Georgetown, Guyana – Today, the Honourable Hugh Hilton Todd, Guyana’s Foreign Minister, chairs the 52nd Community Council of Ministers meeting for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Held in a hybrid format, the session tackles crucial topics like the 2024 CARICOM Secretariat budget and work program, preparations for the upcoming Heads of Government summit, and the long-awaited free movement of citizens within the community.
As the current chair of CARICOM, assumed by Guyana on January 1st, 2024, Minister Todd spearheads discussions aiming to chart the regional bloc’s course for the year ahead. The 2024 budget and work program set the roadmap for the Secretariat’s activities, encompassing initiatives in key areas like economic integration, security, and climate change.
Another critical agenda item focuses on the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, scheduled for February 25–28, 2024, in Georgetown, Guyana. This highly anticipated summit will see regional leaders address pressing issues affecting CARICOM nations and chart the community’s future direction.
Furthermore, the meeting delves into the implementation of the landmark decision on free movement of CARICOM citizens. This longstanding aspiration to allow unhindered travel for community members across member states promises significant economic and social benefits. Progress on this initiative will be central to the discussions.