GEORGETOWN, Guyana – As the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) got underway in Georgetown, Guyana, on Sunday, outgoing Chairman, Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, presented a reflective report card of his stewardship, encapsulating the essence of Caribbean unity and determination.
During his address in Georgetown, Guyana, Skerrit underscored the remarkable spirit of collaboration that has defined CARICOM’s approach to addressing regional and international challenges.
A standout moment of his tenure was the December meeting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which culminated in the Argyle Declaration.
This pivotal agreement between the Presidents of Guyana and Venezuela, fostered through CARICOM’s mediation, underscored a mutual commitment to peace, with both nations agreeing to refrain from the threat or use of force over the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute.
The matter, currently under the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) purview, highlights CARICOM’s role in promoting peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean.
A significant focus of Skerrit’s chairmanship has been the ambitious goal to reduce the Caribbean’s food import bill by 25% by 2025.
Through the Community Agricultural Policy (CAP), CARICOM has made strides toward food self-sufficiency, introducing innovative agricultural practices and enhancing cross-border trade.
This initiative not only aims to bolster food and nutrition security across member states but also represents a critical step towards economic resilience and sustainability.
Economic resilience took center stage with the signing of a Double Taxation Agreement, a move that has spurred recovery signs in the crucial tourism sector. This, along with CAP’s implementation, marks a significant step towards sustainable economic development within the region.
Prime Minister Skerrit’s leadership has also seen CARICOM emerge as a vocal advocate for climate action on the global stage. With the Caribbean Climate Action Plan, the community is seeking to fortify its defenses against the ravages of climate change, particularly as it braces for an active hurricane season.
The operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund remains a critical agenda as CARICOM prepares for the SIDS Conference in Antigua and Barbuda.
On the international front, the 1st CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit under Skerrit’s chairmanship has opened new avenues for investment, with Saudi Arabia pledging support for the Caribbean’s infrastructure, renewable energy, tourism, and agricultural sectors.
This partnership underscores the dynamic and forward-looking foreign policy stance adopted during Skerrit’s term.
As Prime Minister Skerrit concludes his chairmanship, his tenure stands as a testament to the power of regional solidarity and collective action.
With the baton now passed to His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, the Caribbean Community is poised to continue its journey towards greater self-reliance, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity, guided by the unwavering Caribbean spirit of unity and determination. (WireJA)
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