CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Godwin Friday, during a visit to St Vincent that also included CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett.
The meeting, which was attended by ministers, permanent secretaries and senior government officials from both countries, focused on the major challenges currently confronting the Caribbean region and the continuing role of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in responding to those issues.
CARICOM, which was established in 1973 to promote economic integration, coordination of foreign policy and functional cooperation among its member states, remains a central mechanism for regional problem-solving, the leaders noted during the discussions.
A key item on the agenda was the upcoming 50th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government, scheduled to be held in St Kitts and Nevis from February 24 to 27. Prime Minister Friday was briefed on the planned agenda and the priority issues expected to be addressed at the summit.
Dr Friday, who assumed office in November 2020 following general elections in St Vincent and the Grenadines, succeeded long-serving Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves.
The courtesy visit formed part of ongoing engagements among CARICOM leaders as the Community prepares for next month’s milestone meeting of Heads of Government.
