Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew Leads St. Kitts and Nevis Delegation to CARICOM Meeting

Basseterre, St. Kitts

Basseterre, St. Kitts – Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, is currently in Barbados, leading a high-level delegation to the Forty-Eighth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which is taking place from February 18 to 21, 2025.

Delegation Accompanying the Prime Minister

Accompanying the Prime Minister are:

Honourable The Rt. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs;
Ms. Naeemah Hazelle, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office;
His Excellency Larry Vaughan, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM);
Mr. Javon Liburd, Press Secretary;
Mr. Bjorn Hazel, Senior Foreign Service Officer.

Objective of the Meeting

This important regional meeting brings together CARICOM leaders to discuss pressing issues affecting the Caribbean, with a focus on:

Economic resilience;
Climate change;
Regional security;
The deepening of integration under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME);
Food security;
Geopolitical developments;
Key regional and international partnerships aimed at strengthening economic and social growth within CARICOM;
Free movement across the region;
Crime and security;
The ongoing situation in Haiti.

High-Level Engagements

The meeting features high-level engagements with international leaders, including:

H.E. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations;
H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

Signing of Agreements

A major highlight of the conference will be the signing of agreements related to Martinique’s accession as an Associate Member of CARICOM, further expanding the regional bloc’s reach and influence.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Dr. Drew’s participation in the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting underscores his commitment to advancing the interests of St. Kitts and Nevis within the regional and international arena. As St. Kitts and Nevis continues its journey toward becoming a Sustainable Island State, the government remains dedicated to working alongside regional partners to build a more resilient and prosperous Caribbean.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the purpose of the CARICOM meeting?
A: The meeting aims to discuss pressing issues affecting the Caribbean, including economic resilience, climate change, and regional security.
Q: Who is attending the meeting?
A: The meeting is being attended by CARICOM leaders, including Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, and high-level representatives from international organizations such as the United Nations and the European Commission.
Q: What are the key outcomes of the meeting expected to be?
A: The meeting is expected to result in the signing of agreements, including Martinique’s accession as an Associate Member of CARICOM, and to reinforce global partnerships aimed at addressing the region’s collective challenges and opportunities.