As the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government gather in Barbados for the 48th Regular Meeting on Wednesday, Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has outlined several pressing issues that are part of his country’s priorities.
The meeting, running from February 19 to 21, is taking place under the theme: “Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth, and Sustainable Development.”
In a public address ahead of the meeting, Dr. Ali spoke about the need for collective regional action in addressing both immediate and long-term challenges. He underscored that this CARICOM meeting comes at a critical juncture, with significant global shifts affecting geopolitical realities, trade arrangements, and regional security.
Free Movement, Trade Barriers, and Private Sector Engagement
One of the key issues Dr. Ali raised is the ongoing struggle with trade barriers within CARICOM. He expressed concerns about the slow pace of removing these obstacles, which continue to hinder the region’s economic growth. Additionally, the President highlighted the importance of free movement of people across member states. He stated that not only is this a matter of individual rights but also an issue of economic efficiency that affects the entire region.
He noted that Guyana’s private sector has raised similar concerns, and together with other regional stakeholders, they are pushing for swift action. With regional cooperation and dialogue on these matters, Dr. Ali believes that CARICOM can address these barriers effectively and bolster trade and economic integration across the Caribbean.
Strengthening Food Security Across the Region
Another cornerstone of Guyana’s agenda at the meeting is food security. Dr. Ali stressed that while the Caribbean region has made significant strides towards greater food self-sufficiency, there remain serious challenges. Natural disasters, for example, continue to wreak havoc on agricultural production, undermining the region’s capacity to ensure food security.
This aligns with CARICOM’s 25 by 2025 initiative, which aims to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25% by the end of 2025. As reported by CARICOM’s Agriculture Programme, this initiative has already led to increased production and the implementation of key agricultural policies. However, there is much more work to be done, particularly in strengthening the region’s resilience to external shocks such as climate change and natural disasters.
Supporting Democracy and Stability in Haiti
The situation in Haiti will also be a focal point of discussion at this CARICOM meeting. President Ali, alongside other regional leaders, will examine how CARICOM can continue to support Haiti in its ongoing efforts to secure democratic stability and rebuild following years of political and social unrest. Dr. Ali acknowledged that the international community must play a greater role in supporting Haiti, particularly through increased funding for security and humanitarian relief.
The CARICOM Heads of Government are expected to explore ways to build stronger international coalitions and partnerships to aid Haiti during this difficult time.
Energy Security and Regional Integration
In addition to the pressing issues of food security and political stability, Dr. Ali also emphasised the importance of energy security and regional integration. He spoke about efforts to develop an integrated energy plan for the region, which is essential for ensuring sustainable energy access for all CARICOM members. As a part of this, Guyana is working closely with other nations to operationalise energy integration, which could lead to a more resilient and efficient energy network throughout the Caribbean.
Elections, Digital Resilience, and the Future of Education
Looking ahead, Dr. Ali also outlined the need to discuss elections across the region, including how CARICOM can continue to play a pivotal role in securing democracy through free and fair processes. With several elections scheduled in the Caribbean this year, including in Guyana, the Heads of Government will likely discuss strategies to ensure electoral integrity and stability.
In the realm of digital transformation, Dr. Ali highlighted Guyana’s upcoming digital school project, which is set to launch by March. This initiative, aimed at promoting digital education across CARICOM, aligns with efforts to bolster the region’s digital resilience. The development of a common Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy will also be a topic for consideration, as CARICOM seeks to establish regulations that promote innovation while easing bureaucratic hurdles that slow business and economic growth.
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