Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly has joined regional and global leaders in Barbados this week for a meeting of CARICOM heads of government to discuss key issues affecting the Caribbean, including food security, climate resilience and regional security.
O’Connor-Connolly and the other government leaders attended the opening ceremony of the conference Wednesday in Bridgetown, where Mia Mottley, prime minister of Barbados and incoming chair of CARICOM, delivered the keynote address.
Mottley, in her speech, highlighted the importance of unity within the 15 member-strong CARICOM.
The Barbados prime minister said if the member countries could stand together, they could “withstand all that is thrown at us from the world and from within, and arise to a point where we will bring to our people a level of economic development, stability and prosperity, in spite of the fact that for six months of the year we live in fear of the climate crisis, in spite of the fact that we are subject to international economic shocks”.
The two days of business meetings are being held under the theme ‘Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development’.
On Thursday, O’Connor-Connolly took part in business meetings attended by United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir and others.
Those meetings focused on a shared theme of stronger regional partnerships and cooperation in a number of key areas, including education, climate resiliency and meeting development goals, according to a press release issued by the Cayman Islands government.
The release noted that a highlight of the day was a signing ceremony for Martinique to officially become an associate member of CARICOM.
O’Connor-Connolly also attended a meeting of the caucus of the heads of government for in-depth discussions on a number of regional concerns on Thursday, the release noted.
Commenting on what were described in the release as “robust exchanges” at these meetings on Thursday, the premier said, “The region continues to demonstrate resiliency and agility to adapt in the face of worldwide change. Today’s meetings demonstrate the importance of exploring opportunities for strengthening global partnerships.
“I have been especially grateful to hear about the great strides in recovery made by our neighbours who were impacted by hurricanes last year.”
After wrapping up the last day of meetings on Friday, O’Connor-Connolly said she had left the conference “not only with a clearer understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our region, but with a sense of optimism based on the commitment and cooperation of leaders across the region.”
She added, “For our common problems, there are common solutions. The forging of strategic partnerships internationally and with Associate Members which now include French and Dutch Caribbean islands is encouraging.”
Among those in attendance, as a special invitee at the conference, was Vanessa Burke, the first Caymanian to be designated dean of CARICOM’s Youth Ambassador programme.
The premier said she was “thankful to see CARICOM’s inclusion of our young people at the highest level with our Vanessa, the first ever dean from Cayman participating in the proceedings”.
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I’m surprised there is no mention of reparations, particularly as I understand Ms Mia Mottley is spearheading the claims.