CARICOM47 all set – Caribbean News Global

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads of government will meet in St George’s, Grenada, from 28-30 July 2024, for the 47th regular meeting of the conference commences.

The meeting’s agenda will comprise the agri-food systems agenda which prioritises food and nutrition security; climate change and sustainable development; foreign policy; the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME); and engagement with social partners. Hurricane Beryl and its impact on the region will form part of the discussions.

As CARICOM deepens regional integration through the CSME and other sectoral programmes, attention will be placed on the operationalisation of the Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA) that envisages a single market for air transport services within the Community.

Heads of government will also review the progress toward the goals for full free movement and the 25 percent reduction in food imports by 2025. A strategy for Regional Digital Resilience 2025-2030 will also be on the table for discussion.

The new chairman, the Dickon Mitchell, is lead head of government for science and technology, including information and communication, in the CARICOM Quasi cabinet.

Baroness Patricia Scotland, secretary-general of the Commonwealth, will be the meeting’s special guest.

Chairman, Dickon Mitchell of Grenada; the Outgoing Chairman, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana; and the CARICOM secretary-general, Dr Carla Barnett will deliver addresses at the Ceremony. Curacao will be formally admitted during the Ceremony, which will be streamed on CARICOM’s social media platforms from 4.00 pm.

On Monday 29 July, heads of government will conduct business sessions at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, Grand Anse, historically significant as the birthplace of the Grand Anse Declaration and Work Programme, which was signed during the 10th Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM heads of government on 12 July 1989.

The Declaration was intended to enhance economic and political cooperation among Member States, emphasizing sovereignty, non-interference, and equality principles. Most notably, it led to the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), promoting economic growth, competitiveness, and opportunities for citizens of Member States.

Prime Minister Phillip Pierre, CARICOM’s lead head for sustainable change will on Monday, July 29, 2024, deliver an intervention on key issues including national considerations. The intervention will cover the importance of recognizing the unique vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in climate policies, the urgency of keeping global temperature rise below 1.5°C through continued mitigation efforts, and the necessity of robust adaptation strategies and adequate funding to address loss and damage from climate change and preparation for the 29th session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29).

The customary closing press conference will be held on Tuesday 30 July, 04.30 pm at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort via hybrid format.

Grenada is hosting the Conference during its 50th independence anniversary celebration, while the Community recently closed the curtains on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of CARICOM. These milestones serve as a crucial reference point for leaders to shape a regional integration agenda beyond CARICOM’s 50th anniversary.