Caribbean News
CARICOM Leaders team up for Summit in Saudi Arabia
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
Pres Ali declares three days of national mourning following MV Barima tragedy July 21, 2026
His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has declared three days of national mourning following the tragic loss of lives in the M.V. Barima incident, as the nation continues to grieve alongside the families and communities affected.
The period of national mourning will be observed from Wednesday, July 22, through Friday, July 24, 2026, in honour of the victims of the
tragedy. During this time, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on all Government buildings and other appropriate locations across the country.
As part of the observances, Wednesday, July 22, has been designated a National Day of Prayer. A National Day of Prayer and Remembrance will be held at the Kingston Seawall in Georgetown, bringing together citizens in solidarity to honour the lives lost and offer support to grieving families.
The programme of remembrance will continue with a Night of Reflection and Prayer in Port Kaituma on Thursday, July 23, followed by another observance in Mabaruma on Friday, July 24.
The government is also encouraging religious organisations, civic groups and citizens throughout Guyana to organise candlelight vigils and moments of prayer during the three days as the nation collectively reflects on the tragedy and pays tribute to the victims. The declaration of national mourning underscores the government’s commitment to standing with the bereaved families and affected communities as Guyana mourns one of the country’s most heartbreaking maritime tragedies.
By Deandrea Hamilton
Cheaper shipping. Lower energy costs. Better access to healthcare. Stronger consumer protections.
Those are among the measures CARICOM Heads of Government believe could finally begin reducing the stubbornly high cost of living for millions of people across the Caribbean.
Meeting in Saint Lucia, regional leaders agreed that making life more affordable must become one of the Community’s highest priorities.
Their emerging strategy includes reducing freight costs through a regional ferry service, accelerating renewable energy projects to lessen dependence on imported fuel, expanding regional healthcare partnerships, strengthening consumer protection, and encouraging governments to adopt successful cost-of-living measures already being implemented across the Caribbean.
“Our discussions over the past four days were guided by one central objective – ensuring that CARICOM delivers results that people can see and feel in their everyday lives,” CARICOM Chairman and Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre said.
Few places may welcome that relief more than The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Although inflation has moderated in both countries from the sharp increases experienced following the pandemic, the cost of living remains stubbornly high. Families continue to complain about grocery bills that stretch household budgets, rising housing costs, expensive electricity, healthcare expenses and fuel prices that remain among the highest in the region.
Governments have responded.
In The Bahamas, successive reductions in Value Added Tax on selected goods and other targeted tax measures have sought to ease pressure on consumers. In the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Government this weekend opens applications for its $500 Cost of Living Relief Programme, acknowledging that many households continue to struggle despite the country’s economic success.
Yet affordability remains elusive.
The contradiction is difficult to ignore.
The Turks and Caicos Islands continues to post one of the region’s strongest tourism-driven economies, with robust investment, record
visitor spending and sustained construction activity. The Bahamas has also strengthened its economic position, earning improved sovereign credit ratings as tourism, government revenues and fiscal performance continue to recover.
Yet those encouraging economic indicators have not translated into noticeably lower household expenses.
The reason is largely structural.
Both The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands produce relatively little of what they consume. Food, fuel, medicines, vehicles, building materials and countless household essentials are imported. Both countries also record significant trade deficits, illustrating their dependence on overseas suppliers. Every increase in global shipping costs, fuel prices or supply chain disruptions is eventually reflected in supermarket prices, utility bills and the cost of everyday living.
That is why CARICOM’s agenda matters.
If regional leaders succeed in lowering freight costs through an inter-island ferry network, expanding renewable energy, improving regional cargo movement, strengthening consumer protections and making healthcare more accessible through cooperation, the benefits could extend far beyond government balance sheets.
For Bahamians and Turks and Caicos Islanders, success will not be measured by another tourism record or another credit rating upgrade. It will be measured at the supermarket checkout, on the monthly electricity bill, at the gas pump and in the simple ability to afford a better quality of life.
Caribbean News
From Pathways to Investment: Tackling the US $6 Billion Food Challenge for the Caribbean
By Kenroy Roach
The Caribbean’s food systems challenge is fast evolving into a broader development challenge.
Despite decades of policy attention and investment, the region remains one of the most food import-dependent in the world, spending over
US$6 billion annually. At the same time, countries continue to grapple with food insecurity, high rates of diet-related non-communicable diseases, climate vulnerability, and exposure to external shocks that can disrupt supply chains and drive up food prices almost overnight.
For Small Island Developing States (SIDS), food security has shifted from an agriculture focus alone, it’s about economic resilience, health, climate resilience and sustainable growth.
Recognizing this reality, Caribbean governments have elevated food systems transformation as a regional priority through the CARICOM 25 x 25 Plus Five Agenda, which seeks to reduce food import dependence while strengthening domestic production, regional trade, and resilience. Across Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, governments have also developed National Food Systems Pathways that identify the investments, partnerships, and policy reforms needed to transform food systems and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Yet one challenge has remained persistent: financing.
In the face of high levels of public debt and limited fiscal space, while public investment remains critical, Caribbean governments simply cannot shoulder the financing burden alone. Transforming food systems at scale requires mobilizing far greater private capital, alongside development finance and public resources.
This was the rationale behind the recent convened in Barbados.
The Forum brought together governments, investors, international financial institutions, private sector leaders, regional organizations, and the United Nations around a simple proposition: food systems should be viewed not only as a development priority, but also as an investable asset class.
A distinguishing feature of the innovative gathering was its focus on attracting private investment—particularly private equity, impact investment, and blended finance solutions capable of supporting businesses and infrastructure across food value chains. By helping enterprises access growth capital and connecting investors with scalable opportunities, the initiative sought to unlock financing that complements public investment rather than adding to already constrained public balance sheets.
A key outcome was the launch of a regional Deal Book comprising approximately US$320 million in investment opportunities across seven countries, spanning agriculture, fisheries, agro-processing, logistics, and strategic food systems infrastructure. The Deal Book created a practical bridge between capital seeking opportunities and opportunities seeking capital, while enabling direct engagement between governments, enterprises, and investors.
The results were encouraging.
Across four sector-focused deal rooms, participants explored investment-ready and near-investment-ready opportunities and discussed blended finance private equity, risk-sharing, and partnerships to advance projects toward implementation.
The Forum highlighted a shift in perspective: food systems are now seen as strategic drivers of economic diversification, resilience, competitiveness, and growth. Investments across production, processing, logistics, and distribution can strengthen regional supply chains, create new businesses, generate jobs, and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.
For the United Nations, this experience reinforced an important lesson.
Transforming food systems requires more than the technical expertise of individual agencies. It requires integrated solutions that connect agriculture, nutrition, health, climate resilience, trade, private sector development, and financing.
This is where the Resident Coordinator System plays a critical role.
Across Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, the Resident Coordinator Office has united UN system capabilities around a common food systems agenda. Working with FAO, WFP, the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, and other partners, the RCO has helped align policy support, technical expertise, partnerships, and financing with nationally identified priorities.
The Forum demonstrated this integrated approach by convening governments, investors, development finance institutions, private sector actors, and UN agencies around a common objective. It showcased the UN’s comparative advantage as a trusted broker capable of connecting development priorities with investment opportunities.
The Forum’s success will be measured not by dialogue generated, but by investments mobilized, businesses expanded, and progress made toward resilient, competitive Caribbean food systems across the Caribbean.
Its most important outcome may therefore be what comes next.
The work starts now.
Kenroy Roach is Head of the UN Resident Coordinator Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean
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