Jamaica will host the 49th CARICOM meeting in July 2025, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness becoming Chairman on July 1. The meeting will focus on trade and security, following preliminary discussions at a previous conference. It will also coincide with the International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, leading to a schedule adjustment.
The 49th Regular Meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will take place in Jamaica in July 2025. Planning is actively underway for this significant event. At a recent JIS Think Tank, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, announced that Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness will assume the role of CARICOM Chairman on July 1.
Key topics for discussion will include trade and security, which are critical issues for the region. Minister Johnson Smith highlighted that Prime Minister Holness had already addressed these matters at the previous CARICOM meeting held in Barbados in February. She emphasized, “We’re doing the work between the two meetings to allow for a richer discussion. Security, as you know, is one of the critical constraints on economic growth across all of the countries in the region.”
The Minister noted the Prime Minister’s advocacy for a comprehensive approach to tackle transnational crime and enhance cooperative mechanisms among nations, indicating this will be a pivotal part of the agenda. The upcoming CARICOM meeting will also align closely with the International Conference on Financing for Development taking place in Seville, Spain, from June 30 to July 3.
In summary, Jamaica’s hosting of the 49th CARICOM Meeting is positioned to address pivotal issues such as trade and security under the leadership of Prime Minister Andrew Holness. The timing of the meeting has been strategically adjusted to accommodate the participation of Heads of Government in both meetings, underscoring the importance of collaborative discussions in addressing regional challenges.
Original Source: jis.gov.jm
