In a shift of leadership within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Guyana officially took the reins of the rotating chairmanship on January 1, marking the commencement of a six-month term dedicated to propelling regional development and fostering prosperity across member states.
President Irfaan Ali, in his New Year address, articulated an unwavering commitment to fortify the security of the Caribbean nations while emphasizing the pivotal significance of preserving peace as a guiding principle.
“This New Year brings renewed possibilities to continue targeted programs to advance CARICOM’s strategic priorities with the objective of pursuing the region’s development goals and striving for peace and prosperity across our Caribbean Community,” President Ali stated.
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Addressing the concern of regional security, President Ali highlighted the global challenges to peace and reaffirmed CARICOM’s dedication to upholding international peace and security within that part of the world. “We ended 2023 with CARICOM’s robust role in assuring the rule of international peace and security in our corner of the world,” he stated.
Ali articulated CARICOM’s unwavering commitment to resolving border controversies through peaceful and legal means, underscoring its efforts to combat crime and violence, notably through the “War on Guns” campaign. Notably, Ali emphasized the imperative to restore peace and stability in Haiti, a member state currently grappling with significant challenges.
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Furthermore, the president emphasized the focus on enhancing food and nutrition security, particularly amid adversities posed by climate change. He commended member states’ progress towards reducing the region’s food import bill and underscored the commitment to further advancements in the agricultural sector through sustainable energy services and improved regional transportation.
President Ali stressed CARICOM’s advocacy for fair access to financing to address the impact of climate change on small island developing states (SIDS) and low-lying coastal developing states. He emphasized the disproportionate burden faced by these nations despite their minimal contribution to climate change, calling for actionable commitments from major emitters.
The president also outlined plans to continue advancing CARICOM’s integration movement, ensuring the exercise of free movement within the Community, establishing a regional capital market, and encouraging broader participation from various sectors, including the private sector, labor organizations, and civil society.
Additionally, President Ali announced Guyana’s hosting of the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of CARICOM in February, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the integrationist bloc.
The president concluded his address by emphasizing the collective objective of enhancing citizens’ lives through sustained cooperation, promising high-quality health services, improved educational systems, secure living environments, job creation, and an investment-friendly financial climate.
The presidency’s focus under Ali’s leadership appears set on amplifying cooperation, pursuing sustainable development, and fortifying the region’s resilience while navigating complex challenges in the year ahead.
Ali succeeded Dominican counterpart Roosevelt Skerrit, who led CARICOM since July 1, 2023.
