10 July 2012: The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) met and discussed the Community’s place and positions in international fora, trade agreements, reform of CARICOM institutions, and possible economic and fiscal policy reforms to promote growth, development and competitiveness.

CARICOM leaders held their 33rd Regular Meeting from 4-6 July 2012, at Gros Islet, Saint Lucia. In opening statements, outgoing CARICOM Chairman Desiré Delano Bouterse, President of Suriname, expressed dissatisfaction with the outcomes of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20), and called on CARICOM to take measures to stave off threats to its sustainability.

Incoming Chairman Kenny D. Anthony, Prime Minister, Saint Lucia, called for CARICOM to “overhaul and redefine its foreign policy positions and postures” to move towards “a dynamic and outward stance of engagement with third States,” particularly in Africa and Latin America. Donald Ramotar, President, Guyana, underscored the threat posed to CARICOM by climate change, and advocated that CARICOM adopt a common position in global climate negotiations regarding the Adaptation Mechanism, Technology Mechanism and REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks). Irwin LaRocque, CARICOM Secretary-General, called for more integration.

The Heads of Government examined external trade issues, expressed hope for significant progress in the July 2012 round of negotiations with Canada of a Trade and Development Agreement, and mandated the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) to ensure full preparation for the October extraordinary meeting with the Dominican Republic regarding implementation of the CARICOM-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement.

Regarding economic and financial forces affecting the Community, they agreed on the need to, inter alia: re-examine policy approaches to growth and development; review fiscal policy with a view to more adequately supporting growth and development; and develop a Caribbean Investment Programme to support efforts at stabilization, growth and competitive production. They also called on the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to structure its lending products and processes to help CARICOM efforts at promoting growth and development.

The leaders discussed implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and endorsed subcommittee recommendations on the matter, including steps to improve the free movement of skilled Community nationals and acceptance of the principle that those Member States wishing to integrate faster should be allowed to do so.

The Secretary-General updated the leaders on the institutional reforms already in place or proposed for the CARICOM Secretariat, and received their approval to continue the reform process. They stressed the need for the Secretariat to develop a comprehensive communications strategy to improve citizen support for the Community. [CARICOM Communiqué]