Belize joins CARCOM leaders in the 51st meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government

Belize has joined regional leaders in discussions focused on strengthening Caribbean cooperation and addressing shared challenges at the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, held in Saint Lucia from July fifth to eighth. Representing Belize was Attorney General Honorable Anthony Sylvestre, who led the country’s delegation on behalf of Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño. The regional summit addressed key issues including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, climate change and climate financing, food security, public health preparedness, regional security, and developments in Haiti and Cuba. During the meeting, French Guiana was also admitted as CARICOM’s eighth Associate Member. Attorney General Sylvestre participated in discussions on issues affecting Caribbean citizens, including the rising cost of living, crime and security, and the future leadership of CARICOM. Heads of Government agreed to seek guidance from the Caribbean Court of Justice on matters relating to the reappointment process of the CARICOM Secretary-General. Belize also advanced discussions on climate resilience, regional integration, and national priorities, including an update on Belize-Guatemala relations. On the margins of the conference, Belize held bilateral meetings with Saint Lucia, Cuba, the Republic of Korea, and Australia to explore cooperation in areas such as climate change, sargassum management, trade, and technical assistance. Attorney General Sylvestre also signed an amendment to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas aimed at improving the process for updating rules of origin under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.