Last Updated on May 18, 2023, 5:27 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The Minister of Foreign Affairs in the government of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Denzil Douglas is participating in the Twenty-Sixth Meeting of the Community Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR). The minister travelled to Jamaica for the meeting on May 16. He also took to his social media account to share some glimpses from the meeting. The meeting is being convened in Kingston, Jamaica from 16-17 May 2023.
The Council began its discussions regarding regional coordination of foreign policy on areas ranging from support for CARICOM representation in regional and international organizations, to matters on the international agenda. As per Dr Denzil Douglas’ update, The topics of discussion included the Multi-dimensional Vulnerability Index and the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development among other upcoming meetings relative to the United Nations General Assembly.
These meetings include the summits to be held during the high-level week of the 78th Session.
In line with St Kitts and Nevis’ responsibility for health matters in the quasi-CARICOM Cabinet, the Permanent Mission of St Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations leads the CARICOM on health matters at the United Nations.
At today’s meeting, Foreign Minister Dr Denzil Douglas updated the Council on actions taken through its Mission to the United Nations to advance preparations for the three high level meetings on health (The Health Summit) during this year’s high-level week.
The Health Summit consists of three meetings: the High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, the High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage and the High-Level Meeting on the Fight Against Tuberculosis.
The Minister, Dr Denzil Douglas also enumerated some of the regional health priorities for which CARICOM will be advocating throughout these meetings including the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, promoting primary health care as the corner stone of a resilient health system, increased access to medicines and health technologies.
The 26th Session of COFCOR will continue with deliberations on issues in the Organisation of American States, engagements with Third States as well as updates on the preparations for observing the 50th Anniversary of CARICOM.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
