KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Andrew Holness is slated to leave the island today to attend the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government meeting in Barbados. 

The 31st Inter-Sessional Meeting of CARICOM, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, is expected to deliberate on a regional approach to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) as well as the continuing challenges posed by non-communicable diseases.

The CARICOM leaders are also expected to examine the status of implementation of provisions of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

In this regard, they are expected to have engagement with representatives of the region’s private sector, labour and civil society.

Among other pressing economic development matters, the meeting is expected to 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 attention of the heads of government.

They are also expected to discuss a proposed CARICOM African summit among a number of foreign and community relations matters.

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

The meeting, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC), begins at 9:00 am tomorrow and ends on Wednesday.

Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, who was scheduled to address the opening session, has cancelled his trip amid criticisms over his government’s handling of anti-pipeline protests which have affected rail service in the country.

Arthur Hall