Prime Minister Holness Closes 49th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting with Bold Commitments on Security, Trade, Governance, Movement, and Regional Unity
CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, has officially closed the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), charting a decisive path forward on critical issues affecting the region.
In a detailed address during the closing press conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on Tuesday (July 8), Prime Minister Holness reaffirmed the region’s commitment to deepening integration, accelerating implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), advancing regional security, and elevating the region’s voice on the global stage.
On the CSME, Prime Minister Holness announced a pivotal breakthrough: “We agreed that the pace and scope of implementation are just too slow, and we agreed to speed them up. I am pleased to share that we are now moving from applying administratively the Protocol on Enhanced Cooperation, with four countries reiterating their willingness to implement full free movement under the Protocol starting October 1, 2025.”
To support this goal, the Regional Heads of Government also approved the inclusion of Aviation Personnel under the Skills Regime, with Jamaica contributing three new categories: Photogrammetry, Field Maintenance Personnel, and Aircraft Maintenance Personnel.
Prime Minister Holness, who also chairs the External Trade Negotiations Committee, emphasized the importance of unified strategic responses to global shifts in trade policy.
“The External Trade Negotiations Committee, which I lead, continues to monitor developments in the trade space as we develop a collective, strategic response to the issues that affect us.”
Security issue for deliberations for the Conference of Heads
CARICOM adopted the Montego Bay Declaration on Transnational Organized Crime and Gangs, reaffirming a collective stance against criminal networks.
Prime Minister Holness stressed: “A secure CARICOM is a viable CARICOM, and as such, security remains high on the agenda for the duration of my chairmanship and beyond.”
Dr. Holness noted key discussions with His Excellency Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary-General of INTERPOL, and the Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary-General, Albert Ramdin, concerning deeper regional cooperation and access to global resources.
The crisis in Haiti also featured prominently. CARICOM reaffirmed its support for the Transitional Presidential Council and received updates on the security and constitutional reform efforts now underway.
In the meantime, climate change remained a core theme, as leaders looked toward November’s COP30 in Brazil. Prime Minister Holness reported: “We approved our regional climate priorities and the Revised Framework for Building Climate Resilience (2025–2030), ensuring the Caribbean speaks with one voice on climate financing and adaptation.”
Food and nutrition security received renewed attention with the endorsement of the Food Security Formulation and Design Plan.
The Prime Minister lauded Guyana’s leadership, noting: “A recent report highlighted Guyana as the only country in the world that has the capacity to feed itself.”
CARICOM Heads also endorsed proposals to improve governance and decision-making across the regional bloc. The Prime Minister noted: “The reality is that our operations must be more agile and fit-for-purpose as we seek to deliver outcomes for our Community in more efficient and timely ways.”
Other discussion outcomes of the conference under the chairmanship of Dr. Holness included:
- Advancing a CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy;
- Establishing a Regional Population Commission;
- Supporting youth involvement through the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors;
- Operationalizing the CARICOM Education Transformation Commission (CETC);
- Harmonizing legislation to protect young people online;
- Deliberating on regional transportation with a focus on a new ferry system;
- Supporting reparatory justice, including Jamaica’s petition to King Charles III for a ruling from the Privy Council on the legality of slavery.
Prime Minister Holness expressed sincere appreciation to all teams for their contribution to the success of the conference.
“I am inspired by what we have accomplished and confident of what we will continue to achieve together.”