“The [PAHO-CARICOM Joint Sub-regional Cooperation Strategy (JSCS) 2025-2029] is a continuation of a process. CARICOM has prioritised health outcomes for a long time, and this long-standing commitment of CARICOM will continue.”

Wednesday, 23 July 2025 (CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown): The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on Tuesday, signed a Joint Subregional Cooperation Strategy (JSCS) aimed at enhancing regional public health response and resilience through coordinated technical collaboration. The agreement was formalised by CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnettand PAHO Director Dr Jarbas Barbosa.

This joint strategy establishes a five-year plan for concerted action to address common regional health issues, uniting CARICOM, PAHO, subregional, and international partners to bolster the Caribbean’s health agenda. It focuses on five key strategic priorities to steer PAHO’s technical assistance in the Caribbean subregion. All fifteen (15) CARICOM Member States as well as six the (6) Associate Members will benefit from this strategy.

Dr Barnett, in her address, recogised PAHO’s continued collaboration, noting,

“The [PAHO-CARICOM Joint Sub-regional Cooperation Strategy (JSCS) 2025-2029] is a continuation of a process. CARICOM has prioritised health outcomes for a long time, and this long-standing commitment of CARICOM will continue.”

The Secretary General expressed that this landmark moment in the partnership with PAHO, solidifies the ongoing support for the development and implementation of public health policies across the Region and ensures good health investments for the People of the Community.

Dr Barnett shares more of her perspective on the JSCS below.

“This signing marks a milestone in a long-standing partnership rooted in trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the health and well-being of the peoples of the Caribbean,” said Dr Barbosa, emphasising that “the Caribbean faces unique and interconnected public health challenges: from the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases, to the effects of climate change, to the urgency of digital transformation and the need for resilient health systems. These challenges do not stop at borders, and neither can our solutions.”

The PAHO Director provides more insight on the organisation’s long-standing partnership with CARICOM below.

Guyana’s Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, echoed the significance of the Joint Strategy, stating,

“This strategy affirms that health is not just a service, it is a right. In the Caribbean, that right must not be determined by geography, income, or age.”

Minister Anthony shares more of his perspective on the JSCS below.

Helpful Links:

Noncommunicable Diseases | Data/Statistics

https://www.paho.org/en/topics/noncommunicable-diseases

Major Storm on the Horizon: NCDs and mental health conditions to cost South America trillions by 2050

https://www.paho.org/en/news/15-7-2025-major-storm-horizon-ncds-and-mental-health-conditions-cost-south-america-trillions

We are at a pivotal moment in global digital history. Technologies such as AI, quantum computing, 5G, IoT, and blockchain are no longer futuristic—they are shaping our present.

The Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and lead head with responsibility for Science and Technology (including Information and Communications), is advocating for a shared partnership between governments and the private sector towards the realisation of the CARICOM Single ICT Space.

He underscored this in his keynote address at the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Organizations (CANTO) 40th Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition.

“Governments cannot do this alone. The private sector must be a full and active partner—not just in service delivery, but in shaping policy, co-investing in infrastructure, and ensuring inclusion,” stated the Prime Minister.

Please read his keynote address below:

Good morning

It’s a great pleasure to join you at this milestone 40^th Annual CANTO Conference and Trade Exhibition. Being here in The Bahamas — a country that has not only helped shape the foundation of CANTO but continues to lead by example in regional ICT advancement — feels both timely and fitting. This gathering isn’t just a celebration of four decades of collaboration; it’s a moment to take stock of how far we’ve come and to ask bold questions about where we go next. I begin by extending heartfelt thanks to the Government and People of The Bahamas for their warm hospitality and unwavering commitment to regional ICT development.

CANTO @ 40: A Legacy Worth Celebrating

This 40th anniversary is not just a celebration of longevity—it is a testament to CANTO’s enduring impact, influence, and ambition. From its modest beginnings in 1985 with just eight members, CANTO has grown into a formidable regional force, now uniting over 120 members across 32 countries. It stands as the Caribbean’s premier platform for ICT cooperation, technical exchange, and public-private partnership.

CANTO’s evolution mirrors the digital transformation of our region—from landlines to fiber optics, from analog to digital, from isolated systems to integrated cloud infrastructure. It has been a constant enabler of progress, guiding us through the complexities of modernization and innovation.

