PM Browne with the Brazilian president

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The recently concluded 46th Heads of Government Meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was a significant event that saw a number of special invitations being issued to heads of state and other dignitaries and officials.

Among the notable invitees was the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

During the summit, the Brazilian president held one-on-one meetings with several Caribbean leaders, one of whom was the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne.

During their meeting, Prime Minister Browne commended Brazil’s efforts to end hunger throughout the Americas and lauded President Lula for his global leadership in lifting many Brazilians out of poverty and reducing inequality.

The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to request that Brazil use its position within the G20 to advocate on behalf of CARICOM Member States in a number of critical areas, including climate change, access to concessional financing, and the plight of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

In addition, the Prime Minister suggested that both CARICOM and Brazil should establish an effective trade and investment framework to enhance cooperation between Brazil and the Caribbean region.

He further highlighted that significant trade between Brazil and the region could lead to the reduction of the cost of living for CARICOM States.

Moreover, Prime Minister Browne expressed his gratitude to Brazil for its support for the establishment of a global Loss and Damage Fund, which is a significant step towards helping developing countries cope with the effects of climate change.

He also took the opportunity to invite President Lula to attend the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States, which is scheduled to take place from May 27 to 30, 2024, in St. Johns, Antigua.