Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) arrives in Belize for the 33rd Inter-Sessional Conference of the Heads of Government of CARICOM. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs-Belize/Facebook

Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration in Belize, Amalia Mai welcomes Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) to Belize. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs-Belize/Facebook

Barbados Prime Minister Mia A. Mottley arrives in Belize for the 33rd Inter-Sessional Conference of the Heads of Government of CARICOM in San Pedro, Belize. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs-Belize/Facebook

Grenada Prime Minister Dr Keith C.I. Mitchell arrives in Belize for the 33rd Inter-Sessional Conference of the Heads of Government of CARICOM in San Pedro, Belize. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs-Belize/Facebook

The Meeting which begins today, March 1 and concludes on March 2, 2022, under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Mr John Antonio Briceño of Belize, is expected to address a wide range of issues, including advancing the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), regarded as the Region’s most practical option for responding to current economic challenges, and building a more resilient Caribbean Community.

Several ‘major issues to be deliberated’

According to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Heads of Government will deliberate on several major issues, including the Region’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

The situation in Member State Haiti, including the current political impasse and security and socio-economic challenges, will also be examined. Heads will also discuss the regional security situation including any new challenges from the period of the pandemic.

Food security

The Meeting is expected to advance the CARICOM Agri-Food systems agenda with recommendations for regional food and nutrition security.  The Heads are also expected to engage representatives of the Private Sector, Labour and Civil Society.

It said Climate Change, an existential threat to Caribbean small island and low-lying States is also before the Meeting, which will assess the outcomes of COP26 – the last global Climate Change conference in Glasgow, and begin to outline the Region’s plan of work for COP27.