Grenada’s Commitment: National Vision, Regional Responsibility

As Prime Minister of Grenada and the CARICOM lead Head of Government for ICT, I carry both the responsibility and the passion to ensure that digital transformation in our region is accelerated, inclusive, and human-centred.

In Grenada, we are advancing this transformation through five strategic pillars:

1. Digital Government – Reimagining public service delivery through e-Government platforms that enhance transparency, reduce bureaucracy, and improve efficiency.
2. Digital Infrastructure – Investing in resilient, future-ready systems, including national broadband and satellite connectivity, especially for disaster response.
3. Digital Identity – Rolling out secure national e-ID systems to enable seamless access to services and prevent fraud.
4. Digital Economy – Empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses with digital tools, skills, and funding to scale.
5. Digital Inclusion and Skills – Ensuring every citizen, regardless of age or location, has access to devices, connectivity, and digital literacy.

CARICOM’s Unified Vision: The Single ICT Space

Grenada’s efforts are part of a broader regional ambition: the creation of a CARICOM Single ICT Space—a unified digital ecosystem enabling seamless movement of people, services, and data across borders.

This vision addresses our fragmented markets and infrastructural gaps by:

• Harmonizing spectrum and regulatory frameworks,
• Enabling cross-border digital identity recognition,
• Expanding roaming-free mobile environments,
• And developing shared approaches to cybersecurity, AI, and cloud governance.

Why This Agenda Matters: Global Trends, Local Urgency

We are at a pivotal moment in global digital history. Technologies such as AI, quantum computing, 5G, IoT, and blockchain are no longer futuristic—they are shaping our present.

The question is not whether we will participate, but how—and on whose terms.

Key priorities we must tackle together include:

• Satellite Connectivity – Crucial for small islands and disaster-prone areas to ensure digital continuity.
• Federated Cloud Infrastructure – Building regional cloud capabilities to store data securely and in compliance with our laws.
• Fraud Prevention & Digital ID – Embedding trust architecture into our digital systems from the outset.
• Open RAN and 5G – Leveraging cost-effective, vendor-neutral paths to 5G deployment.
• IoT, Smart Cities, and Fintech – Unlocking their potential through interoperability and regulatory agility.
• AI and Cybersecurity – Ensuring that innovation is matched with robust digital safety frameworks.

The Role of CANTO: Enabling, Bridging, Mobilizing

CANTO is more than a conference—it is a Caribbean institution. It bridges policy and innovation, government strategy and private sector action.

Through CANTO, we have:

• Shared best practices in universal service funding,
• Explored future-proof regulatory models,
• Fostered dialogue on OTTs, fair contribution, and infrastructure sharing,
• And most importantly, built trust across diverse economies with shared aspirations.

I urge CANTO to deepen its role in:

• Policy Shaping – Amplifying the Caribbean voice in global ICT forums,
• Capacity Building – Strengthening the skills of our regulators and engineers,
• Investment Brokering – Connecting infrastructure needs with global capital,
• Talent Development – Cultivating a digitally fluent Caribbean workforce.

Public-Private Synergy: A Shared Responsibility

Governments cannot do this alone. The private sector must be a full and active partner—not just in service delivery, but in shaping policy, co-investing in infrastructure, and ensuring inclusion.

To our telecom providers: your success is tied to the prosperity of the societies you serve. You are not just providers—you are partners in our digital future.

Let us commit to:

• Expanding affordable access in underserved areas,
• Sharing infrastructure to reduce duplication,
• Supporting national initiatives like digital ID and cybersecurity,
• And investing in the education and upskilling of our youth.

This is not a dream. It is a vision within reach—if we act boldly, collaboratively, and with urgency.

A Caribbean Without Digital Borders: Our 2030 Vision

Let us imagine, for a moment, the Caribbean in 2030:

• A child in Barbuda logs into school on a satellite-linked tablet after a hurricane, missing no lessons.
• A nurse in Saint Vincent securely accesses a Grenadian patient’s health records for regional telemedicine.
• A Dominican fintech startup expands to Trinidad and Jamaica through a common digital regulatory framework.
• A digital nomad living in Carriacou contributes to the global AI industry, powered by local gigabit internet.
• Our people, services, and ideas move seamlessly—united by a digital fabric that mirrors our shared history and destiny.

That is the unified and sustainable Gigabit Society we are building.

In closing, let us honour CANTO’s 40-year legacy by building a future that is unified, sustainable, and digitally empowered. We are not simply digitizing our societies—we are shaping the Caribbean’s place in the world.

