The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has commended the Government of Guyana for its commitment to transforming the regional agri-food systems in the Caribbean.
CARICOM today held the opening ceremony of the 33rd Inter-Sessional Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government which is being held in Ambergris Caye, Belize.
During opening remarks, the new Chair of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Belize, John Briceño commended President Dr Irfaan Ali for the substantial progress made under his stewardship in relation to transforming the regional agri-food systems.
He said the Special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security has made progress in identifying priorities, commodities, levels of investment required and policy reforms needed against a timeline.
Briceño said,
“I must commend his Excellency Irfaan Ali, the President of Guyana, for his leadership and personal commitment to transforming the regional agri-food system.”
He believes CSME is the answer to reducing the region’s food import bill and generating economic growth.
“A robust CSME is indispensable to building resilient economies. It is central to our economic recovery. Integration binds together our community and this community is at its core—family,"
the Chair of CARICOM stated.
He also charged the leaders to redouble efforts to complete the removal of the remaining barriers to inter-regional trade, empower the private sector and give full effect to the regime for free movement, including by addressing administrative obstacles.
Guyana holds lead responsibility for agriculture, agricultural diversification, and food security in CARICOM and is spearheading the regional body’s quest of reducing its US$5b food importation bill.
