BARBADOS, February 15, 2020 – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government meet in Barbados February 18-19, 2020, with issues ranging from current public health concerns to strengthening ties with Africa among matters they will discuss.
The Heads of Government are also expected to have an exchange of views with the Prime Minister of Canada Mr. Justin Trudeau.
This 31st Inter-Sessional Meeting, under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, is expected to deliberate on a regional approach to the Corona Virus (Covid-19) as well as the continuing challenges posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Heads are also expected to examine the status of implementation of provisions of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). In this regard, they are expected to have an engagement with representatives of the Region’s Private Sector, Labour and Civil Society.
Among other pressing economic development matters, the Meeting is expected to discuss digital transformation in CARICOM and an action plan for elimination of regional roaming charges. The need for ongoing advocacy against the challenges of blacklisting, de-risking, and withdrawal of Correspondent Banking Services is also expected to get the Head’s attention.
The Heads are also expected to discuss a proposed CARICOM African Summit among a number of Foreign and Community relations matters.
They are also expected to address crime, violence and security issues affecting the Region.
The Meeting, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC), begins at 9:00 a.m. with opening remarks from CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque; Out-going CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet of Saint Lucia; and CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados.
This will be followed by a Presentation to the meeting from Prime Minister of Canada, Mr Justin Trudeau.
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, according to a February 11 release from the Prime Minister Trudeau’s office
The release 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 also participate in group discussions and bilateral meetings with CARICOM leaders.
