48th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting Commences in Barbados

The 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) officially commenced on Wednesday in Barbados under the theme “Strength in Unity: Building Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth, and Sustainable Development.”

Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, presides over the conference, where regional leaders will deliberate on key issues including reparations for slavery from the United Kingdom, security, digital resilience, foreign affairs, and the CARICOM Single Market.

CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett emphasized the significance of the meeting in navigating the evolving global landscape.

“At this meeting, Heads of Government will assess the challenges arising in the rapidly changing global context and seek to devise solutions that promote regional integration and economic and social development,” she stated.

“Our goal is to ensure that our strategies and actions remain strategic, impactful, and beneficial for all citizens of the Caribbean Community,” she added.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Addresses Regional Challenges

Outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland was scheduled to address regional concerns and provide updates on the Commonwealth’s ongoing support for CARICOM nations. Her focus areas include climate change, artificial intelligence, and debt management.

Reflecting on her tenure, Scotland remarked:

“As I conclude my tenure as Commonwealth Secretary-General, I am proud to have worked alongside CARICOM leaders to advance our shared values of democracy, human rights, and sustainable development. Our collaboration serves as a testament to what can be achieved through unity and cooperation.”

The upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is set to take place in Antigua & Barbuda in 2026, with discussions expected to center on the unique challenges of Small Island Developing States, climate change, international trade, and economic innovation.

Scotland further reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s continued commitment to the region:

“The Caribbean is a leader in climate resilience and sustainable development, and I am honored to have contributed to these efforts. As I attend my final CARICOM meeting as Secretary-General, I reiterate the Commonwealth’s dedication to addressing the region’s distinct challenges.”

Twelve CARICOM member states are among the 56 nations within the Commonwealth.

The opening day featured addresses from several distinguished guests, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Presidents Dickon Mitchell of Grenada and Reuben T. Meade of Montserrat.

Amid the discussions, reports indicate that Prime Minister Mottley and a delegation of Caribbean leaders are preparing to visit London in April to reaffirm their call for reparations. However, the UK Foreign Office has denied any plans to engage in reparations discussions, maintaining that the British government does not support financial compensation for historical injustices.

The meeting underscores CARICOM’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional collaboration and advocating for policies that drive sustainable development, economic resilience, and social justice across the Caribbean.