The Forty-Sixth Common Assembly of the Convention of Heads of Authorities of the Caribbean Neighborhood (CARICOM) was held from 25 – 28 February in Georgetown, Guyana.
Chair of the Convention, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, presided over the Assembly.
Members of the Convention in attendance have been: Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Honourable Gaston Browne; Prime Minister of Barbados, Honourable Mia Amor Mottley; Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Honourable Philip Davis; Prime Minister of Dominica, Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit; Prime Minister of Grenada, Honourable Dickon Mitchell; President of Guyana, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali; Prime Minister of Haiti, His Excellency Dr. Ariel Henry; Premier of Montserrat, Honourable Joseph Taylor-Farrell; Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew; Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Honourable Philip Pierre; Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves; President of Suriname, His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi; and the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley.
Belize and Jamaica have been each represented by their Ministers of International Affairs and International Commerce, the Honourable Francis Fonseca and Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson-Smith, respectively.
Affiliate Member States represented have been Bermuda by Premier, the Honourable Edward David Burt; the British Virgin Islands, by Premier, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley and the Turks and Caicos Islands, by Honourable Arlington Alexander Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Providers.
OPENING CEREMONY
CARICOM Secretary-Common, Dr. Carla N. Barnett, welcomed the Neighborhood and Visitors to the Opening Ceremony on the Nationwide Cultural Centre in Georgetown. She famous that it was becoming for an additional Common Assembly to be held within the house of one of many 4 Signatories to the Authentic Treaty of Chaguaramas, as celebrations proceed for CARICOM’s landmark 50th Anniversary.
The Secretary-Common mentioned that vital technical and coverage work by the Secretariat and Member States has led to accomplishments in varied areas. She additionally pointed to the Area’s affect in key worldwide boards the place Member States have a voice in addressing advanced and multi-faceted international points. “CARICOM speaks loudly and clearly within the worldwide group. Our decided advocacy has helped to spur optimistic change for essential hemispheric and international points,” she mentioned.
The Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica and Outgoing Chair, pinpointed signing of a Double Taxation Settlement to ease commerce and funding inside the Neighborhood; continued calls towards elevating local weather change consciousness; deepened engagement with worldwide companions to safe essential assist for our growth priorities; efforts towards an enduring answer to the challenges confronted by Haiti; and regional collaboration to defuse the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy, as sign achievements over the previous 12 months.
“These achievements will not be merely footnotes; they characterize the collective spirit of the Caribbean. They characterize the unwavering dedication of our governments, the dedication of our folks, and the ability of regional collaboration,” he emphasised.
His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Chairman, confused the significance of accountability to the folks of the Area and of guaranteeing the fulfilment of commitments made. He highlighted initiatives in areas together with Meals Safety, Local weather Change, Regional Digitalization and Youth, and Regional Transport.
On Haiti, the CARICOM Chair emphasised, “Our Area has one curiosity relating to Haiti – that’s the folks of Haiti. We won’t deviate from that curiosity.”
He additionally underscored the “brilliance of tradition” within the Area. “On this Area, tradition is our staple. Tradition is that frequent thread that brings us collectively,” he emphasised.
A spotlight of the Opening Ceremony was the presentation of a drumming corps comprising performers from host nation Guyana, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their spirited, full of life efficiency, “Sounds of the Caribbean”, and different cultural performances by Guyanese younger folks added color and vitality to the ceremony.
CARICOM SINGLE MARKET AND ECONOMY (CSME)
The Convention acquired an replace from the Prime Minister of Barbados, Chair of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on the CARICOM Single Market and Financial system (PMSC-CSME), on progress relating to its implementation.
The Convention famous the report of the PMSC-CSME on the standing of necessary CSME aims and agreed on pressing steps to expedite a number of of them. These embrace intensified work in direction of free motion, rushing up critiques to facilitate harmonization of sure Enterprise Legal guidelines and Mutual recognition. They confused the significance of digital transformation with respect to corporations’ registries and agreed to determine a regional committee of data expertise specialists to assist with this digital transformation, beneath the management of Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell as Lead Head chargeable for ICT and Incoming Chair.
The Convention famous the work underway to finish initiatives such because the institution of a Regional Securities Market by July 2024.
WORK TOWARDS FREE MOVEMENT OF ALL COMMUNITY NATIONALS
The Convention acquired a report on the work of the Reconstituted Inter-Governmental Job Pressure (ITGF) to implement the Resolution of the Convention of July 2023 to work in direction of Free Motion of all Neighborhood Nationals.
