Timothy Austin
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CARICOM Statement on Border Incursions on Belize by Guatemala
“CARICOM calls on Guatemala to ensure that its military forces desist from illegally entering Belizean territory and from aggressive actions which will raise tensions between the countries, escalate into a military conflict, and endanger the safety of persons who use the Sarstoon River.” CARICOM has been informed by the Government of Belize that on several occasions during the period 10…
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Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines move towards full Free Movement on 1 October 2025
Four Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States—Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines—are on track to implement full Free Movement among themselves from 1 October this year. By implementing the full free movement regime, these four countries have agreed to grant their nationals the right to enter, leave and re-enter, move freely, reside, work and remain indefinitely in the…
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Condolence Message on the Passing of Ambassador Elisabeth Ann Harper
Ambassador Elisabeth Harper The Secretary-General and Staff of the CARICOM Secretariat are saddened by the passing of Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana on Saturday 13 September 2025. Her passing is a profound loss to Guyana and the entire CARICOM family. Ambassador Harper was a consummate diplomat who embodied the…
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CARICOM and Colombia negotiate to expand South-South cooperation
CARICOM and Colombia trade negotiators concluded the second round of negotiations to update the CARICOM-Colombia Trade and Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (TECA), in Bogota, Colombia on 10 September 2025. The negotiations, which took place over two days, covered the expansion of preferential market access for agricultural and industrial products as well as institutional issues. The CARICOM negotiating Co Chair,…
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Message | Dr Carla Barnett | Secretary-General, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) | Caribbean Wellness Day | 13 September 2025
Even as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) makes progress in advancing sustainable development, we face the continuing and costly challenge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes remain the leading causes of illness and death across our Region. Lifestyle factors, such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption, erode the health of our people,…
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CARICOM Secretary-General Calls for Strengthened Health Collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean
“Health has long been a central focus of the regional development agenda in CARICOM. Guided by the Caribbean Cooperation in Health (CCH) framework, now in its fourth iteration, our Governments have collectively identified and continue to address priority health concerns that affect the people of the Caribbean Community. The Caribbean Cooperation in Health framework has provided the platform for aligning…
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Literary Legend takes centre stage at CARIFESTA XV: Paul Keens-Douglas
Literary legend and cultural icon Paul Keens-Douglas captivated a new generation of storytellers at CARIFESTA XV with his transformative workshop, Vibrant Roots Storytelling Workshop, held on Tuesday, 26 August at the Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre. With a legacy spanning decades and works such as Tim Tim: The Dialect Poetry of Paul Keens-Douglas (1976) and Tanti At De Oval: Selected Works,…
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One Caribbean, Many Voices: CARIFESTA XV Closes with a Resounding Celebration of Unity, Culture, and Creative Excellence
“The Community is deeply grateful for the warm hospitality of the Government and people of Barbados, and for the tremendous efforts of the host country in organising this Festival. On behalf of the Region, I congratulate and thank Prime Minister Mia Mottley, your Cabinet, and the hardworking Host Country Management Committee, for creating this excellent space where the theme “Caribbean…
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CARIFESTA XV Ignites Momentum for CARICOM Reparations Movement with “Big Conversation”
On Wednesday, 27 August, the CARICOM reparations movement took centre stage at CARIFESTA XV with a landmark event titled “Big Conversations | Righting Wrongs: CARICOM’s Call for Reparations, Justice and Healing.” Held at the iconic Queen’s Park Esplanade, the gathering marked a pivotal moment in the Region’s ongoing pursuit of reparatory justice and historical reckoning and underscored CARICOM’s commitment to international…
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CARIFESTA XV Grand Market Shines with Caribbean Ingenuity and Sustainable Spirit
Sustainability theme reflected in local products at Grand Market Under the powerful theme “Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence,” CARIFESTA XV ignites a celebration of heritage, creativity, and forward-thinking resilience. Nowhere is this vision more vividly expressed than at the Grand Market, where regional artisans and innovators showcase products that honour tradition while embracing sustainability. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with…
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