Let us be bold. Let us be collaborative. Let us be future-ready.

Let us build a Caribbean where every citizen has the access, tools, and confidence to participate fully and securely in the digital age. Let us remember: the next 40 will be even more decisive.

Thank you—and may CANTO continue to grow, lead, and let us move forward—together—towards a truly connected Caribbean.

###

Watch video highlights from Prime Minister Mitchell’s keynote address here.

This capacity-building initiative under the National EPA Coordinator Attachment Programme will run from July 21-25 and is organised by the CARIFORUM Directorate within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. Funded under the 11th European Development Fund Technical Cooperation Facility, it aims to enhance Member States’ capacity to effectively implement the EPA and leverage CARIFORUM’s trade relationship with the European Union.

During the week-long attachment, Mr. Wagner will learn more about the EPA and the operations of the EPA Implementation Unit through engagements with the specialists in Trade in Goods, Investment and Trade in Services and EPA Development Cooperation.

Since its inception in 2024, trade officials from St. Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, Guyana and The Bahamas have participated in the National EPA Coordinator Attachment Programme. Through their attachment, it is hoped that EPA Coordinators will gain exposure to different EPA implementation structures, work plans, challenges, consultative processes, and practices, exchange information on national implementation actions and challenges and explore ways to address these challenges.

It is also anticipated that EPA Coordinators will identify methods to advance EPA implementation, build networks and connections for future collaboration and acquire new insights into problem-solving to enhance EPA implementation.

About The CARIFORUM-EU EPA:

The EPA between CARIFORUM States and the EU and its Member States was signed on October 15, 2008. It aims to liberalise trade between 15 CARIFORUM States and 27 EU countries on a reciprocal but asymmetrical basis.
This comprehensive trade and development agreement covers:

1. Market Access for Industrial and Agricultural products;
2. Services and Investment;
3. Trade-related issues such as competition policy, the environment, transparency in government procurement, innovation and intellectual property, social aspects, and personal data protection;
4. Development cooperation;
5. Legal and institutional issues.

Being held under the theme “Sowing Change, Harvesting Resilience: Transforming Our Caribbean Food Systems for 2025 and Beyond,” CWA 2025 will be a vital platform for sowing the seeds of change. It will promote the exchange of innovations in climate-smart agriculture, the sharing of lessons learned, and the forging of purposeful partnerships across the Region.

The stage is set for the 19th staging of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA), which will take place from 29 September to 3 October in the twin-island Federation of St Kitts and Nevis.

A virtual launch of the Caribbean Community’s premier agricultural conference was held on Tuesday, 15 July. The event was anchored at the CARICOM Headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana, and included participation from key regional and international partners in agricultural development.

Being held under the theme “Sowing Change, Harvesting Resilience: Transforming Our Caribbean Food Systems for 2025 and Beyond,” CWA 2025 will be a vital platform for sowing the seeds of change. It will promote the exchange of innovations in climate-smart agriculture, the sharing of lessons learned, and the forging of purposeful partnerships across the Region.

In his feature address at the launch, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources of St Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Samal Duggins, juxtaposed the challenges facing the region’s agriculture sector occasioned by extreme weather events, high shipping costs, and logistical hurdles with the resilience of farmers, officials, scientists, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.

“These challenges, however, illuminated our resilience. They have revealed the creativity and determination of our farmers, officials, scientists, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. They have underscored our capacity to adapt, our capacity to innovate, our capacity to build systems that are not merely reactive, but proactive and sustainable,” Minister Duggins said.

“Now is the time for us to sow seeds of transformation,” he added.

The Minister said CWA participants can look forward to engaging forums, technical workshops, dynamic exchanges, business-to-business networking, and insightful field visits that will showcase advancements in processing, sustainable farming, and the emerging green economy.

He reminded the participants that Caribbean Week of Agriculture is “a clarion call for us to reimagine how we produce, how we process, and how we protect our food. A call to mobilise investment, not only financial capital, but human talent and intellectual resources as well.”

CWA is a united regional effort

Dr. Wendell Samuel, Senior Economic Adviser and Acting Assistant Secretary-General at the CARICOM Secretariat, said that CWA represents a united regional effort to address the pressing challenges of climate change and food and nutrition security. He noted that transforming Caribbean food systems and accelerating agricultural growth are central to this mission.

