The 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of CARICOM commenced with a strong call from President Irfaan Ali for Caribbean citizens to press their leaders into removing trade barriers that hinder regional food security efforts.
Despite notable progress in enhancing food security in the Caribbean region, intra-regional trade barriers persist as a significant challenge.
President Ali, who serves as the Chairman of CARICOM, underscored the urgency of addressing this issue, emphasizing its critical importance for the region’s success.
President Ali highlighted Guyana’s commitment to reducing the region’s exorbitant food import bill by 25 percent by 2025.
As the lead authority for agriculture, agricultural diversification, and food security within CARICOM, Guyana has been actively working to bolster food production and expand crop cultivation.
In addition to reducing trade barriers, President Ali outlined a new target for the region: eradicating hunger and malnutrition by 2030.
This ambitious goal underscores CARICOM’s commitment to addressing pressing socio-economic challenges and improving the well-being of its citizens.
Statistical data presented by President Ali revealed that 57 percent of the region’s population is currently affected by food insecurity, marking a significant increase compared to February 2020.
This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for collaborative action to enhance food security and ensure access to nutritious food for all Caribbean citizens.
President Ali’s impassioned plea serves as a rallying cry for collective efforts to dismantle trade barriers and strengthen regional cooperation in addressing food security challenges.
By mobilizing citizens to advocate for policy changes and proactive measures, CARICOM aims to foster a more resilient and sustainable food system that can withstand future shocks and benefit all member states.
As discussions unfold during the CARICOM meeting, leaders will work towards devising concrete strategies and initiatives to address trade barriers, promote intra-regional trade, and advance food security objectives across the Caribbean region.