ST GEORGE’S, Grenada – Heads of government from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will convene in St George’s, Grenada, from July 28 to 30, 2024, for the 47th regular meeting of the conference.
The agenda is set to focus on the agri-food systems agenda, emphasizing food and nutrition security, climate change, sustainable development, foreign policy, the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and collaboration with social partners. The impact of Hurricane Beryl on the region will also be addressed.
As CARICOM enhances regional integration through the CSME and other initiatives, emphasis will be placed on the implementation of the Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA), aimed at establishing a unified air transport market within the Community.
Discussions will include evaluating progress towards achieving full free movement and a 25 percent reduction in food imports by 2025, alongside a proposed strategy for Regional Digital Resilience 2025-2030.
The new chairman, Dickon Mitchell, serves as the lead head of government for science and technology within the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet.
Baroness Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, will be a special guest at the meeting.
The Ceremony will feature addresses from Chairman Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, Outgoing Chairman His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana, and CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett. Curacao will be officially admitted during the Ceremony, which will be streamed live from 4:00 pm.
On Monday, July 29, heads of government will hold business sessions at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, Grand Anse, a site of historical significance as the birthplace of the Grand Anse Declaration and Work Programme, signed during the 10th Meeting of CARICOM heads of government on July 12, 1989.
The Declaration aimed to strengthen economic and political collaboration among Member States, upholding principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and equality. It notably led to the creation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), fostering economic growth and competitiveness while providing opportunities for citizens of Member States.
Prime Minister Phillip Pierre, CARICOM’s lead head for sustainable change, will address critical issues, highlighting the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in climate policies. His intervention will stress the urgent need to keep the global temperature rise below 1.5°C through ongoing mitigation efforts and the importance of robust adaptation strategies and sufficient funding to tackle climate challenges, preparing for the 29th session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29).
The traditional closing press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, July 30, at 4:30 pm at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, conducted in a hybrid format.
Grenada not only hosts the Conference during its 50th independence anniversary celebration but also represents a significant moment following the conclusion of CARICOM’s 50th anniversary celebrations. These landmarks provide leaders with vital perspectives for shaping a regional integration agenda for the future.
