Opening Ceremony and Closing Media Conference
Opening Ceremony
48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
Closing Media Conference
48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
Words from Our Leaders
“Whether tackling the climate crisis, addressing gun violence, or championing equitable global financial reforms, we must act with one voice and one purpose…Building this region we love is not only about the governments and its work. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us as Caribbean people, as Caribbean institutions. Let us contribute our energy and our talents to this cause that matters most to us. “
"Whether tackling the climate crisis, addressing gun violence, or championing equitable global financial reforms, we must act with one voice and one purpose...Building this region we love is not only about the governments and its work. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us as Caribbean people, as Caribbean institutions. Let us contribute our energy and our talents to this cause that matters most to us. "
“At this Meeting, Heads of Government will assess challenges arising in the rapidly changing global context, and seek to devise solutions that advance regional integration, and economic and social development…Our objective will be to ensure that, as we plan, our actions are strategic, meaningful and beneficial to all the citizens of the Caribbean Community.”
"At this Meeting, Heads of Government will assess challenges arising in the rapidly changing global context, and seek to devise solutions that advance regional integration, and economic and social development...Our objective will be to ensure that, as we plan, our actions are strategic, meaningful and beneficial to all the citizens of the Caribbean Community."
Meet the Speakers | Opening Ceremony | 19 February
Hon. Mia Amor Mottley Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, SC, MP
Chairman, CARICOM
Prime Minister, Barbados
Hon. Dickon Mitchell Hon. Dickon Mitchell
Outgoing Chairman, CARICOM
Prime Minister, Grenada
Hon. Reuben Meade Hon. Reuben Meade
Premier, Montserrat
Dr. Carla Barnett Dr Carla Barnett
Secretary-General, CARICOM
Special Guests
H.E. António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres
Secretary-General of the United Nations
António Guterres, the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations, took office on January 1, 2017. He has focused on ensuring human dignity, responding to global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and gender equality. Before this role, he was the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (2005-2015), dealing with major displacement crises. Guterres also served as Portugal’s Prime Minister (1995-2002) and held various significant roles in international organizations. He was born in Lisbon in 1949, is fluent in multiple languages, and has a background in engineering.
H.E. Ursula von der Leyen
President of the European Commission
Ursula von der Leyen was the first woman to become President of the European Commission in 2019. She was elected for a second mandate by the European Parliament in July 2024 and will lead the Commission until the European elections in 2029. Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen, the 13th European Commission President, served in the German federal government from 2005-2019, holding key cabinet posts, including Federal Minister of Defence from 2013-2019; Federal Minister of Labor and Social Affairs from 2009-2013 and Member of the German Bundestag, from 2009-2019.
Programme of Events · 48th HGC
Opening Ceremony
Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Bridgetown
Business Sessions
Wyndham Grand Barbados, St Philip
Closing Media Conference
Wyndham Grand Barbados, St PhilipThematic Focus
Video Resources
CARICOM SG delivering remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government |19 February – Barbados
CARICOM Chair, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley delivering the Feature Address at the Opening Ceremony for the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government | 19 February 2025 – Barbados
Updates
Keep up with the latest developments, announcements, and updates pre and post conference.
Faces and Voices of the Community
CARICOM officials and nationals share their insights on the upcoming 47th HGC, underscoring why citizens should tune in
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Dr. Armstrong Alexis
CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General
Dr. Armstrong Alexis underscores the critical importance of the upcoming 47th Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government from 3-5 July 2024 in Grenada.
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Linda Drakes
Officer-in-Charge of Conference Services, CARICOM Secretariat
Ms Linda Drakes explains the critical role her department plays in supporting the meetings of the Conference of Heads of Government.
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Jennifer Britton
Deputy Programme Manager for Information and Communication Technology for Development
Ms Jennifer Britton highlights issues related to the digital agenda which Heads of Government are expected to discuss at their 47th Regular Meeting from 3-5 July 2024 in Grenada.
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Anna Lisa Jones - Reis
Project Officer, CARICOM Secretariat
Ms Anna Lisa Jones Ries highlights some of the topics that may interest CARICOM nationals to tune into the upcoming meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government from 3-5 July 2024 in Grenada.