Belize Participates in 42nd CARICOM heads of government meeting

John Briceño, prime minister of Belize, headed the Belize delegation to the 42nd regular meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) from 5th July 2021 to 6th July 2021.

Wednesday, 7th July 2021

Belize: John Briceño, prime minister of Belize, headed the Belize delegation to the 42nd regular meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) from 5th July 2021 to 6th July 2021. In speaking a wide range of critical points during the virtual meeting, the heads assessed the regional advancements made in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The heads agreed to intensify their efforts to acquire adequate supplies of vaccines with the determination to complete regional herd immunity of 80% coverage by the end of 2021 and mandated the mobilization of resources to address COVID vaccine hesitancy. Belize government, in the press release, stated that the Heads of Government emphasized that the CARICOM Single Market & Economy must be used as an vital vehicle for rebuilding & transforming the economies of member states destroyed by the pandemic. The proposal to incentivize private sector partnership in discussing transport and logistics requirements for the successful implementation of the Agri-Food Systems Agenda was also endorsed by the leaders. CARICOM Heads also got a report on the political situation in Haiti and updates on regional natural disasters from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Guyana, Suriname, and Barbados. A report on the Joint Tourism Policy for the region was presented, and the heads endorsed the recommendation for a harmonized policy to cater to the return of cruise ships to the region. The heads welcomed the report on the ongoing efforts towards the elimination of roaming charges for the region as part of the creation of a CARICOM Single ICT Space. As of July 1, 2021, Prime Minister Briceño joined the Bureau of the Conference and will serve in that capacity over an 18-month period. Belize will take up the CARICOM Chairmanship in January 2022 and will host the 33rd Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in February 2022.