Last Updated on July 29, 2024, 3:03 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Basseterre, St Kitts: Deputy Prime Minister Dr Geoffrey Hanley led the delegation from St Kitts and Nevis to the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in St George’s, Grenada.
The Deputy Prime Minister was accompanied by Naeemah Hazel, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office; Ambassador Larry Vaughan, Representative of St Kitts and Nevis to the Caribbean Community; Sherema Matthew, Director of the St Kitts and Nevis Information Service; and Bjorn Hazel, Senior Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell welcomed the leaders of all the Caribbean nation that arrived to the meeting and delivered keynote speech gracing the commencement of the Conference.
Several highlights from the Opening Ceremony of the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference were also shared through the official social media of the CARICOM Community.
The meeting aims to address vital issues including agri-food systems agenda, climate change, and sustainable development, foreign policy, the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and engagement with social partners. The impact of Hurricane Beryl was also a significant topic of discussion.
As CARICOM continues to foster regional integration through the CSME and other sectoral programs, particular attention will be placed on the operationalization of the Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA), which envisions a single market for air transport services within the Community.
Heads of Government will also review progress towards achieving full free movement within the region and the goal of a 25 percent reduction in food imports by 2025.
Additionally, a Strategy for Regional Digital Resilience 2025-2030 will be on the table for discussion.
The participation of Dr Geoffrey Hanley and the delegation underscores the commitment of St. Kitts and Nevis to actively engage in regional dialogue and collaborative efforts to address the issues facing the CARICOM Community.
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.
