ST JAMES, Jamaica — Caribbean Community (Caricom) Chair, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, has lauded the cooperative efforts among member states to meet challenges in the face of global issues.

He was providing opening remarks at the opening plenary session of the 49th Regional Meeting of the Conference of Caricom Heads of Government, now underway in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

“It has been a period of geopolitical and socio-economic uncertainty, but we have been able to work even more closely to ensure that our movement remains vigilant and united in its response to the challenges that confront us as a region,” he told the gathering.

“We must ensure that the developmental aspirations of member states are advanced in a way that enhances the prospect for a secure and sustainable future,” Holness added.

Caricom, which is made up mainly of small island developing states (SIDS), is a twenty-country political and economic bloc with 15 member states and five associate members.

The 49th Regional Meeting of the Conference of Caricom Heads of Government is now underway in Montego Bay, Jamaica. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Holness said he looks forward to the discussions over the next few days with his fellow leaders.

“It is imperative that we do so in order that the vision that we have for peoples to live full and prosperous lives can be realised in a meaningful and practical way,” he said.

Secretary General of Caricom, Dr Carla Barnett, also made a similar advocacy in her opening remarks.

“The agenda before us today reflects many of the pressing regional issues on which action needs to be taken and we anticipate that there will be robust and considered discussion on each item,” she remarked.

“We must remain focused on our objective to ensure the economic and social sustainability of the region, to amplify our voices on critical issues in the international arena, and to advance the prosperity and well-being of all our people,” she said.