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CARICOM Heads of Government Gather in Barbados for 48th Regular Meeting under theme Strength in Unity
Barbados hosts the 48th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government, focusing on unity, resilience, growth, and sustainable development. Leaders discuss various issues and enjoy cultural performances during the event.
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Originally published by nationnews.com (opens in new tab)
Barbados rolled out the red carpet for CARICOM heads of government and other world leaders yesterday.
Representatives of the 15 CARICOM member states and five associate members attended the opening ceremony of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM at Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
The ceremony was to usher in the three-day meeting, which is being held under the theme Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development.
Just before 5:30 p.m. security was tight at the venue as the 15 Prime Ministers and Premiers and other leaders arrived at the Two Mile Hill, St Michael conference facility.
Shortly after, they entered the lobby where they posed for the official photo on a red carpet, in front of the flags of their respective countries and territories.
The sweet sounds of the Barbados Police Service Band helped usher them into the spacious and well lit Frangipani Room where hundreds of distinguished guests awaited their arrival.
Chair of CARICOM, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, outgoing chair and Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell, Premier of Monsterrat Reuben Meade, CARICOM’s Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett, Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen delivered speeches.
They tackled several issues such as crime, reparations, education reform, the high cost of living, regional integration and the climate crisis.
Amidst the speeches, they were well entertained thanks to Nikita, who sang the CARICOM song beautifully.
The Israel Lovell and Haynesville Youth Drummers performed a piece entitled Brass.
Cyndi Celeste delivered a spoken word piece entitled Chain Mail. She entertained while leaving the audience with some food for thought. Vocalist Israel Allen, who was accompanied by pianist Darien Bailey, sang a version of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song, while Riddim ‘Celebrated CARICOM’ by dancing to several popular tunes including Togetherness by Square One.
However, it was the performance by the Christ Church Foundation School Steel Orchestra that got the entire audience on their feet.
The students performed songs such as Engine Room and Hookin Meh. (TG)
