Caribbean News

CARICOM Leaders team up for Summit in Saudi Arabia

Published

2 years ago

November 25, 2023

Deandrea Hamilton

Joint Statement, Saudi Arabia – CARICOM Summit

Andrew Holness

November 25, 2023 – At the kind invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Leadership of Saudi Arabia and the Leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) met in Riyadh, on 16 November 2023 for the inaugural Saudi Arabia-CARICOM Summit. The Summit was co-chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica, with the participation of Heads of State and/or Government of CARICOM and the CARICOM Secretary-General.

Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne

Reaffirming their mutual interests and friendly relations, the leaders exchanged views on issues of common interest and discussed ways to further expand and advance their partnership to take advantage of the growth opportunities that can be utilized through cooperation between their two dynamic regions based on a shared vision and the values embodied in the United Nations (UN) Charter. The leaders hereby declare to:

Join efforts to promote peace, security, stability and prosperity, through mutual respect and cooperation between countries and regions, to achieve sustainable development and progress and maintain the rules-based international order based on adherence to international law and the UN Charter.
Undertake consultations and explore cooperation on specific areas of common interest between both sides, namely education scholarships), health, maritime cooperation, connectivity, logistics, food security, energy security, tourism economic and other possible areas of cooperation, where appropriate, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Strengthen ties between the two sides, at the multilateral and bilateral levels, and in global fora by pursuing opportunities for sustainable development, peace, security and stability, tourism infrastructure development, as well as creating business opportunities in the ICT/Global Digital Services sector and boosting trade and investment flows by creating mutually beneficial opportunities for joint investments, with special emphasis on
Hon Mia Amor Mottley

sustainable infrastructure, renewables, trade, tourism, logistics, and connectivity.
Promote trade and investment relations between Saudi Arabia and CARICOM, by enhancing public-private partnership and business-to-business relations between both regions, using available and new physical and online platforms, trade missions, exhibitions, seminars, conferences, and dialogue.
Support Saudi Arabia’s bid to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh, highlighting the importance of organizing regional and international exhibitions to reenergize economic and cultural exchanges between the Saudi Arabia and CARICOM, mindful that individual CARICOM Member States have pledged their support for Saudi Arabia’s candidature to host Expo 2030.
Cooperate in the development of sustainable and circular agriculture and in the promotion of sustainable food production, sustainable use and management of water resources and promote trade and investment opportunities in food and agri-based industries and encourage the exchange of information, sharing of experiences, research, modern technologies and best practices, as well as through conducting capacity building
President Dr. Irfaan Ali

activities.
Promote dialogue among the peoples and cultures of both sides to enhance trust, and advance mutual understanding and greater respect for diversity, thus contributing to a culture of peace.
Build on the two regions’ cultural diversity, openness and rich history to stress that tolerance and peaceful coexistence are among the most important values and principles for friendly relations between nations and cultures.
Promote the cultural and creative industries of CARICOM and Saudi Arabia through cultural festivals, art exhibitions, film festivals, workshops, book fairs and other events. Furthermore, encourage
the exchange of best practices and capacity building in the areas of museology, protection, conservation and restoration of cultural and historical heritage.
Promote cooperation in the area of tourism, including heritage, cruise, sustainable and ecotourism, medical and wellness, tourism, by undertaking benchmarking activities, joint tourism investments, and strengthening capacity-building.
Hon Dr. Terrance Drew
Stress the importance and urgency of promoting joint action towards mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts, protecting the environment and developing low carbon and clean energy technologies.
Reaffirm the importance of working together to confront the global challenges related to climate change, committing to all efforts to address this urgent issue by setting and achieving ambitious goals to reduce emissions, adopting renewable energy production, and clean technologies including for abatement and removal, promoting equitable promoting equitable access to climate financing for Small
Island Developing States (SIDS) to support mitigation and adaptation measures, and finding innovative technical solutions that will accelerate the transition to low-emission economies, and continuing to
explore sustainable and inclusive pathways to implement the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Welcome Saudi Arabia’s Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), and its announcement to establish and host a
Prime Minister Honourable Dickon Mitchell

dedicated MGI Secretariat and allocate US $2.5 billion to support MGI projects and governance.
Support the announcement by Saudi Arabia about the establishment of an international water organization based in Riyadh, calling for further decisive global action.
Stress the important role that CARICOM and the Saudi Arabia can play in hosting major sporting events, the Summit endorsed the candidacy of Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. And Welcoming that the Caribbean will host the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024 and Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Recognize the important initiatives arrived at by Saudi Arabia and CARICOM in their respective regions, and decided to hold the Second Saudi Arabia-CARICOM Summit in 2026.
John Briceno
CARICOM Leaders expressed their appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to the Government and People of Saudi Arabia for their hospitality.

