- 20 FEB 2025
48th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government Day One
Prime Minister Dr the Hon. Keith Rowley joined regional leaders for day one of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Barbados today (Thursday 20th February, 2025).
The conference’s opening plenary provided an opportunity for detailed engagements between regional heads and special guests including the Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency António Guterres, the President of the European Commission, Her Excellency Ursula von der Leyen, Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Right Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, President of Afreximbank, His Excellency, Professor Benedict Oramah and Executive President of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, His Excellency Sergio Díaz-Granados.
Following the morning session, Heads met in caucus to address several critical agenda items. These include climate change and climate finance, the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, advancing the CARICOM Agri-food systems, and prioritising regional food and nutrition security.
Regional leaders are also expected to discuss, the CARICOM commission on the economy, regional telecommunications strategy, crime and security and Haiti among other matters.
Today, Prime Minister Rowley met with the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Hon. Andrew Holness. The meeting focussed on matters of national security.
Dr Rowley also met with His Excellency Omar Shehadeh, Special Envoy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the CARICOM Secretariat. These discussions explored issues of mutual interest with both parties committing to deepening bilateral relations specifically in the areas of air transportation and digital transformation.
Accompanying the Prime Minister to today’s meetings were the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Senator the Hon. Dr Amery Browne and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Senator the Hon. Reginald Armour SC.
