Three European countries present credentials to CARICOM this week

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) advanced its expanding partnerships this week by welcoming new diplomatic representatives from Sweden, Norway, and Austria, solidifying their ties with the regional organization through the formal accreditation of ambassadors.

On Tuesday, February 3, Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett received the Letters of Credence from Her Excellency Maria Velasco, who is now serving as Sweden’s ambassador to CARICOM. The following day, she also accredited His Excellency John Petter Opdahl from Norway and His Excellency Gerold Vollmer from Austria.

Dr. Barnett reportedly highlighted the enduring relationship between CARICOM and Sweden, emphasizing cooperation across bilateral, regional, and multilateral spheres. She pointed out ongoing dialogue among their foreign ministers, as well as joint efforts in ocean governance, water resource management, and climate change adaptation. She praised Sweden’s role as a steadfast partner in global climate initiatives and acknowledged its technical contributions toward building resilient energy infrastructure.

The release shared that the Secretary-General further underscored the alliance between CARICOM and Norway, recognizing their shared maritime identity and mutual dedication to multilateralism. She recalled Norway’s early support in 2001 and 2003, that was instrumental in establishing the CARICOM Secretariat’s Office in Haiti, thereby aiding Haiti’s integration into the Community. She also expressed appreciation for Norway’s backing of the Gang Suppression Force under UN Security Council Resolution 2793.

Addressing the new Austrian envoy, Dr. Barnett affirmed that CARICOM and Austria are united by their commitment to multilateralism and the rule of law. She acknowledged Austria’s financial contribution to the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), as well as its efforts in capacity-building for emerging Caribbean diplomats.

CARICOM reports that the Secretary-General encouraged all three ambassadors to prioritize Haiti in their diplomatic agendas, given the country’s ongoing fragile transition toward holding general elections.

Ambassador Velasco conveyed that CARICOM, together with the European Union, encompasses 41 nations that share common perspectives on various global issues. She emphasized their collective potential to influence international policy in defending core principles and tackling shared challenges such as climate change and organized crime.

The release outlined that Ambassador Opdahl pointed out the common difficulties faced by small island and coastal states and reaffirmed Norway’s dedication to sustained cooperation, particularly through its ongoing partnership with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

Ambassador Vollmer identified three key areas of collaboration: Austria’s support for CCREEE, training programs for CARICOM diplomats in Vienna, and Austria’s proposal to assist in establishing a CARICOM office in Vienna to strengthen representation at UN agencies.