Prime Minister, Hon. Philip J. Pierre

Issued in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 16 November 2023

CAPTIONS

Header: CARICOM IN SAUDI ARABIA

1st insert Prime Minister Andrew Holness: At the invitation of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, I am in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with fellow Caricom Heads, for the inaugural Caricom-Saudi Arabia Summit in the capital city of Riyadh.

I extend thanks to His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Riyadh Region for the warm welcome following my arrival at the King Khalid International Airport today.

Jamaica continues to pursue investment and partnership opportunities for our national development and looks forward to robust discussions with Saudi Arabia, for our mutual benefit.

2nd insert: Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne and members of the Antigua and Barbuda delegation departed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Caribbean on Friday following a successful First CARICOM/Saudi Arabia summit in Riyadh.

3rd insert: Ahead of the inaugural Saudi Arabia-CARICOM Summit, Hon Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Barbados held talks with Their Excellencies Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance and Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to follow-up on a number of discussions already in progress.

4th insert: President Dr. Irfaan Ali and other CARICOM leaders held a round table meeting with members of the Saudi Arabian Government today as part of the CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit.

The CARICOM delegation also met with the Crowned Prince, HE Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

The one-day event is being held in the capital city of Riyadh.

5th insert: CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit – Welcoming His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy seen here with Hon Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis.

6th insert: Prime Minister Honourable Dickon Mitchell, alongside fellow Caribbean Heads of Government, actively participated in a Saudi–CARICOM Investment Roundtable. The session welcomed prominent figures from major Saudi private sector companies, fostering an environment conducive to exploring investment prospects.

The primary goals of this meeting were to spotlight the appealing investment landscapes in both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the CARICOM countries. Additionally, it aimed to forge new partnerships between entities from CARICOM nations and Saudi Arabia, with a specific focus on identifying investment opportunities within the Caribbean and establishing robust connections with Saudi companies.

This collaboration underscores our commitment to cultivating mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance economic growth and development in our nation.

7th insert: We thank our new bilateral partner Saudi Arabia for hosting our Belize delegation and those of our CARICOM Countries as we arrive in Riyadh to participate in the Saudi-CARICOM Summit.

I thank Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz and his delegation for the warm welcome at the King Khalid International Airport.

8th insert: Prime Minister, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, forms part of the official delegation of CARICOM Heads of Government (HoGs) that will participate in the inaugural CARICOM-Saudi Summit (The Summit).

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will receive the Prime Minister and the accompanying delegations of CARICOM HoGs for The Summit. The Summit will commence on November 16, 2023.

The Summit facilitates opportunities for Saint Lucia and CARICOM to extend avenues of cooperation on trade and investment, renewable energy, climate change and sustainable development with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Under the stewardship of Prime Minister Pierre, diplomatic relations between the Government of Saint Lucia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have elevated – yielding significant inflows of financing support for capital projects and technical cooperation to advance the development of productive sectors, key to the development of Saint Lucia’s economy.

Minister for Education, Hon. Shawn Edward, will act as Prime Minister of Saint Lucia from November 14, 2023 to November 18, 2023.

Caribbean News

Sandals and Beaches Women Master the Art of Hospitality Leadership

Published

2 weeks ago

April 22, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Montego Bay, Jamaica, April 22, 2026 — At Sandals and Beaches Resorts, leadership excellence is par for the course. This is increasingly evident as the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) continues to provide team members with extraordinary opportunities for higher education, growth and professional development.

