40th conference of CARICOM to be held in Saint Lucia from July 3-5

The Island country Saint Lucia is going to host the 40th meeting of heads of government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) fifteen member states on July 3 to 5. The meeting will be lead by the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Allen Chastanet, who would assume CARICOM's chairmanship for the period of six months (July 1 to December 31, 2019).

With a yearlong celebration across the island, St Lucia is celebrating 40 years of independence, at the same time, CARICOM member states heads will meet next month.

Saint Lucia official departments are preparing for the CARICOM meeting where Island nations' culture, heritage and hospitality will be highlighted. The heads of government, other leaders and delegations from member states will be brought together through the meeting. Apart from them, four high profile and distinguished special guests will also participate in the meeting.

A forum will be co-hosted by CARICOM secretary-general, ambassador Irwin LaRocque along with the St Lucian youth ambassadors McAllister Hunt and Ezbai Francis, to discuss current issues of significance to upcoming leaders and young activists around the region. The forum will begin from 5 pm on July 1, 2019, and carried live via social networks and electronic media. LaRocque will also engage the media during a special briefing July 2.

The 19th meeting of the council on finance and planning will be held July 3, ahead of the official opening ceremony for the CARICOM meeting, which starts at 4 pm and will be broadcast and streamed live.

Heads of government will meet in plenary and caucus from July 4 – 5, to deliberate on matters related to the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and crime and security in the region.