by Khaila Gentle

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, Mon. July 4, 2022

CARICOM leaders are convening this week for the 43rd Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government which takes place from Sunday, July 3, to Tuesday, July 5, and during which Prime Minister John Briceño will be passing CARICOM chairmanship to the president of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi.

Last week, Hon. Briceño reflected on his chairmanship over the past six months via an interview released by the Government of Belize Press Office:

“It’s been a very intense six months, but gratifying because we felt that we managed to get a lot of work done … President Santokhi will take over as the President of Suriname, and whilst we were in Belize we decided to set up another, what we called a ‘Cabinet Portfolio’ and we put him responsible for industrial development. So we look forward to seeing what are his plans— what are his ideas—when it comes to that matter, but also it’s going to be a continuation of the work that we have done. I have every confidence in President Santokhi,” he stated.

During that interview, Prime Minister Briceño also expressed his hopes that, through working more closely together, CARICOM nations can continue to have their voices heard on the global stage.

At the opening ceremony of the 43rd Regular Meeting, Prime Minister Briceño addressed the leaders of CARICOM. During that address, he thanked the people of Suriname for their hospitality throughout the conference, commending President Santokhi and his team for doing an excellent job in hosting the meeting. He also welcomed Hon. Dickon Mitchell, the newly elected prime minister of Grenada, who is attending his first Heads of Government meeting.

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett also spoke at the opening ceremony:

“In the past six months, our Community has had to maneuver through very delicate situations. The calm and steady hand of our outgoing Chair, the Honourable John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize, ensured that the overall interests of the Community remained the guiding principles of our actions. Thank you, Prime Minister,” she remarked.

“In welcoming our new Chair, His Excellency President Chandrikapersad Santokhi of Suriname, I am confident that given his energy and vision for CARICOM much can be achieved during his stewardship,” she added.

President Santokhi, during his address, said that: “We find ourselves at a crossroads, and this is the moment, to re-assess, refocus and recommit our endeavours, to ensure sustainable development and prosperity, for the people of the Region, ultimately aimed at leaving no one behind. But we require leadership and willingness, to go for broad cooperation,” he stated.

Also on the agenda for this week’s conference are discussions surrounding the advancement of the CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Agenda, climate finance, security issues, matters arising from the 49th Meeting of the Community Council, and an update on COVID-19 and other emerging health issues. The Heads of Government are also expected to receive updates on the border issues between Belize and Guatemala as well as Guyana and Venezuela.

At the end of the three-day conference, regional leaders will select the date of their next summit, which is scheduled to take place in the Bahamas.