OTTAWA, Canada, CMC- The first ever Canada-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) summit to be held here got underway on Wednesday, with the launch of the CARICOM-Canada Strategic Partnership intended to deepen and strengthen the existing relationships between the two regions.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the new initiative “will help us tackle urgent challenges together, creating good jobs, ending poverty, growing the middle class, making life more affordable, fighting climate change, protecting the environment…and building, of course, a secure, peaceful hemisphere and a peaceful world.
“Today, we are bringing our relationship and friendship to the next level,” he added.
Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, also the chairman of the 15-member regional integration movement, said that as “we navigate the new frontier” in the CARICOM-Canada partnership, it is worth remembering “our shared priorities are not mere ideals.
“They are the fundamental building blocks for a future we will collectively shape,” he said, adding that CARICOM is looking forward to working together “to build a more resilient, prosperous, sustainable and secure future for our peoples.”
He said the region welcomes the CARICOM-Canada Strategic Partnership, allowing for institutionalized and regular dialogue at various levels.
“It will facilitate the implementation of joint actions, decisions, and agreements on specific thematic priorities, including health, environment, defense trade development and finance,” Skerrit added.
The CARICOM chairman said that the summit’s theme, “Strategic Partners for a Resilient Future,” is of particular importance in an era of uncertainty: “We seek to deliver tangible results to meet our present needs and that of generations to come:
The two-day summit will discuss various issues, including climate change and resilience, access to finance and global financial architecture reform, Haiti, regional security, and trade and investment.
Trudeau said that his administration would continue to play a meaningful role in Haiti, where criminal gangs have destabilized the French-speaking CARICOM country.
“Canada appreciates the leading role played by CARICOM in promoting inclusive political dialogue in Haiti. We will continue to work together with you to put forward Haitian-led solutions, including in the case of global international intervention,” he added.
The United Nations Security Council has approved a resolution allowing for an international multi-national military force into Haiti following a request by Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henry for assistance in restoring peace and stability in his country. Kenya will lead the force.
Skerrit said more than ever before, “Haiti needs us,” and it is imperative “to do what we must for the people of Haiti and to provide so many…the hope that there is a brighter future for them.
“We stand as a CARICOM to lead this process to ensure that we can provide for the people of Haiti,” Skerrit added.
CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett said that Haiti continues to be a significant concern for the Community.
“Collaboration is critical among parties willing to help resolve the security, humanitarian and political crises. The government of Canada is part of the collective effort to support meaningful solutions to the multidimensional crisis in Haiti.
“CARICOM’s objective is to help our sister member state achieve peace, stability, and critical, economic and social development well into the future,” she added.
She said the summit will also provide a space to shape the region’s financial and economic future through trade and investment strategy discussions.
“In this regard, it will explore practical ways in which Canada can support the region in a manner that is uniquely beneficial to Canadian business interests and capital markets. Enhancing these commercial relationships and promoting multisectoral business and investment opportunities are critical to foster economic growth, job creation, and prosperity for both sides,” Barnett said.
Trudeau said that over the years, Canada and CARICOM have built an “enduring partnership and friendship,” noting that “we share strong ties between our peoples.
“Canadians, like people in the Caribbean, are proud of our diversity. In Canada, the vitality of the Caribbean diaspora contributes enormously to our country. Our country also shares economic interests and values, like democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and rules-based international order.
He said in the spirit of collaboration and finding solutions as partners. As co-chair of the UN SDG Advocates, he continues to actively engage the Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley “as the world needs to get back on track on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030.
“Canada is proud of its strong development cooperation in the Caribbean region, which has been at its highest level in recent years, but knows there is much more work to be done.
“Canada continues to advocate for better access to finance,” he added.
Skerrit said that the region has traditionally relied on Canada’s advocacy “to highlight our challenges and realities and promote our interest in international fora where we do not have a voice.
“Today’s summit marks the continuation of high-level engagements between our leaders and is an opportunity to take our partnership to a new level as we continue to navigate pressing regional and global issues,” Skerrit added.
The CARICOM Secretary-General said the “diverse and substantial agenda underscores our mutual interest in bolstering ties and enhancing cooperation.” She remains “optimistic that the initiatives discussed over the next two days will reflect continued leadership, commitment, and shared responsibility to shape a better and more resilient future for the peoples of CARICOM and Canada.”
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