President Irfaan Ali has officially taken over the chairmanship of CARICOM from Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.
In his six-month tenure, President Ali pledges to focus on regional security, development goals, and initiatives addressing food security.
The New Year, according to President Ali, offers renewed possibilities to advance CARICOM’s strategic priorities.
Emphasizing regional security as a critical matter, he commits to upholding the Caribbean and Latin America as Zones of Peace.
The “War on Guns” campaign, aimed at combating illegal arms trafficking and enhancing internal security, is a concrete manifestation of this commitment.
Beyond security, President Ali advocates for CARICOM’s strategic priorities, encompassing economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability.
He envisions implementing targeted programs for the entire region in the coming year.
Acknowledging the progress made by CARICOM member states in reducing their food import bill, President Ali emphasizes the need for continued support for the agricultural sector.
He invites CARICOM leaders to convene in Georgetown, Guyana, in February 2024 for the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government.
This gathering will not only facilitate concrete plans for action but also coincide with celebratory events marking CARICOM’s 51st anniversary.
President Irfaan Ali’s chairmanship signals a commitment to regional cooperation and dynamic initiatives to address key challenges facing the Caribbean Community.