Jamaica will host the 49th Regular Meeting of CARICOM in July 2025. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness will chair discussions focused on trade and security, essential challenges for regional economic growth. The meeting is scheduled one week later to accommodate attendees of an international conference in Seville, Spain.
The 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will take place in Jamaica in July 2025. 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 Chairmanship of CARICOM on July 1.
Key issues slated for discussion during the meeting include trade and security. Senator Johnson Smith highlighted that Prime Minister Holness will lead discussions on these topics, having previously addressed them at the 48th Regular Meeting held in Barbados in February.
Senator Johnson Smith emphasized the importance of addressing security as a critical barrier to economic growth in the region. She observed that Prime Minister Holness has advocated for a global approach to tackle transnational crime by enhancing cooperative mechanisms.
Significantly, the CARICOM meeting will take place shortly after the International Conference on Financing for Development scheduled in Seville, Spain from June 30 to July 3. Senator Johnson Smith mentioned, “We are likely to have the CARICOM meeting one week later than usual,” to accommodate the attendance of Heads of Government who are also Finance Ministers.
In conclusion, Jamaica’s hosting of the 49th Regular Meeting of CARICOM in July 2025 marks a significant moment for regional collaboration. The focus on trade and security reflects the pressing challenges that Caribbean nations face. Furthermore, the adjustment in the schedule allows leaders to participate in broader international dialogues on development financing, enhancing cooperation within the community.
Original Source: jis.gov.jm