“The Caribbean Week of Agriculture continues to serve as the premier regional platform for raising awareness and promoting investments in agriculture and food and nutrition security,” Dr. Samuel stated.

“It plays a pivotal role in reshaping public perception, stimulating meaningful engagement, and supporting the growth of the region’s food systems,” he added.

Ambassador David Prendergast, Director of Sectoral Programmes in the Directorate of Economic Integration, Innovation and Development (EIID), noted that the event will bring together a wide cross-section of stakeholders. These include agricultural planners, policymakers, farmers, producers, private sector actors, development partners, academic and research institutions, and regional organizations. Their collective participation, he said, underscores the region’s shared commitment to inclusive dialogue and transformational change in Caribbean agriculture.

The Director noted that 2025 marks a critical milestone in the Community’s journey toward securing a prosperous future for the sector. He said the CWA 2025 programme reflects that urgency, with a week-long series of activities beginning with a vibrant opening ceremony; an Open Expo, which will showcase innovative and sustainable agricultural practices; technical sessions and a Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development on Agriculture.

Youth issues, Caribbean Perspectives

Outlining the youth agenda at CWA 2025, the Chair of the CARICOM Youth Advisory Body, Ms Teesha Mangra said that the event will spotlight themes that matter most to her generation, including circular agriculture, the youth economy, digital market access, agri-innovation, inclusion of marginalized youth in food systems, agri-education, transitioning into entrepreneurship, and regional youth collaboration for climate and food resilience.

“These are not just youth issues, they are Caribbean imperatives. And we are not the future; we are present drivers of regional resilience,” she said, thanking partners who have supported youth involvement in agriculture, including CARICOM, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO), international partners, and regional governments.

“Thank you for investing in young people. Thank you for recognising that resilience does not grow in silos, but in solidarity,” Ms. Mangal stated.

International Partnerships and Cooperation

Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), H.E. Dr. Manuel Otero, noted that this year’s theme for CWA is both timely and appropriate. He said it reflects the spirit of innovation and urgency needed to renew the Region’s commitment to securing a sustainable future for the agricultural sector, while also showcasing the very soul of the Caribbean, rooted in resilience.

He added that IICA remains committed to contributing to this important initiative, including strengthening extension services, boosting production and employment, and enhancing rural resilience. He also extended congratulations to Saint Kitts and Nevis for agreeing to host CWA 2025 and for its steadfast commitment to regional agricultural transformation.

Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Mr. Máximo Torero, underscored FAO’s commitment to advancing regional agricultural priorities. He outlined the organisation’s work across the sector, including its support for the regional youth in agriculture agenda.

In this regard, he said FAO is mobilising financing and evidence-based policies to bring youth to the centre of agri-food systems.

FAO is also working with CARICOM on core governance issues in agriculture, including food security, trade, sanitary and phytosanitary standards, sustainable fisheries, and resource management, he stated.

Chief Executive Officer and Technical Director of the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO), Dr. Patrick Antoine, said that the organisation “consistently endorsed the Region’s ’25 by 2025′ plan and remain firmly committed to working with the Community to help ensure that the extended initiative to 2030 is fully realized.”

Dr. Antoine added that the CPSO also fully supports the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and remains focused on accelerating regional integration through private sector-led growth.

“We are committed to creating the enabling environment for investment, reducing barriers to trade, and unlocking the full potential of the region’s productive sectors, especially our food and agricultural sectors,” he said.

Please view highlights from the launch here.

“I am on record as saying that we need to launch a war on gangs of a similar magnitude and nature to the war on terror.”

CARICOM Heads of Government have agreed to tackle the Region’s crime and security challenge with the adoption of the Montego Bay Declaration on Transnational Organised Crime and Gangs, underscoring leaders’ united stance against criminal networks.

This was highlighted by Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, CARICOM Chair and Jamaica’s Prime Minister, during the closing media conference for the 49^th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, which was held from 6-8 July in Montego Bay, Jamaica.  

“A secure CARICOM is a viable CARICOM,” stated the CARICOM Chairman, “And as such, security remains high on the agenda for the duration of my chairmanship and beyond.”

Prime Minister Holness shared that leaders also held talks with the Secretary-General of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), Valdecy Urquiza, who “committed to strengthening cooperation and expanding access to its global resources.”

