GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada will travel to Bridgetown, Barbados, to participate in the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) February 18-19, 2020, the Office of the Prime Minister announced in a press release on Tuesday, February 11.
The Caribbean region and Caribbean states are important political, economic and cultural partners of Canada, and the visit will serve as an opportunity to further strengthen its partnership with this regional grouping of 20 Caribbean member states and Associate Members, and nearly 20 million people, the release said.
It added that the Prime Minister will discuss challenges of mutual interest, including protecting oceans and the environment in the fight against climate change – in a region that is particularly vulnerable to its impacts, as well as creating good jobs for the middle class and sustainable economic growth.
According to the press release, Prime Minister Trudeau will participate in group discussions and bilateral meetings with CARICOM leaders. He will be received by the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, the current Chair of CARICOM and host of this meeting.
As Canada pursues its candidacy for election to the United Nations Security Council in 2021-2022, Trudeau said Canada will continue to advance shared interests to benefit people and businesses in Canada, the Caribbean, and around the world.
“Canada and Caribbean countries have always had strong relationships and almost one million people of Caribbean descent live in Canada. These relationships are based on shared values and partnerships in the fight against climate change, the promotion of democracy, trade, economic growth, and security. I look forward to meeting the leaders of CARICOM to discuss how we can work together to strengthen the Caribbean, and build a better world,” the Prime Minister said.
The visit to the Caribbean follows a week-long visit to Africa and Europe, where Trudeau is attempting to lock down votes for a seat at the Security Council table from those countries.
Canada, Norway and Ireland are the three countries vying for two seats available to Western European countries and Canada. The winner will occupy the seat for two years. Canada last sat on the Security Council in 2000 and lost its last bid for a seat in 2010.
During their two-day summit, the regional leaders will discuss various issues, including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) that allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labour and services across the region, the Report on the Commission on the Economy; Engagement with the private sector, labour and civil society; CARICOM advocacy against blacklisting, de-risking and withdrawal of correspondent banking.
They will also receive an update on matters of importance for Science and Technology and examine the recommendations from the 25th meeting of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on External Negotiations.
