46th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government Day One

Prime Minister Dr the Hon. Keith Rowley joined regional leaders in Georgetown, Guyana for the 46th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government today (Monday 26th February 2024).

The conference will run from 25th-28th February, 2024.

During the first session this morning, heads received a detailed report on the progress the region has made towards increasing food production in member states. CARICOM has embarked on a mission to reduce the region’s import bill by 25 percent by 2025.

Maritime transportation, specifically the imminent launch of an inter-regional cargo ferry that will operate the Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and Guyana routes, also engaged leaders during this morning’s session.

It is expected that Suriname will be added to the ferry’s route.

Prime Minister Rowley said he was pleased with the level of interest generated by the decision to launch the ferry and assured that the Government is committed to ensuring the commercial preparatory work is completed.

He said while the Government will facilitate the incubation of the project, it is hoped that the private sector will play an integral role in the expansion of the ferry service.

Today, Dr Rowley also held bilateral discussions with Canada’s Minister of International Development, the Hon Ahmed Hussen.

The talks focused on matters of national security, travel protocol and employment opportunities.

The Prime Minister also met with the Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Omar Shehadeh.

A commitment was made by both parties to enhance cooperation in the areas of aviation and the creation of a legislative framework to respond to the emerging issues related to the increased usage of Artificial Intelligence.

Accompanying the Prime Minister to today’s meetings was the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Senator the Hon. Dr Amery Browne.

Regional heads and Foreign Ministers will meet in caucus at a special retreat tomorrow (Tuesday 27th February, 2024).

Among the issues to be examined during this session are Haiti, the Caribbean Development Bank and the CSME.