Regional and international leaders are attending the 48th regular meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Barbados on Wednesday.

Bridgetown.- The meeting’s theme is “Strength in Unity: Building Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth, and Sustainable Development.”

The heads of Government will discuss several pressing issues facing the Community, including food and nutrition security, climate change and the climate finance agenda, current challenges in Haiti, security issues, digital resilience, foreign affairs, and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

During two days, the leaders' agenda also includes reparations for abuses suffered during the slavery era and maritime and air transportation, among other issues.

The meeting is chaired by the bloc’s rotating president, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, and CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett.

According to the program, opening remarks will be delivered by the presidents of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell and Montserrat, Reuben T. Meade, as well as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the latter two as special guests.

“The Heads of Government will assess the challenges posed by the rapidly changing global context and seek solutions that promote regional integration and economic and social development,” Carla Barnett stated. (PL)