CARICOM signs agreement for technical cooperation with Spain

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) held a meeting with the Kingdom of Spain to sign a new agreement for technical cooperation among different sectors for the next five years. The meeting took place at the CARICOM Secretariat headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana.

The meeting is reported to be the fourth joint meeting by the two allies where they discussed several important areas of discussion including Food and Nutrition Security, Health, Climate Change and Disaster reduction.

This meeting was set in accordance to discuss the key areas of development and to establish and implement necessary cooperation and strategic initiatives, while also discussing the plans for the new cooperation program within the scientific and technical cooperation agreement between the two allies.

The agreement was signed by Elizabeth Solomon, Assistant Secretary-General for Foreign and Community Relations for CARICOM. However, on behalf of Spain, Anton Garcia, Director of the Agency, signed the agreement.

Solomon Stated that the areas of discussions align well with the communities aims to increase food security, addressing climate change and strengthening regional health systems.

While emphasizing healthcare, Solomon stated, “CARICOM’s strategic focus is centered on addressing emerging health challenges and fortifying health systems in the Region, with specific emphasis on prevention and control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).”

She also quoted a 25% reduction in the region’s food import bill by 2025 while stating, “We are striving to cut the region’s food import bill by 25% by 2025, enhancing intra-regional commerce, strengthening the agri-food system, encouraging long-term wealth creation opportunities for potential investors, and ensuring food and nutrition security for all CARICOM member states.”

It is to be noted that the 47th regular meeting of the CARICOM community was recently held in Grenada, which led to Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell as the new chairman of the community. This year, CARICOM also welcomed Curacao as a new member of the community.

This year’s meeting was focused on discussing topics including sustainability, climate change, foreign policy development, CARICOM single market and economy (CSME), and digital technologies.

The event this year was held over a span of 3 days and it also included tree plantation exercise by the members to symbolize the efforts of integrity across the nation.

Apart from tree plantation exercise the event also featured a business session, at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort in Grand Anse. However, the closing ceremony was conducted on 30th July 2024 at the same venue.