Trade and Economic Issues
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CARICOM Labour Ministers discuss free movement, other regional priorities
Recent developments on free movement were spotlighted as Ministers of Labour across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) met on Tuesday, 20 January for discussions on the labour agenda across the Region. Under the chairmanship of Honourable Keoma Griffith, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Guyana, they focused on priorities such as the definition and qualification criteria for aviation personnel including expanding…
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Highlights | CARICOM Chair’s New Year Message
CARICOM Chair, Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, delivered an inspiring New Year’s message to usher in 2026. In his address, Dr Drew emphasised unity, resilience, and renewed hope for the future. He acknowledged the leadership of outgoing Chair, Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica, and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing CARICOM’s mission of regional integration,…
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CARICOM Secretary-General Highlights Importance of Strong Public Financial Management at SPEM Certification Ceremony
“For small developing states, sustainability and resilience are two sides of the same coin. Extreme weather events, global economic downturns, and sudden disruptions can quickly overwhelm our fragile economic systems. Effective financial management allows governments to build fiscal buffers, mobilise domestic financing more effectively, and channel emergency funding where it is needed most, and to do so quickly and with…
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STATEMENT FROM THE BUREAU OF THE CONFERENCE OF CARICOM HEADS OF GOVERNMENT ON MILITARY ACTION IN VENEZUELA
Saturday 3 January 2026 The Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia) convened on Saturday 3 January 2026 following US military action in Venezuela. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is firmly committed to the fundamental principles of international law and multilateralism enshrined in the UN Charter, including sovereignty…
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New Year Message | Incoming Chairman of CARICOM | Honourable Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis
Recent international developments, including geopolitical tensions in our region and external policy decisions affecting Caribbean nationals, remind us of a fundamental truth: None will come to save us. We must save ourselves.Public discussions among Member States, reflecting differing national perspectives, have unfolded in a way that has attracted regional and international attention. While such differences are not unusual in a…
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End of Year Message | CARICOM Secretary‑General: Building a Resilient and United Caribbean
Fellow CARICOM citizens, As we approach this festive season, we reflect on the challenges the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has faced during the year that have thrown our vulnerabilities into sharp relief, and more than ever, underscored the purpose and value of a united Region. On the heels of the devastation caused in several Member States by Hurricane Beryl in 2024,…
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CARICOM IMPACS and Auxilium Worldwide Launch “Fish and Flags” Report Series
“This launch is a powerful demonstration of our collective commitment to regional security, especially as the Caribbean continues to grapple with the emerging and evolving challenges of environmental crime and natural resource exploitation.” Lt. Col. Michael Jones, Executive Director, CARICOM IMPACS The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), in collaboration with Auxilium Worldwide, has launched a…
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CARICOM Secretary-General Highlights Connectivity as Cornerstone of Regional Progress at Connected Caribbean Summit 2025
“Our full potential as a Region hinges on our continued commitment to be innovative, united, and sustainable. Collaborative partnerships and targeted investments by both the private and public sectors are the keys that will unlock new opportunities for tourism, trade, and socio-economic development.” – Dr Carla Barnett | Secretary-General | CARICOM Key Points: Connectivity as a driver of growth: CARICOM…
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Regional Trade and Resilience Key amid Climate Shocks, Says CARICOM Secretary-General
“The experience leaves us in no doubt about the urgency of addressing the existential threats posed by climate change and the need to redouble our efforts to build resilience and foster sustainable development across our Region,” Dr Barnett stated. “Strengthening our trade and economic performance is a critical part of this, and COTED must continue to play its important role…
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CARICOM Secretary-General calls for stronger regional trade and economic resilience in the face of climate threats
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, today delivered remarks at the 61st Regular Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED). In her address, Dr Barnett underscored CARICOM’s solidarity with Member States severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa and reaffirmed the Council’s vital role in advancing regional trade and economic resilience. She emphasised that as the Region continues…
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