The second Canada-CARICOM Summit, the first to be held in Canada, from October 17-19, 2023 was sealed with the launching of the Canada-CARICOM Strategic Partnership.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, chairman of CARICOM, co-led the Summit which was formed with ” a commitment to joint action on shared priorities such as climate resilience; building inclusive and sustainable economies; enhancing multilateral cooperation; and bolstering bilateral and regional security, including working together to help restore the security and stability of Haiti for the benefit of its people.”
Realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), racial and gender equality, and inclusion–areas of increasing interest in the region–have also been identified as a priority in the collaboration.
Though Global Affairs Canada and the CARICOM Secretariat will jointly preside over the operation and administration of the Strategic Partnership, the establishment of connections between institutions in Canada and relevant organizations in CARICOM is seen as a plus in encouraging dialogue and cooperative action. Stated objectives include providing a mechanism for consistent dialogue about issues of joint interest, through regular meetings of decision-makers, for the advancement of mutually agreed courses of action.
Canada enjoys the distinction of reportedly being one of the first Western powers to recognize the independence of CARICOM states and, according to a statement by the CARICOM Secretariat, the equally beneficial and enduring friendship between the bodies is ratified by the Partnership. In this regard, there is much optimism that the alliance will fortify “already deep people-to-people ties.”
The Strategic Partnership was officially launched on October 18, 2023 in Ottawa.
Canada and the US as well as some other developed countries are not really interested in Dominica since Dominica has nothing that Canada needs or cannot do without. All these forums and getting together under the umbrella of CARICOM is a way to put a lid on China 🇨🇳 and to closely monitor what’s happening in the Caribbean regions as it pertains to the passport dealings which could affect the security of these countries. It’s cheaper for them to have these “disguised” so-called meetings than to deal with the aftermath of terrorists attack on their soil due to the fraudulent sale of passport. A passport is a very big deal. So let’s not underestimate this little book and the harm it can cause. Queen Easter made an expensive banquet and invited her main enemy, Hayman who was later hung on a gallows. “Come and enjoy yourself and feel big, we have a party 🎉 for you.” A fool and a thief are not able to discern when a trap is set and ready to go off.
Raheem, are you referring to the TRAP like the one Aljazeera had set for the Leder of the opposition? Remember the Aljazeera Report and the signature of the culprit THEY ( Aljazeera) caught on the documents, and the deals that were promised after he( the then opposition leader) became Prime Minister? One wonders whether Lenny was able to discern when that trap was set !?
I hope the pushing of LGBTQI+ nonsense in the Caribbean society (via overt & covert means) is not one of the conditionalities and/or objectives of this so-called strategic partnership.
Right-thinking citizens of the Caribbean, BE VIGILANT!!!
Our chiefs and politicians are all vassals of those countries, it’s a one way thing. Our boys sign up to cut cane, Canada gets to sell more stuff in our markets. Always a win win for them, until we are represented by activists and savvy, aware people.
Sugar cane is not a sustainable crop in Canada. For that matter, it’s hardly grown in the Caribbean these days, either.
There may well be Dominicans still participating in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme in Canada – you’d have to ask your Ministry of Labour. If there are, they’ll be earning more in Canada than cutting cane in Dominica.
Last time I was in Dominica (just over a year ago), “stuff” in your markets was pretty much “Made in China”. Didn’t see anything “Made in Canada”, not to mention an absence of “Product of Dominica”. And should there ever happen to be produce (eg., apples or other fruits or potatoes) that come with a “product of Canada” tag, beware of biting the hand that feeds you because they could well have been picked by your own countrymen or from other participants in the Canada Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme.
That’s what I read from that comment, Canada Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme. Serious engagement involves manufacturing, Canada knows it and they can engage us seriously, not the cane cutting type of relationship that only foster poverty. They get their fill of intangibles from the Caribbean, get with it.
The problem with these high profile meetings is there are many promises and happy talk but little or no real benefits to the people of the region. Look at the many extraordinary international meetings on Climate Change and the billions of dollars pledged by wealthy countries. How well has that worked out?
I must admit that the optics of these meetings are riveting. But we prefer substance over looks. These meetings are mostly froth and no ginger beer.