They agreed that draft amendments to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas ought to embrace primary ensures to be afforded to all CARICOM nationals exercising the best of free motion and directed the IGTF and Authorized Affairs Committee to finish their work for the consideration of a gathering of the Convention to happen on 15 March.
THE AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS AGENDA- FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY
Heads of Authorities acquired a report from the Chairman, Lead Head of Authorities with duty for Agriculture and Agriculture Growth within the CARICOM Quasi-Cupboard, and from the Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture of Guyana and Chair of the Ministerial Taskforce on Meals Manufacturing and Meals Safety.
The Assembly was up to date on efforts in direction of attaining the 25 by 2025 Meals and Vitamin Safety Initiative, together with coverage approvals; elimination of obstacles to intra-regional commerce; agricultural commerce promotion; cross-border investments; human useful resource growth and capability constructing; elevated manufacturing and productiveness; and transportation and logistics.
The Agriculture Minister famous that there was elevated consciousness and buy-in to enhance Meals and Vitamin Safety within the Area, and outlined that greater than 73 initiatives and programmes which assist the 25 by 2025 initiative are being applied by over 13 regional companions and donors. One other 20 or so initiatives are at completely different phases of formulation.
The Convention recommended the Chairman’s management on this essential agenda merchandise. They inspired Member States to make the most of the agricultural insurance coverage product being provided to the sector and inspired higher collaboration amongst Member States. They famous cooperation initiatives with the Neighborhood’s exterior companions, together with Cuba, the Meals and Agriculture Organisation and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Convention additional noticed that the upcoming pilot regional ferry service can be a key part oF the Area’s meals safety efforts.
They agreed that Member States would develop a Pre-Clearance/Regional Export Commerce Mechanism for agricultural produce for endorsement and approval by the Convention at its 47th Common Assembly in July 2024, and requested that the MTF speed up the identification of extra investor-friendly insurance policies and programmes for implementation beneath the 25 by 2025 meals safety initiative.
Heads of Authorities additionally strongly inspired the regional non-public sector to make the most of the proposal from Suriname, which is making out there 300,000 Ha of land for regional agricultural growth. They underscored the non-public sector’s position in taking pressing motion to put money into the manufacturing of agricultural gadgets for which frequent suspensions of the CET are granted.
DEVELOPMENTS IN REGIONAL AIR AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION
The Assembly acquired a report from the CARICOM Non-public Sector Organisation (CPSO) on efforts to deal with the Area’s air and maritime transportation points. The CPSO famous that alternatives exist for maritime options in agro-food merchandise requiring chilly chain together with contemporary produce, meat and poultry and to complement the motion of individuals. Additionally they famous that container-shipping capability exceeds demand and purpose-specific interventions are wanted to attach alternatives.
Heads of Authorities expressed appreciation to the regional Non-public Sector for his or her work to finish “Industrial Evaluation Part 1” and inspired the CPSO to position higher emphasis on re-engineering routes. They reiterated the necessity for the Non-public Sector to capitalise on the myriad funding alternatives in regional air and maritime transportation.
REPLENISHMENT OF THE CDF CAPITAL FUND
Heads of Authorities consulted on the replenishment of the CDF Capital Fund for the threerd Contribution & Subvention Cycle. They agreed on the baseline interval of 2016 -2021 for the method for the replenishment of the CDF primarily based on a capitalization of US$80 million, and to assessment and revise the contribution method earlier than the subsequent replenishment cycle.
Heads of Authorities agreed to determine a committee led by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to look at revolutionary methods to finance the CDF.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND CLIMATE FINANCING
Heads of Authorities reviewed the scenario going through the Area because it pertains to Local weather Change and took inventory of the result of COP 28. They famous the persevering with inadequacy of the worldwide response and the quickly closing window of alternative to restrict international warming to 1.5 levels Celsius above pre-industrial ranges regardless of many commitments and guarantees. Heads issued a Assertion on Local weather Financing.
GLOBAL AND HEMISPHERIC ISSUES
The Convention expressed grave concern with the continued scenario in Gaza.
They acknowledged efforts made by Member States of the Neighborhood to assist the residents of Gaza going through catastrophic meals insecurity, displacement, and intersecting humanitarian crises, given the operational challenges going through the United Nations Aid and Works Company for Palestine Refugees within the Close to East.