In the Declaration, leaders reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering the Region’s efforts against organised crime by tracking emerging trends in illicit firearms trafficking, introducing strong legislation with tougher penalties for firearm and gang-related offences and enhancing public awareness to support prevention and prosecution initiatives.

Firm stance

During his keynote address at the Meeting’s opening ceremony on Sunday, the Prime Minister underscored that CARICOM nations must take a firm stance on organised criminal gangs, reiterating his position that gang violence must be regarded as acts of terrorism.

He stated that gang networks have grown well beyond typical street-level crime and now pose a serious threat to regional security and emphasised that addressing this issue requires the same level of urgency and coordinated action as the global fight against terrorism.

“I am on record as saying that we need to launch a war on gangs of a similar magnitude and nature to the war on terror,” the CARICOM Chairman stated.

Dr Holness underscored the urgent need for Member States to collaborate in dismantling the resources that fuel criminal organisations, particularly their access to financial systems.

Referencing a July 2024 United Nations report, Dr. Holness noted findings on the influence of gang activity in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago. The report also highlighted a correlation between escalating drug production in South America, widespread firearm availability, and rising homicide rates.

Dr Holness further stated that the deteriorating security situation in Haiti serves as a stark warning and a call to immediate, coordinated regional action.

“It is the organisation of violence for profit. It is not merely street-level, dispossessed, socially excluded youngsters. There is a level of intelligence, a level of resources, a level of organisation that has been brought to crime and violence, which is being used for profit, stated the Prime Minister.

Adding, “My own view is that policy and jurisprudence need to evolve to address this matter.”

The Prime Minister underscored the immense scale and complexity of crime affecting the Region, cautioning that it cannot be resolved overnight or through short-term efforts.

He emphasised that a durable solution will require robust investment and widespread public engagement across the Community, noting that unified support is essential to effectively confront the threat.

Helpful Links:

UNODC, Caribbean Gangs “Drugs, firearms, and gang networks in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago”, 2024

https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/AOTP/Caribbean_Gangs_Drugs_firearms_and_gang_networks_in_Jamaica_Saint_Lucia_Guyanaand_Trinidad_an_July_2024_Final.pdf

Keynote Address | Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP | Prime Minister of Jamaica | Chairman of CARICOM | 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government| 6 July 2025

In her message Dr. Barnett described the election outcome as a testament to the trust and confidence the people of Suriname have placed in the leadership of Dr. Geerlings-Simons.

“We particularly note the historic significance of your election as the first female President of Suriname,” Dr. Barnett stated.

She expressed her anticipation in welcoming Dr. Geerlings-Simons to the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM and collaborating on initiatives that promote the welfare and prosperity of both the Surinamese people and the wider Caribbean Community.

“As we collectively navigate the complex challenges facing our Region, including climate change, economic resilience, and sustainable development, your leadership will be crucial,” Dr. Barnett stated.

The full message reads as follows:

“Your Excellency,

On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I extend my warm congratulations on your election as President of the Republic of Suriname. Your assumption of this high office reflects the democratic will of the People of Suriname and is a testament to their trust in your leadership.

We particularly note the historic significance of your election as the first female President of Suriname.
Suriname plays a vital role in advancing the goals of regional integration, through significant contributions to the Community’s cultural richness, robust environmental advocacy, and multilateral diplomacy.

We welcome Suriname’s continued commitment to the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet for Community Development and Cultural Cooperation, encompassing the critical portfolios of Culture, Gender, Youth and Sport, and Industrial Policy.

As we collectively navigate the complex challenges facing our Region, including climate change, economic resilience, and sustainable development, your leadership will be crucial. We look forward to welcoming you to the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, and to working with you and your government on initiatives and opportunities that advance the welfare and prosperity of the Surinamese People, and the wider Caribbean Community.”

Ends.

On 1 July 2025, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett and Germany’s Ambassador to CARICOM, His Excellency Dr. Christophe Eick, signed and exchanged diplomatic notes formalising cooperation in six areas including the circular economy, sustainable energy, biodiversity conservation, the Blue Economy, and capacity building for employment in emerging ‘green and blue’ sectors.

This strategic collaboration aims to tackle pressing regional challenges such as climate-sensitive waste management, climate-resilient energy supply, and the sustainable use of biodiversity and marine resources.

The initiative will also include support for technical assistance, institutional strengthening, and stakeholder training, particularly in tourism and agriculture, promoting innovative and circular approaches to development.

