CARICOM heads meet to discuss critical matters in the Bahamas

Prime Minister John Briceño is joining his colleagues from across the Caribbean Community participating in the 44th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government. The event, which is being hosted by the Bahamas, wraps up tomorrow. Regional leaders are discussing several issues including national security, migration, and climate change. Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett, whose birthday is today, called this meeting a chance for member states to reiterate their commitment to a regional agenda – and a collective resolve to face existential challenges together. 

Barnett also reiterated that only with continued collaboration, the regional grouping can get developed nations to listen to their calls for meaningful change. She cited the position on sanctions on Venezuela as an example.

Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew also is optimistic that the regional efforts to stem the effects of climate change and the high cost of living will be transformative for the region’s people.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the heads of the WTO, the African Export-Import Bank, and the Development Bank of Latin America are in attendance.