Additionally they acknowledged the necessity for CARICOM to advocate for a optimistic decision, and underscored the pre-eminent position that the Neighborhood can assume with Trinidad and Tobago as the present President of the United Nations Common Meeting (UNGA) and Guyana as a member of the United Nations Safety Council (UNSC) and President of the Council in February 2024.
Heads of Authorities issued a Assertion on the Ongoing Scenario in Gaza.
HAITI
Heads of Authorities issued a Assertion on Haiti.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE 2024 ICC T-20 CRICKET WORLD CUP
The Convention acquired an replace on preparations for the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2024 from Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies.
Six Member States (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago) will host matches of the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) Males’s T20 World Cup 2024 Event from 4 – 30 June 2024.
The Convention famous the indication from the CWI President that up to now, CWI has acquired 4 million functions for tickets from 120 international locations. Heads of Authorities urged the CWI to place measures in place to make sure the supply and ease of entry to tickets for matches by the folks of the Area who’ve lengthy been passionate supporters of the game.
The Convention underscored the distinctive character of West Indies Cricket and the significance of a strategic assessment of cricket each as a recreation and enterprise in direction of guaranteeing progress and sustainability of the game within the Area. In that context, Heads acknowledged the proposal by Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and Chairman of the CARICOM Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket, to host a convention on West Indies Cricket on 19 April 2024 in Port of Spain to discover the enterprise trajectory for the game.
Heads of Authorities expressed appreciation for the technical work that the Well being, Security and Safety Sub-Committee (HSSC) had commenced to facilitate hassle-free journey and improved citizen safety for the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup.
REPARATIONS
The Assembly heard from Sir Hilary Beckles, Chairman, CARICOM Reparations Fee, and Prime Minister Mottley, Chair of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee (PMSC) on Reparations, on the profitable advocacy of the CARICOM Reparations Fee over the previous decade, in bringing international consideration to the Area’s name for Reparatory Justice.
They endorsed the Regional Strategic Framework as beneficial by the PMSC, and authorized the Regional Work Plan and Funds for 2024 – 2026.
The Convention proposes to position extra emphasis on direct engagement, advocacy and negotiations, together with strengthening partnership with the African Union. They agreed to broaden the context for Reparatory Justice to incorporate native genocide, chattel enslavement, indentureship and colonialism, and recognised the peculiar circumstances of abroad territories within the Area in relation to Reparatory Justice. They requested the PMSC on Reparations to advise on modalities for his or her involvement in CARICOM’s Reparations agenda.
Additionally they agreed to hunt to have Reparations included on the agendas of the SIDS Convention in Antigua and Barbuda in Might 2024, and the Commonwealth Heads of Authorities (CHOGM) Convention in October 2024.
CARIFESTA
Heads of Authorities welcomed the supply from Barbados to host XV CARIFESTA in August 2025.
HIGH LEVEL DIALOGUE WITH GUESTS
Heads of Authorities prolonged a heat welcome to Particular Visitor of the Convention, His Excellency Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil. They famous that his presence is indicative of the robust bond between the Area and Brazil and that the 2 sides share a wealthy historical past of South-South cooperation and are united by geography in addition to by a standard need to construct prosperity for his or her peoples.
They expressed appreciation for the instrumental position performed by Brazil in facilitating the Guyana-Venezuela Joint Fee in January 2024.
The Convention highlighted the immense potential for mutually helpful cooperation in areas together with Local weather Change Mitigation and Adaptation; Catastrophe Preparedness; and Meals and Vitamin Safety, particularly for the Area’s 25 by 2025 initiative.
President Lula expressed his nice pleasure to be current on the Convention. He famous that his nation took a strategic resolution to prioritise its relationship with international locations in CARICOM. He underscored Brazil’s assist for efforts to deal with the Area’s priorities of local weather change, regional safety, intra-regional connectivity, and sustainable growth together with by advocacy on the G20 throughout Brazil’s Presidency in 2024.
The Second CARICOM-Brazil Summit is to be held in 2024.
Heads of Authorities additionally welcomed His Excellency Adel Al-Jubeir, Minister of State within the Ministry of International Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia. They appeared ahead to the early opening of a CARICOM Home in Saudi Arabia in addition to the formalization of a mechanism to make sure different initiatives within the pipeline are realised.
The Minister of State underscored his nation’s need for a long-term partnership in areas together with commerce and funding, surroundings and local weather change, and schooling.
