 2024.
They also agreed to undertake a regional project to train CARICOM citizens in Artificial Intelligence and data analytics.
Additional activities under the Strategy will include establishing the Cybersecurity and Resilience Information Sharing Framework at IMPACS, launching a telemedicine pilot in three CARICOM Member States, commissioning a CARICOM Digital Health Strategy, and establishing 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 the provision of jet services.
The 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 programs 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 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The Conference noted the urgency for the Region to engage in high-level political advocacy to continue reiterating the Region’s position on Climate Change, advocating for urgent action across the climate agenda, emphasizing the vulnerability of SIDS, and delivering a robust climate finance goal at COP 29.
They called for the Loss and Damage Fund to address scale and responsiveness, the two issues that are most critical for SIDS.
They agreed that CARICOM Member States would each deliver a unified statement at COP29 and convene a Donor’s Conference on the margins of COP29.
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. The hurricane impacted eight CARICOM Member States and Associate Members.
Significant damage was caused to housing stock and other critical infrastructure in some countries, as well as 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 vector-borne diseases, climate change, and resulting extreme weather events.
Heads of Government have established a CARICOM Subcommittee to develop a strategy for financing recovery from the hurricane. They agreed to regional cooperation to advance the subcommittee’s recommendations.
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 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 center of discussions during COP 29, which is scheduled for 11 – 22 November.
He further noted that his Presidency’s commitments are to enhance ambitions with clear plans on how to keep 1.5 degrees within reach and create the conditions to shape the global financial architecture to deliver for people and the planet.
ENGAGEMENT WITH SPECIAL GUEST (VIRTUAL)
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, mainly the continued focus on addressing small states’ needs and concerns.
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 Permanent Forum’s work and proposed opportunities for strategic engagement and Partnership between the Forum and the Community.
Heads of Government noted the critical 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 program 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 SOCIETY 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 of CARICOM Youth Ambassadors and other youth, underscoring the need for enhanced youth involvement 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, including health-related issues related to the climate crisis.
The HeDPAC initiative has three main priorities: to mitigate the difficulties faced by the health workforce of the African 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, enhance regulatory capacity for medicines, medical supplies, and equipment, and facilitate the free movement of CARICOM nationals within the Community by 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 the Regions’ political, technical, and scientific collaboration.
BORDER ISSUES
Belize- Guatemala
The heads of Government received an update on Belize—Guatemala and Belize—Honduras cases before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). They commended the Parties for seeking a peaceful resolution to all legal claims against Belize’s land and insular territories and any maritime areas about 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, by 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 OAS’s work in reducing tensions and building good neighborly relations between Belize and Guatemala. They urged the international Community to continue supporting the OAS office’s operations, which will continue to be critical after the ICJ decision.
Guyana- Venezuela
Heads of Government received an update on recent Guyana/Venezuela relations developments.
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.
The heads of Government took note of Guyana’s concerns that Venezuela’s continued military build-up on the border between the countries poses a threat to regional peace and security.
Heads welcomed Venezuela’s submission of its Counter-Memorial to the Court on 8 April 2024 and the Court Order dated 14 June 2024 authorizing the submission of a Reply by Guyana on 9 December 2024 and a Rejoinder by Venezuela on 11 August 2025.
Hey, they reiterated their continued support for the International Court of Justice, which has accepted jurisdiction over the controversy, to resolve it fully and finally using its binding legal Judgment.
They reaffirmed CARICOM’s unswerving support for the maintenance and preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
THE SITUATION IN HAITI
The Conference welcomed the report by the President of the newly established Transitional Presidential Council and recognized the appointment of a Prime Minister and a new Cabinet. The Conference noted the significant role the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) played 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 authorized by the UN Security Council and the shortfall in financing for the deployment of Security Support personnel from CARICOM Member States.
They expressed great concern at the dire humanitarian situation, characterized by acute food insecurity. They 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.
The heads of Government also expressed appreciation to Mr Joseph Cox, the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) for Economic Integration, Innovation, and Development, 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 the Meeting’s host.
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 offenses, 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 strengthening and increasing the use of existing regional mechanisms and institutions, including the CARICOM IMPACS Regional Intelligence Fusion Centre, to address crime and security and to urgently explore new approaches to combatting high levels of criminality.
CARICOM recognizes 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 is critical to addressing the multifaceted challenges to crime and violence that threaten modern Caribbean society. We call on all CARICOM citizens to be part of the solution by reporting crimes and refusing to support criminal activity, recognizing that crime and violence affect 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 to lift 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
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