By Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – “In a world in which small states struggle to be heard, it is important to ensure we are well-coordinated around our fundamental principles.”
These sentiments were expressed by Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett on May 8 when she addressed the opening of the Twenty-Eighth Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations, in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
CARICOM foreign ministers are in the twin island federation for their two-day regular meeting, under the chairmanship of the foreign minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr Denzil Douglas.
Dr Barnett said the meeting of CARICOM foreign ministers is crucial for advancing and protecting the Community’s interests. It also provides an opportunity to assess global developments affecting member states, including threats to multilateralism, sovereignty, peace and security, human rights, and international law.
“Our review and analysis are therefore vital. We must reinforce our commitment to strategic, coordinated diplomacy; strengthen partnerships with like-minded partners, both long-standing and non-traditional; and remain a vocal proponent for dialogue and multilateral solutions,” she urged the COFCOR.
Outlining the myriad international fora in which CARICOM will be involved for the rest of the year, the secretary-general emphasised the need for careful and coordinated preparation to ensure the Community’s voice is heard, and its priorities addressed.
These activities include the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development at the end of June; the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July and the Fourth High-Level Meeting of the UNGA on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Promotion of Mental Health and Wellbeing in September, as well as the UNFCC COP 30 in November.
Particularly in financing for development, Dr Barnett said CARICOM will continue to advocate for the implementation of both the Bridgetown Initiative and the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, as well as reconsideration of recent cuts in technical assistance and international donor funding.
“These cuts are putting at risk the Region’s hurricane and other disaster preparedness, as well as other funding for health’, she told CARICOM foreign ministers.
Meanwhile, CARICOM Secretary General Barnett and the secretary of foreign affairs of the Philippines, His Excellency Enrique A. Manalo, met ahead of the Twenty-Eighth Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
The discussion highlighted a mutual interest in enhancing cooperation and international engagement. Key topics included the potential accreditation of a Philippine ambassador to CARICOM and fostering stronger partnerships through South-South cooperation and with ASEAN countries like the Philippines.
The collaborative approach aims to tackle shared challenges faced by CARICOM and ASEAN countries, many of which are small island developing states. These challenges include severe climate change impacts, the sargassum influx affecting tourism, inter-island transport difficulties, and the critical governance and humanitarian situation in Haiti.
Both parties emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and expressed optimism for future engagements.
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