ENGAGEMENT WITH SIR CLIVE LLOYD
The Convention acquired Guyanese cricketing legend, Sir Clive Lloyd and introduced the consensus of the Neighborhood to confer on him the Area’s highest honour, the Order of the Caribbean Neighborhood (OCC)
They lauded his sustained glorious efficiency over a long time and hailed him as “one of many brightest examples of management” from the Area.
BELIZE – GUATEMALA AND BELIZE – HONDURAS
The Heads of Authorities acquired an replace on the Belize – Guatemala and the Belize – Honduras circumstances earlier than the Worldwide Courtroom of Justice (ICJ) and recommended the Events for his or her willingness to hunt a peaceable decision to all authorized claims towards Belize to land and insular territories and to any maritime areas pertaining to these territories, by the ICJ. They known as on all Events to abide by the ICJ resolution when delivered, and to work collectively to demarcate the borders in compliance with the ruling.
The Convention expressed concern over the continued unlawful actions by Guatemalan nationals alongside the Belize – Guatemala border and known as on the Guatemalan Authorities to dissuade its nationals, in accordance with the Confidence Constructing Measures signed in 2005, from getting into Belizean territory. They known as on each governments to work collectively to confront illicit actions alongside the Belize – Guatemala border by organizing joint patrols with the help of the Group of American States (OAS).
They recommended the work carried out by the OAS in lowering pressure and constructing good neighbourly relations between Belize and Guatemala and inspired each international locations to proceed to mobilize assets for the operations of the OAS workplace, whose work will proceed to be essential together with after the ICJ resolution on the territorial, insular and maritime dispute.
GUYANA – VENEZUELA
Heads of Authorities acquired an replace on developments in Guyana/Venezuela relations. They decried the numerous Venezuelan navy border exercise, however famous a decreasing of tensions because the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela, was issued on December 14, 2023, following the assembly of the Presidents of the 2 international locations.
They welcomed the convening of the primary assembly of the International Ministers of Guyana and Venezuela and their technical groups in Brasilia on January 25, 2024, as a optimistic step to rebuilding cooperation between the 2 international locations, whereas the Worldwide Courtroom of Justice determines the case in regards to the land boundary.
Heads additionally famous that Venezuela has till April 8, 2024, to submit its counter-memorial on the deserves of the case relating to the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award that had decided the boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela, and urged it to take action.
They reaffirmed their strong assist for the upkeep and preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
CANDIDATURES
Heads of Authorities expressed CARICOM’s endorsement of the candidature of H.E. Albert Ramdin, Minister of International Affairs, Worldwide Enterprise and Worldwide Cooperation of Suriname, for the submit of Secretary-Common of the Group of American States.
APPRECIATION
Heads of Authorities expressed their appreciation to the Authorities and Individuals of Guyana for his or her glorious hospitality and the preparations as Hosts of the assembly.
DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT REGULAR MEETING
Heads of Authorities accepted the invitation of Grenada to host the 47th Common Assembly of the Convention from 3 -5 July 2024.
STATEMENTS
Assertion: CARICOM Heads of Authorities Change on Haiti
CARICOM Heads of Authorities, together with Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, met with Worldwide Companions of Haiti together with, Canada, France, the US, the UK and the United Nations in a coordination assembly on the scenario in Haiti within the context of the Safety Council Decision 2699. Haiti, as a sister nation of the Neighborhood was a key focus of the forty sixth Assembly of the Convention of Heads of Authorities of the Caribbean Neighborhood in Georgetown, Guyana, on 26 February.
The Heads of Authorities and the Companions acquired an replace on the scenario by the Coordinator of the Eminent Individuals Group, former Prime Minister Kenny Anthony. In the middle of a frank and in-depth dialogue on the scenario in Haiti, the CARICOM Heads expressed their deep concern over the continued deterioration of the safety, humanitarian and political scenario and the continued delay in overcoming the political stalemate, which have blocked the opportunity of free and honest elections. CARICOM Heads underlined the essential and rapid want for a transparent political path ahead which needs to be participatory and inclusive.
The CARICOM Heads took observe of the dedication made by Prime Minister Ariel Henry to main steps to maneuver the political course of ahead, together with the holding of basic elections to revive constitutional authorities and authority no later than 31 August 2025. To this finish, an electoral wants hole evaluation workforce shall be dispatched by CARICOM by 31 March 2024, in session with the United Nations in keeping with current Safety Council mandates, with the assist of Canada, USA and the OAS. The Evaluation Crew will assist planning and efforts of the related Haitian establishments to be established.