In the energy sector, this CARICOM-Germany partnership aims to enhance long-term strategies for transitioning to green energy, encourage investment in renewable projects, and promote decarbonised energy systems throughout the Region.

Similarly, biodiversity and ecosystems will be positioned as key contributors to sustainable development, with the CARICOM Secretariat positioned to receive support to help Member States implement the Caribbean Biodiversity Strategy.

Efforts to develop the blue economy are also expected to be advanced through initiatives focused on Marine Protected Areas and enhanced public-private cooperation for sustainable coastal development. It is anticipated that complementary training programmes will address skills gaps in the education sector, equipping the regional workforce with qualifications needed for employment in green and blue industries.

These important initiatives will be coordinated by the CARICOM Secretariat in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), further strengthening the longstanding development cooperation between CARICOM and Germany.

He invited partners to support economic recovery in key sectors such as infrastructure, the green economy, innovation, education and training, cultural tourism, and security, particularly in the greater north and greater south.

At the closing press conference on 8 July, following the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government in Montego Bay, Jamaica, both the Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica, and the President-Counsellor highlighted the critical issues and opportunities facing Haiti.

Prime Minister Holness expressed CARICOM’s deep concern over the ongoing situation in the country, stating,

“We continue to be gravely concerned. CARICOM has been very vocal in its call for international support and has been working with Haiti to ensure that its needs and concerns are being addressed.”

He informed the media that in their “detailed discussion” with the President-Counsellor, Heads of Government were apprised of the work of the Council towards strengthening security, holding a referendum on the reform of Haiti’s constitution, and elections in November.

Mr. Saint Cyr outlined the factors necessary to secure a safe and sustainable future in his country, stating,

“Haiti, today, needs the Region to speak with one voice in defence of security, peace, and sustainable development.”

He expressed gratitude to the countries that have already contributed personnel to the Multinational Security Support Mission and those offering training for the Haitian National Police.

At the same time, he pleaded for a redoubling of efforts to restore peace and security in Haiti through training, financial assistance, logistical, and technical support.

Mr. Saint Cyr said that Haiti is also counting on the Community to intensify advocacy with other regional and international partners for rigorous regional cooperation to control the illicit flow of arms and ammunition and combat drug trafficking.

“Haiti relies on its friends and international partners, especially within CARICOM, for the restoration of security, the organisation of elections, and long-term support for national reconstruction. It is together through a united front of coherent sustainable and solidaristic actions that we will be able to face this crisis and deliver on the major priorities of Haiti’s transition,” he stated.

“I welcome the discussions and the shared consensus that Haiti’s security depends on investments including foreign direct investment to address structural causes on insecurity. Haiti remains a land of opportunity,” he added.

Mr. Saint Cyr reaffirmed his commitment to working alongside his colleagues at the TPC toward a successful transition, noting that Haiti is ready to fully assume its responsibilities, but it will not succeed alone.

The event, scheduled for 16-17 July 2025 at the Caribbean Development Bank’s headquarters in Barbados, will bring together over fifty participants from CARIFORUM States, the French Caribbean Outermost Regions (FCORs) and the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). Regional organisations, private sector and civil society representatives have also been invited.

The Consultation is taking place against the backdrop of significant developments since the last regional engagement in 2019. These include the recalibration of the Caribbean-European Union (EU) partnership via the Samoa Agreement, the radically different mechanisms for development assistance and BREXIT.

Director General of CARIFORUM, Ms. Alexis Downes-Amsterdam, indicated that the implications of those and other developments for wider Caribbean cooperation were considered at a CARIFORUM Consultation in September 2024.

Ms. Downes-Amsterdam affirms that this Consultation is timely since CARIFORUM is examining frameworks to guide the implementation of the Caribbean-EU Protocol under the Samoa Agreement and the Protocol addresses the relationship with the FCORs and the OCTs.

The opening of the Regional Consultation will include a feature address by the Honourable Mr. Kerrie Symmonds, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Barbados.

The CARIFORUM Director General and representatives of the Chair of CARIFORUM, Dominica and the European Union Delegation in Barbados will also deliver remarks at the opening ceremony.

Funding for the consultation is provided by the EU under the 11th European Union Development Fund (EDF) Regional Technical Cooperation Facility: a regional initiative being implemented by the CARIFORUM Directorate to promote Wider Caribbean cooperation.

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.

Agreed 8 July 2025

Montego Bay, Jamaica