Covid high on Caricom agenda  

…as head meet for 42^nd summit    

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government have the COVID-19 pandemic and the Region’s response high on the agenda for their 42^nd Regular Meeting to he held online on the 5-6 July 2021. 

The impact of recent natural disasters, including the eruption of La Soufriere volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the widespread flooding in Guyana and Suriname will also be examined.  They are also expected to receive updates on Hurricane Elsa’s passage through several Member States. 

According to a Caricom Secretariat press release, the meeting will address several critical economic development matters including prioritising regional food production and food security; the removal of regional roaming charges to help enhance the ICT sector; the push towards a common CARICOM Tourism policy; and revival of regional air transportation, post covid.  It will also examine ongoing issues related to tax transparency, black listing and de-risking.   

The Heads of Government will also examine issues impacting the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and will engage representatives of the regional Private Sector, Labour and Civil Society.  Community and international relations, and crime and security issues are also before the meeting.   

The two-day Meeting will be chaired by incoming CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, who will address the Opening Session on Monday 5 July at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Caribbean Time.  The Opening will also hear remarks from outgoing Chairman of CARICOM Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago and CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque. 

Browne, assumed the Chairmanship of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on 1 July 2021. Browne will serve for the next six months. The Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minster holds responsibility for Services in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet.