CARICOM Heads to Tackle Wide-Ranging Agenda at 31st Inter-Sessional Meeting in Barbados

CARICOM Heads to Tackle Wide-Ranging Agenda at 31st Inter-Sessional Meeting in Barbados

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Monday February 17, 2020 – When Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government meet in Barbados this week, issues ranging from current public health concerns to strengthening ties with Africa will be on their agenda.

The two-day 31st Inter-Sessional Meeting, under the Chairmanship of Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley, is expected to deliberate on a regional approach to the Corona Virus (COVID-19) as well as the continuing challenges posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

During the February 18-29 talks, the Heads are also scheduled to examine the status of implementation of provisions of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). In this regard, they are expected to have an engagement with representatives of the region’s private sector, labour and civil society.

Among other pressing economic development matters, the meeting will discuss digital transformation in CARICOM and an action plan for elimination of regional roaming charges. The need for ongoing advocacy against the challenges of blacklisting, de-risking, and withdrawal of Correspondent Banking Services is also expected to get the Head’s attention.

Also on the agenda is a discussion on a proposed CARICOM African Summit, among a number of foreign and Community relations matters.

The leaders are also due to address crime, violence and security issues affecting the region.

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