The CARICOM Heads and the important thing Companions recognised the depth of the struggling of the Haitian folks. This has been exacerbated by the dearth of consensus among the many political stakeholders, civil society, the non-public and non secular sectors and the Authorities of Haiti. On this regard, the CARICOM Heads known as on all involved to make the mandatory concessions to reach at a decision of the political deadlock. They urged that every Stakeholder should acknowledge that they won’t acquire all that they need, however Haiti should acquire what it wants.
In opposition to this background CARICOM will prolong an invite to the Stakeholders to take part in a gathering urgently to deal with and settle the essential political path that’s participatory and inclusive.
Assertion on the Ongoing Scenario in Gaza
The Caribbean Neighborhood (CARICOM) stays deeply distressed by the continued violence and deteriorating scenario in Gaza, which has resulted within the tragic lack of civilian lives, together with the deaths of ladies and youngsters on an unprecedented scale, and widespread displacement and struggling.
CARICOM reiterates its robust condemnation of the assaults by Hamas and the taking of hostages on 7 October 2023, in addition to of the Israeli actions that violate worldwide humanitarian legislation and the human rights of the Palestinian folks. The incessant Israeli bombardment of Gaza has led to catastrophic lack of civilian lives, the destruction of essential infrastructure and the deprivation of primary requirements, meals, water and medical care.
On this regard, CARICOM urges an instantaneous and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and protected and unimpeded entry for the supply of satisfactory and sustained humanitarian help. We additionally strongly advocate for the rule of legislation to prevail and for the return to their households of all hostages and individuals held in administrative detention with out cost.
Israel’s continued and increasing occupation of territory within the occupied West Financial institution poses a critical and persevering with menace to a peaceable, safe and steady world. CARICOM, subsequently, reaffirms its unwavering dedication to a holistic roadmap in direction of a two-state answer, in line with the United Nations Safety Council (UNSC) Decision 242, as the one viable path to peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
CARICOM additionally deplores the truth that Israel has flouted the Resolutions of each the UN Common Meeting and the UN Safety Council calling for a ceasefire, in addition to the provisional measures ordered by the Worldwide Courtroom of Justice (ICJ). The Neighborhood, subsequently, calls on the United Nations Common Meeting to invoke its powers beneath UN Common Meeting Decision 377A “Uniting for Peace” to carry an emergency session and to concern applicable suggestions to UN Member States to collectively impose measures designed to inspire Israel to stick to its obligations beneath the mentioned UN Decision and beneath the ICJ Order.
The Neighborhood, subsequently, requires a renewed dedication to a peaceable decision of the Israeli-Palestinian battle by significant dialogue and negotiation and calls upon the worldwide group to play a constructive position in facilitating an enduring answer to the battle and attaining a sturdy peace that ensures the human rights, dignity and safety of each side.
Assertion on Local weather Change
The Caribbean Neighborhood (CARICOM) stays on the frontlines of the worldwide local weather disaster, a problem the Area has been aggressively advocating on for the previous thirty years. Regardless of the various commitments and guarantees of worldwide companions, the window of alternative to restrict international warming to 1.5 levels Celsius above pre-industrial ranges is quickly closing.
Heads of Authorities are involved that whereas COP 28 was extensively thought to be a historic occasion, with the completion of the primary international inventory take (GST), on progress in achievement of the Paris Settlement objectives, the outcomes of GST present that emissions of greenhouse gases proceed to rise and the nationally decided contributions (NDCs) of Events won’t maintain international temperatures beneath the 1.5-degree aim enshrined within the Paris Settlement.
Heads of Authorities additionally expressed concern to be heading to COP 29 the place a New Finance Aim shall be articulated to exchange the 100bn aim, which has not but been met, whilst creating international locations require trillions to cope with the escalating impacts of Local weather Change. Developed nation events haven’t offered sufficient finance at scale, expertise and capability constructing assist required to assist creating international locations deal with their urgent must construct their resilience, particularly in adapting to the adversarial and more and more catastrophic impacts of Local weather Change. The clear absence of definitive timelines for motion and quantitative commitments for scaling up of investments, and significantly adaptation finance rising out of COP 28, trigger nice concern to our Area.
The Convention famous that Small Island Growing States (SIDS) acknowledged as probably the most weak group of nations and a particular case for sustainable growth, have been going through robust push again towards the popularity of their particular circumstances particularly within the context of local weather finance. There’s restricted worldwide assist for particular allocations for SIDS inside financing preparations and out there local weather finance from worldwide and personal sources is proscribed, costly and too onerous to entry.