Facilitated through the SCU, the programmes offered executive team members the opportunity to pursue advanced studies with Les Roches, an internationally recognised Swiss hospitality university accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Renowned for its comprehensive hospitality curriculum, Les Roches was also recently ranked #2 in the world in Hospitality & Leisure Management by the QS World University Rankings 2026.

The graduating group included EMBA recipients: Heather Effs, regional manager, entertainment – Sandals Resorts, Jamaica, Della John, general manager at Sandals Grande St. Lucian and Melissa Stacy Giddings, regional manager, entertainment in the Eastern Caribbean. Also graduating was Senior Wedding Manager at Sandals Royal Bahamian, Samaria Smith-Cooper who completed the EMIHM programme.

While studying for their degrees, the EMBA students were able to enhance their experience through immersive classroom learning, travelling to the Les Roches campuses in Switzerland and Dubai to participate in the institution’s Residential Weeks. Both weeks, which took place at the start and toward the end of the course, provided the leaders with opportunities for in depth academic exposure, training and collaboration with fellow students from around the world.

Reflecting on their experiences and their decisions to pursue higher education through the SCU, each graduate expressed long standing aspirations to further their education and earn their master’s degrees and extended gratitude to the SCU for making those dreams a reality.

John, who graduated with distinction, shared that it was a proud and emotional moment when she crossed the stage to collect her certificate. She recalled that while the programme was demanding, the opportunity to deepen her knowledge of the hospitality industry on a global level made the journey a rewarding one.

“Education has always been intrinsic to who I am. I believe we must continuously learn so we can grow in this industry where we serve and lead others. This programme allowed me to sharpen my tools as a leader while gaining a broader global perspective on hospitality and tourism. Collaborating with professionals from different countries and cultures was an incredible experience and it challenged me to think differently about the future of our industry,” she remarked.

“My journey continues as I will keep sharing what I have learned to strengthen our teams and our brand every single day.”

For Giddings, the opportunity to network, study with her colleagues and lean into the vastness of hospitality was all the motivation she needed to embark on her Les Roches journey.

“I thought to myself, this was my chance to learn, expand and grow with two women I highly admire and respect.”

She noted that the coursework itself was not without its challenges, but she recognised the value in pushing forward to earn her degree which would inevitably allow her to take the next step in her career.

“It is an investment in yourself. I feel a profound sense of achievement and confidence and I feel prepared and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead,” she added.

Smith-Cooper shared that the EMIHM programme was the perfect opportunity to discover what she was capable of. However, between designing dream destination weddings for couples and navigating parenthood and life in general, she admitted that the undertaking was no small feat.

“One of my biggest challenges was balancing school with my everyday responsibilities at work, at home and in my personal life but this experience showed me that my capacity could grow.”

Despite the demands, she credits determination, self-belief and the encouragement of a strong support system for helping her see the journey through.

“Today, I feel proud, relieved, accomplished and more confident. This programme has helped to build my skills and prepare me for new responsibilities and future opportunities.”

Effs, who also earned her EMBA with distinction, regarded the experience as a transformative step in her professional journey.

“Pursuing this programme was truly a leap of faith for me. The coursework challenged me intellectually and professionally, but each module stretched me in the best way. I was constantly learning, applying and evolving.”

The regional entertainment manager also encouraged other team members to take advantage of the opportunities available through SCU.

“To anyone considering taking the next step through SCU, my advice is simple: take the leap of faith. Trust yourself. Tap into your superpowers. Growth begins the moment you step outside of your comfort zone. The journey may challenge you, but it will also transform you,” Effs added.

Speaking on the partnership with Les Roches, Senior Corporate Director of the SCU, Dr. Luz Longsworth expressed her appreciation for the calibre of hospitality training offered by the institution.

“Les Roches’ commitment to working with the Caribbean really impressed us and we were excited to take a team to Marbella to visit their campus and explore the possibilities for collaboration. The quality of the programme strengthens the capacity of our leaders to navigate the complex and ever evolving world of hospitality and it is highly relevant to the needs of our region,” she shared.

The Sandals Corporate University remains committed to empowering team members through world class training and educational opportunities. By investing in leadership development and professional advancement, SCU continues to equip its people with the tools needed to grow while helping to shape the next generation of hospitality leaders across the Caribbean.

