Holness joins CARICOM leaders in St. Lucia as bloc advances free movement, food security and UN bid

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness spent last week in St. Lucia at the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, held from July 5 to 8 under the theme “CARICOM: From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World.”

He took part in the opening ceremony on the first day and, over the four-day summit, joined other heads of government in decisions meant to harden the Community’s response to shared risks and openings. Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith accompanied him at plenary and caucus sessions.

Among the main results, leaders moved to reinforce consumer protection amid higher prices and recorded further headway on free movement for CARICOM nationals, with additional member states stepping toward fuller participation. The grouping also pressed ahead with plans for an affordable intra-regional ferry service to improve travel and trade links.

On food security and economic resilience, the heads again backed the 25 by 2025 Plus Five thrust to trim regional import bills. They further agreed to set up a blue-ribbon commission on artificial intelligence, pursue efforts to limit global warming to 1°C, and advance a regional insurance and reinsurance strategy against natural disasters.

In health, they endorsed deeper cooperation to widen access to specialised care across member states and to raise readiness for emerging public health threats. CARICOM also approved a 10-point plan on reparations.

At one session, Dr. Holness put Jamaica behind the nomination of Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana for United Nations Secretary-General.

“I believe it is important for the record that Jamaica establishes unequivocally support for Ambassador Rodrigues, the candidate put forward by Guyana,” he said. “The calls for reform of the United Nations have never been louder. And we must not lose this opportunity to make the UN more efficient, more effective, and more fit for purpose. This is our turn. This is our opportunity.”

Several member states backed the nomination, adding to regional momentum and wider notice of her candidacy. Reflecting on the bid, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett said it was “a pleasure, but beyond the pleasure, feeling really proud that the region has been able to put forward a candidate for such a prestigious and impactful position on the global stage.”

Dr. Holness and Minister Johnson Smith also attended the regional private sector and CARICOM Heads Breakfast Meeting.

While still in St. Lucia, the Prime Minister met Jamaican staff at a Sandals hotel who had been relocated there after Hurricane Melissa affected Sandals properties in Jamaica. He thanked them for representing the brand well.

“Let me commend you for your hard work. Let me say I am very pleased that you continue to represent the brand Sandals very well. We see Sandals as a Jamaican company that is giving back to the Caribbean,” he said.