Food security, climate change, CSME, and external relations among agenda items when CARICOM Heads meet in February

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government are scheduled to meet in Barbados from February 19 to 21, 2025, for their 48th Regular Meeting. This year’s theme, “Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development,” underscores the critical issues facing the region.

Key topics on the agenda include food and nutrition security, climate change and the climate finance agenda, ongoing challenges in Haiti, security concerns, digital resilience, and external relations matters. Additionally, leaders will address the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), maritime and air transport, and reparations during the two-day meeting.

The Opening Ceremony will take place on February 19 at the Lord Erskine Sandiford Centre in Bridgetown. Notable speakers include the Chairman, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados; outgoing Chairman, Hon. Dickon Mitchell of Grenada; newly appointed Premier of Montserrat, Hon. Reuben T. Meade; and CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett. Special guests, including President of the European Commission, H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, and Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr. António Guterres, will also deliver addresses.

In her New Year’s message, Prime Minister Mottley emphasized the importance of resuming the full implementation of the CSME, stating, “It is not merely an economic agenda, but a vision of unity and opportunity for small states to achieve greater economic resilience.” She highlighted the necessity of free movement for CARICOM nationals as essential for unlocking the region’s potential.

The business sessions will occur on February 20 and 21 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados – Sam Lords Castle in St. Philip.

Media representatives wishing to attend the meeting must complete the accreditation process by February 10, 2025. The opening ceremony will be streamed live on CARICOM’s social media platforms, and a media center will be established for accredited professionals. For further information, a dedicated webpage will be launched by February 10, 2025, at caricom.org/48hgc.

Established on July 4, 1973, CARICOM comprises fifteen Member States and six Associate Members, representing approximately sixteen million citizens, with 60% under the age of 30. The organization is a leading example of integration in the developing world, focusing on economic cooperation, foreign policy coordination, human and social development, and security collaboration. The CARICOM Secretariat is based in Georgetown, Guyana.