In mild of the previous, Heads of Authorities known as for CARICOM to take a strategic, unified and coordinated strategy to make sure that the Area stays influential within the local weather and growth area by engagements with key companions and advocacy teams.
They known as for renewed focus by the Area to advocate for inclusion of forests, nature-based options and blue carbon into market mechanisms with the intention of articulating clear regional positions and methods.
Heads of Authorities reiterated the decision for improved readiness programmes, simplified approval procedures, a change to the factors for figuring out entry to low-cost finance, and for the adoption of programmatic approaches to deal with the bottlenecks in accessing finance.
The Area reiterates its assist for the Bridgetown Initiative’s name to develop capital adequacy of worldwide monetary establishments.
Heads acknowledged that the Fourth Worldwide Convention on Small Island Growing States, scheduled to be held in Antigua and Barbuda, 27 – 30 Might 2024, shall be an inflection level for a lot of of those discussions to be articulated. As such, the Area stays dedicated to taking part within the Convention on the highest stage.
CARICOM STATEMENT ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Following the inaugural symposium on Crime and Violence as a Public Well being Security Challenge and the Declaration of the Heads of Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago on 17-18 April 2023, CARICOM Heads of Authorities met in caucus in Georgetown, Guyana, on 27 February 2024 to debate the prevailing dire state of crime, violence, and public security amongst its Member States.
Heads of Authorities reiterated their agency dedication to the ideas acknowledged in, and to the implementation of the actions set out within the Declaration on Crime and Violence as a Public Well being Security Challenge.
In reaffirming the best to freedom of expression and to public speech CARICOM Heads of Authorities strongly condemned the event, presence, tolerance, or acceptance of violent, anti-social music and social media content material that denigrate girls and encourage or promote or assist using violence, weapons, and different anti-social behaviour, significantly focused to our Youth.
CARICOM Heads of Authorities affirmed their assist for participating with younger folks within the artistic financial system, together with the leisure and music trade, and the sporting trade to develop, assist and unfold throughout the Area optimistic content material to offset the destructive affect of anti-social, violent, and legal behaviour which some components in that sector promote and assist.
Given the intense, vital and power destructive developmental affect that crime and violence is having on Member States, CARICOM Heads of Authorities dedicated to working with all sectors and establishments, together with civil society, academia, labour, church buildings, our creatives, legislation enforcement, the judiciary, political events, employers and companies, and our exterior companions to implement the entire measures set out within the Declaration on Crime and Violence as a Public Well being Security Challenge.
CARICOM Heads of Authorities stay dedicated to sustaining this Area as a zone of home peace and security to make sure the preservation of our Caribbean civilization.
Assertion on Issues Associated to Regional Financing for Growth within the Area
Heads of Authorities are of the view that funds needs to be streamlined to make sure that there aren’t any conflicting mandates.
On this regard, Heads of Authorities supported the institution of the Blue-Inexperienced Funding Financial institution, which is being established by Barbados, whose mandate is completely on investments aimed toward attaining adaptation and safeguarding resilience in our Area and in our particular person Member States.
Heads of Authorities are additionally of the view that pursuit of the CARICOM Growth Fund’s (CDF) mandate ought to assist investments aimed toward stabilising Deprived Nations, areas and sectors, with a view to attaining excessive ranges of long-term financial progress in our Area and our particular person Members States.
Heads of Authorities famous the existence of considerable quantities of funds held by households and the Non-public Sector within the monetary establishments of the Area, each financial institution and non-bank. A fraction of those deposits may very well be mobilised to finance Bonds issued by the CDF after session with the Regional Central Banks and protect compliance with the prudential necessities of the monetary sector within the respective jurisdictions.
It was agreed that the Lead Head of Authorities within the CARICOM Quasi Cupboard with duty for CARICOM Single Market and Financial system, Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, will coordinate the institution of a Working Group on Financing for Caribbean Growth, to be convened and headed by Vice-President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo to deal with the matter of mobilising financing together with from the sources recognized above, to be intermediated by the Blue-Inexperienced Funding Financial institution and the CDF to advance the aims of regional resilience and progress.
It was additionally agreed that this Working Group on Financing for Caribbean Growth ought to conclude its work inside 4 months of the present assembly with a view to submitting the Report by the subsequent assembly of Heads of Authorities.
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