CARICOM leaders start key talks today

Jamaica Observer | Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government will have the COVID-19 pandemic and the region’s response high on the agenda during their 42nd Regular Meeting – to be held this week.

The impact of recent natural disasters, including the eruption of La Soufrière volcano in St Vincent & the Grenadines, and the widespread flooding in Guyana and Suriname will also be examined.
They are also expected to receive updates on Hurricane Elsa’s passage through several member states.

The meeting of the region’s principals will address several critical economic development matters including prioritising regional food production and food security; the removal of regional roaming charges to help enhance the nascent tech sector; the push towards a common CARICOM tourism policy; and revival of regional air transportation, post-COVID-19. It will also examine ongoing issues related to tax transparency, black listing and de-risking.

The regional leaders will also examine issues impacting the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and will engage representatives of the regional private sector, labor and civil cociety. Community and international relations, and crime and security issues are also before the meeting.

The two-day meeting will be chaired by incoming CARICOM chairman, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua & Barbuda, who will address the opening session today.
The opening will also hear remarks from outgoing CARICOM chairman, Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad & Tobago and outgoing CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque.