(Commonwealth_ The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, will join Caribbean leaders at the upcoming Caribbean Community (CARICOM) meeting to discuss solutions to pressing regional challenges such as climate resilience, economic development, and food security. The 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community is set to take place in Barbados from 19 to 21 February 2025. Under the theme ‘Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth, and Sustainable Development,’ the meeting will bring together regional leaders to advance collaborative strategies for sustainable progress.
Ahead of the high-level gathering, the Commonwealth Secretary-General reflected on her tenure and the strong partnership between the Commonwealth and CARICOM:
“As I conclude my tenure as Commonwealth Secretary-General, I am proud to have worked alongside CARICOM leaders to advance our shared values of democracy, human rights, and sustainable development. Our collaboration has demonstrated the power of unity and cooperation in addressing key regional challenges.
“The Caribbean is at the forefront of climate resilience and sustainable development, and I am honoured to have played a role in supporting these efforts. As I attend my final CARICOM meeting as Secretary-General, I reaffirm the Commonwealth’s commitment to working with the region to address its unique challenges.”
During the conference, the Secretary-General will address a plenary session, providing an update on the Commonwealth Secretariat’s support for CARICOM member states. Her speech will focus on key issues such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and debt management. She will also highlight the impact of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, which assists small and vulnerable states in securing funding to address climate-related challenges.
In addition to her address, she will engage in discussions with regional leaders on a range of critical issues affecting CARICOM. These include food and nutrition security, security concerns, digital resilience, external relations, and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. The outcomes of these discussions will help shape a roadmap for future Commonwealth support in the region, emphasizing key programmes and initiatives that align with CARICOM’s development priorities. A key aspect of the Secretary-General’s participation will be her update on the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to take place in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026. The agenda for this major summit is expected to focus on the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States, climate change, international trade, and economic innovation. The meeting will provide a platform for leaders to strategize on sustainable growth and resilience-building measures for the region.
Ahead of her arrival in Barbados, the Secretary-General also acknowledged the role of her successor, the Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, in continuing the Commonwealth’s efforts in the Caribbean and beyond:
“My dear sister, the Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, will be here in the Caribbean to hold her first CHOGM as Secretary-General. She will build on the progress we have made, taking our collective efforts to the next level as we continue to champion the interests of our member states, particularly Small Island Developing States.”
The Commonwealth, comprising 56 member countries, includes twelve CARICOM states. With a population of 2.7 billion, the Commonwealth spans both advanced economies and developing nations. Among its members, 33 are small states, many of which are island nations facing similar developmental and environmental challenges. The Commonwealth Secretariat plays a crucial role in supporting its members by offering policy guidance, technical assistance, and advisory services. Its initiatives help member countries achieve sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to fostering resilience and prosperity across the Caribbean region and beyond.
