47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community: A Milestone Event
The 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is set to take place from July 3-5, 2024, in Grenada. This meeting is particularly significant as it coincides with Grenada’s 50th year of Independence and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of CARICOM. The event promises to be a platform for collaboration, progress, and celebration, highlighting the unity and resilience of the Caribbean region.
A Robust Agenda for Regional Progress
The Meeting’s agenda includes critical topics such as food and nutrition security, climate change, sustainable development, foreign policy, and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). A significant focus will be on the operationalisation of the Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA), which aims to create a single market for air transport services within the Community. Additionally, the Heads of Government will review progress towards full free movement and a 25 percent reduction in food imports by 2025.
Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, stated, “This year, Grenada celebrates our 50th Jubilee year of Independence under the theme One People, One Journey, One Future and I look forward to the continued successes of our Caribbean Community, embracing our oneness, which stands as a testament to the strength of collaboration, the resilience of our people, and our steadfast commitment to regional progress.”
Fun Fact About CARICOM
CARICOM is the oldest surviving integration movement in the developing world. Its achievements are numerous, with great strides made in education, health, culture, and security. The Single Market functions effectively, and CARICOM is a respected voice in international affairs due to its coordinated foreign policy.
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Special Guests and Honorees
A highlight of the event will be the presence of the Right Honourable Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, as a special guest. Known for her work on climate change, trade, and democracy, Baroness Scotland brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the table.
The conference will also honor two distinguished Caribbean figures: Sir Clive Hubert Lloyd, a legendary Guyanese cricketer, and Mr. Roderick Rainford, a former Secretary-General of CARICOM. They will receive the Order of the Caribbean Community during the Opening Ceremony on July 3 at St. George’s University.
Key Discussions and Historic Venues
On July 4, the Heads of Government will hold business sessions at the Radisson Beach Resort, Grand Anse, a site of historical significance for CARICOM. The Grand Anse Declaration and Work Programme, signed here in 1989, laid the foundation for the CSME, emphasizing economic and political cooperation among Member States.
Secretary-General of CARICOM, Dr. Carla Barnett, emphasized the importance of these meetings: “Our Regular Meetings of the Conference provide another opportunity for CARICOM Heads of Government to engage in focused discussions on critical issues which impact the welfare and well-being of the people of the Community. We look forward to focused and decisive engagements in scenic St George’s, Grenada.”
Closing and Community Engagement
The conference will conclude with a hybrid press conference on July 5 at the Radisson Beach Resort. Following the conference, on July 6, Caribbean professional and amateur athletes will gather in Grenada for the Seventeenth CARICOM Road Races. The event, which includes the Elite 10K, Open 10K, and Youth 1.7K races, will be held at Camerhogne Park in Grand Anse. This sporting event aims to foster regional unity and showcase athletic talent across the Caribbean, coinciding with the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM. Participants and spectators alike will celebrate the spirit of competition and community, highlighting the importance of sports in regional integration and cultural exchange.
“The Road Races form part of CARICOM’s mandate to promote healthy habits and the consumption of nutritious food to combat the stark increase in persons with non-communicable diseases or NCDs,” states Davion Leslie, Programme Manager, Human Resource Development, CARICOM Secretariat. “We are urging participants and supporters of the CARICOM Road Races to use the platform to advocate for a healthier Caribbean through active lifestyles and regular exercise”.
To enhance engagement and information dissemination, the CARICOM Secretariat has launched an online knowledge hub. This platform provides a comprehensive overview of the conference, including live streams, media summaries, and a video series titled ‘Faces and Voices of the Community’.
Spotlight on Ocean Conservation
CARICOM’s role in global initiatives, such as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, highlights its commitment to sustainable development. The BBNJ Agreement, endorsed by the United Nations in 2023, focuses on the sustainable use and management of marine biodiversity. CARICOM’s leadership in these negotiations underscores its dedication to environmental conservation. More details on CARICOM’s contributions to ocean conservation can be found here.
Celebrating with Caribbean Rum
In a unique celebration of CARICOM’s 50th anniversary, thirteen members of the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA) will present exclusive 50th-anniversary rum blends to CARICOM Member States. These special blends, crafted for this milestone, reflect the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the Caribbean. Further information about this celebration can be accessed here.
Conclusion
The 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM is a momentous occasion that not only marks significant milestones but also sets the stage for future progress and cooperation in the Caribbean region. As leaders gather in Grenada, the spirit of unity, resilience, and shared vision will undoubtedly guide their discussions and decisions, shaping a prosperous future for the Caribbean Community.
