Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, participated in the Second CARICOM – Canada Foreign Ministers’ Group Meeting which was held virtually on 1st April, 2022. The Co-Chairs of the Meeting were the Honourable Eamon Courtenay, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration of Belize and the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada.
The Meeting reaffirmed the dynamic partnership between CARICOM and Canada and renewed commitment to joint action to address the challenges facing the region including climate change and the war in Ukraine.
Discussions focused on Regional Security and Stability, with Minister Browne speaking on behalf of the region on the topics of strengthening the ongoing collaboration between CARICOM Member States and Canada in the areas of border security, combatting drug and human trafficking as well as the impact of natural disasters on the region.
The Meeting identified areas of cooperation in the joint advocacy for the needs of the Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in multilateral fora, tackling development challenges, strengthening democracy and promoting shared values. One of these key areas is leading on global efforts on Financing for Development and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Ministers also discussed building a resilient and sustainable economic recovery following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular attention being paid to the CARICOM’s ability to access concessional financing for development projects and reducing the debt burden. The Ministers identified increased trade and investment between Canada and CARICOM as one of the methods to stimulate economic growth and development, with an emphasis on sustainability, green infrastructure, agriculture, technology and energy, all of which will be reflected in an upcoming Canada CARICOM Trade Mission.
A major initiative was the decision to begin preparations for a Joint Commission to serve as a permanent mechanism that will define formally the relationship between Canada and CARICOM while advancing collaboration and cooperation. It is expected that this joint commission will be launched by Heads of Government at the inaugural CARICOM - Canada Summit to be held between Caribbean Heads of Government and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to occur later this year.
The dialogue was built upon previous discussions and started new and innovative initiatives toward strengthening the existing bonds. Both parties underscored their commitment to continue working together to enhance engagement on regional and multilateral issues while charting a course for post-COVID-19 recovery.
