CARICOM Summit begins today in Grenada

Heads of state and government from the 15 member countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are set to meet in St George, Grenada, today, to tackle the region’s big issues.

Development is expected to be high on the agenda for the 38th CARICOM Summit, which will be presided over by Grenadian Prime Minister Keith Mitchell.

Disagreements over a regional response to the crisis in Venezuela may cause friction, although the matter is not formally due to be discussed.

The meeting will be attended for the first time by Haitian President Jovenel Moise and Bahamnan Head of Government Hubert Minnis, who were elected earlier this year.

The meeting’s agenda includes a presentation of the human resources development strategy up to 2030, as well as discussions on a plan to boost talent “regarding the economic and social spheres during the 21st century”.

Other points to be looked into include the rolling out of a CARICOM single market, as well as preparations for the 12th CARIFESTA.

The Caribbean Arts festival, planned to be held in Antigua and Barbuda next month, is themed 'Reaffirmation of our Culture, which Celebrates Ourselves’.