Captions:

Header: SCU Grads 1: Regional Manager, Entertainment – Sandals Resorts, Jamaica, Heather Effs can’t help but strike a playful pose after crossing the Les Roches stage to collect her degree; and SCU Grads 2: Della John, general manager at Sandals Grande St. Lucia is snapped on stage with the Les Roches team at the graduation ceremony held in Switzerland.

1st insert: Senior Wedding Manager at Sandals Royal Bahamian, Samaria Smith-Cooper takes a quick selfie moment post-graduation.

2nd Insert: Melissa Stacy Giddings, regional entertainment manager for the Eastern Caribbean is all joy after completing the postgraduate programme.

Caribbean News

Team Trinidad & Tobago Makes Waves with Historic CARIFTA Aquatics Performance

Published

3 weeks ago

April 14, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

April 14, 2026 – Team Trinidad and Tobago delivered one of the most commanding performances at the 2026 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships, finishing third overall in swimming and second in athletics, signaling a powerful resurgence on the regional stage.

Competing in Martinique, the swim team amassed an impressive 747 points and 59 medals—20 gold, 19 silver and 20 bronze—in what officials are calling a historic showing. The result marks a significant step forward from previous years, reinforcing the country’s growing strength across disciplines and age groups.

Standout performances came from a deep and talented squad. Zahara Anthony led the charge with 72 points, dominating the Girls 11–12 division across freestyle, butterfly and individual medley events. Liam Carrington followed closely with 69 points, delivering a near-flawless campaign in the Boys 15–17 category, while Marena Martinez, Xaiden Valentine and Serenity Pantin added critical points with consistent podium finishes.

The team’s strength was not limited to individual brilliance. Athletes like Micah Alexander, Ethan McMillan-Cole and Jaden Mills showcased versatility and depth, while relay contributions from swimmers including Julius Ennals and Anpherne Bernard helped secure the team’s overall standing.

The performance drew high praise from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs in Trinidad and Tobago, which welcomed the team home in celebration of what was described as a defining moment for the programme.

Minister Phillip Watts noted, “This success is not accidental. It is the result of hard work, structure, vision, and belief. Our young athletes are proving that Trinidad and Tobago is rising again.”

He added that every performance sent a clear message across the region that the country is “not standing still… we are moving forward.”

The showing in Martinique underscores the impact of sustained investment in youth development, coaching and systems, with Team TTO emerging as one of the most complete and competitive squads at CARIFTA 2026.

With momentum now firmly on their side, Trinidad and Tobago’s swimmers are not just competing—they are setting the pace for the future of Caribbean aquatics.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.

Caribbean News

Mottley Celebrates CARIFTA Champions After Stunning Relay Upset

Published

3 weeks ago

April 14, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Barbados, April 14, 2026 – Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley rolled out a hero’s welcome for the island’s CARIFTA athletes, celebrating a team that delivered one of the most talked-about moments of the 2026 championships.

At a reception held at Ilaro Court, Mottley met with the returning team, including the country’s Under-20 men’s 4x400m relay squad—Kyle Gale, Demario Prince, Akeem Sirjue and Jamar Marshall—whose electrifying performance at the Kirani James National Stadium stunned regional powerhouses.

The Barbadian quartet surged to gold in a dramatic finish, toppling both The Bahamas—long dominant in the event—and Jamaica, whose athletes have historically controlled the CARIFTA track scene with decades of relay success.

The victory capped a high-energy night and is already being described as a defining moment for Barbadian athletics.

Speaking after the team’s return, Mottley underscored the national pride sparked by the athletes’ achievements.

“This afternoon filled me with pride. To welcome our CARIFTA athletes to Ilaro Court, to see their smiles, feel their joy and thank them personally for what they have done for Barbados, was deeply special,” she said.

The Prime Minister also announced a $1 million investment to support athlete development, including enhancements to sporting infrastructure, sports science, nutrition and training systems.

“Our young people are soaring already. Barbados must now make sure they have every tool to go even higher,” Mottley added.

The reception signaled not just celebration, but commitment—positioning Barbados to build on a breakthrough moment that has shifted the regional athletics conversation.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.