As the first business session of the CARICOM heads of government convened at the Guyana Marriott, Chairman President Dr. Irfaan Ali set the tone for advancing the integration movement and strengthening relationships between CARICOM and the global community.
In his opening address, President Ali underscored the importance of leveraging the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) to deepen regional integration efforts.
Emphasizing the need for stronger ties with the international community, he announced significant developments in global collaboration, particularly with the soon-to-be established permanent missions from the Middle East in the region.
According to President Ali, both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia will be setting up diplomatic missions in the Caribbean region, marking a pivotal moment in CARICOM’s engagement with Middle Eastern nations.
Video footage from the event revealed President Ali’s remarks, highlighting the UAE’s ongoing process of establishing its presence in the region.
Additionally, he emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to offering diplomatic representation in the Caribbean, further solidifying the region’s global partnerships.
The agenda for the meeting encompasses critical issues such as food and energy security, with a particular focus on advancing the CSME and promoting free movement within the region.
President Ali stressed the importance of supporting the development and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across CARICOM nations, recognizing them as vital contributors to the regional economy.
As discussions progress, the heads of government will enter into a retreat on Tuesday, during which they will engage in frank discussions on program implementation.
President Ali expressed optimism that these deliberations will lead to robust interventions aimed at fulfilling CARICOM’s mandate to its people.
The first plenary session marks the beginning of a series of strategic engagements aimed at advancing regional cooperation and addressing pressing challenges facing the CARICOM community.
With a focus on fostering collaboration both regionally and globally, CARICOM reaffirms its commitment to promoting unity, prosperity, and development across the Caribbean region.