Security, climate, geopolitics among key agenda for July CARICOM meeting

The upcoming 49th meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government will place strong emphasis on strengthening regional security, advancing food and nutrition security, accelerating efforts to address the impacts of climate change, as well as addressing emerging geopolitical issues.

The meeting convenes 6-8 July, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, with Dr Andrew Holness as Chair. Jamaican Prime Minister (PM) Holness assumes the six-month rotating Chairmanship of the Community on July 1, 2025.
In a video message released ahead of the 49th meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government, CARICOM Secretary-Gweneral (SG) Dr Carla Barnett emphasised that the upcoming summit will focus on strengthening regional security, improving food and nutrition security, and advancing the region’s response to climate change.
She noted that these priority areas reflect the urgent need for collective action to safeguard the Caribbean’s long-term stability, sustainability, and development.
“Discussions will focus on strategies to improve regional security, efforts to enhance food and nutrition security, and initiatives to combat the adverse impacts of climate change on our vulnerable nations. We will also address emerging geopolitical issues, such as the impact of US (United States) tariffs on the region, as well as how the provisions of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) can contribute to national and regional growth and sustainable development.”
Moreover, the SG expressed her enthusiasm about the upcoming meeting, noting that the conference will serve as a critical platform for regional leaders to unite in pursuit of the shared interests and priorities of CARICOM. She underscored the importance of collaboration and collective decision-making in addressing the region’s most pressing challenges.
“We look forward to the creative expressions which will accompany some of the activities. Our expectation is that this meeting of the Conference will engender those discussions and decisions that will lead to meaningful outcomes for the Caribbean community,” she added.
The Conference of Heads of Government, which consists of the Heads of Government of the Member States, is the supreme organ of CARICOM and determines and provides its policy direction.
In addition to this function, it is the final authority for the conclusion of Treaties on behalf of the Community and for entering into relationships between the Community and International Organisations and States.
The Conference is also responsible for making the financial arrangements to meet the expenses of the Community, but has delegated this function to the Community Council.
Decisions of the Conference are generally taken unanimously.