CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett urges stronger regional integration

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett is urging member states to intensify efforts to strengthen regional integration, warning that external challenges continue to threaten the region’s progress.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 51st Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government, Dr. Barnett said while global factors and external influences pose risks to the regional integration process, the long-term economic benefits of deeper integration far outweigh the challenges.

She said CARICOM has learned important lessons from its past efforts and must now redouble its commitment to implementing the outstanding elements of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy or CSME.

Dr. Barnett also highlighted progress under CARICOM’s 25 by 2025 Food Security Initiative, noting that agricultural production has increased across the region.

She said the programme has now been extended to 2030 as member states continue efforts to reduce the region’s food import bill and strengthen food security.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness is attending the 51st Annual Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in St. Lucia.

The conference will be held from July 5 to 8.