Press Statement 

CARICOM Heads of Government are currently meeting in Trinidad and Tobago, for their 45 Regular Meeting and to launch a year of celebrations to mark the 50 Anniversary of the founding of the regional grouping. 

The official ceremony begins in just about an hours’ time

The packed agenda for the Meeting tackles several pressing issues for the Community, including food security concerns, climate change and the climate finance agenda; the ongoing difficulties in Haiti; security issues, external relations matters and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). 

The Heads of Government will engage several international guests, including the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame; the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres; the President-Designate of the United Nations Climate Change Conference Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jabe; the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea Han Duck-Soo; US Secretary-of-State, Anthony Blinken, and Minority Leader in the US House of Representatives, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. 

Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit addressed the start of the meeting.

Addresses are expected from outgoing Chairman, Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas; host Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. 

On Tuesday, 4 July, the 50^th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty which created CARICOM, the Heads of Government and delegates will return to Chaguaramas, the venue of the historic signing, for a commemorative ceremony that will feature a Flag Raising event; planting of a Time Capsule and addresses by the CARICOM Chairman and host Prime Minister. 

During the day’s business session, representatives of foreign governments and heads of international organizations will be invited to pay special tributes to CARICOM in honour of the milestone.

Regional cultural artists will also pay tribute in song, dance, steel band music and other art forms during a CARICOM 50^th Anniversary Concert.