Leaders from the Caribbean region have convened in Ottawa for a two-day summit with Canada, aiming to strengthen ties and cooperation. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed twelve leaders from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which consists of 15 countries and five overseas territories. Notably, the summit marks the first visit of Haiti’s de facto Prime Minister Ariel Henry to Canada since assuming office in August 2021 following the assassination of Haiti’s president.
CARICOM focuses on various initiatives such as economic growth and climate change. In recent times, the group has prioritized addressing the situation in Haiti. During the summit, three working sessions are scheduled along with individual meetings between Trudeau and the leaders. Additionally, a trade and investment roundtable is set to take place, followed by an afternoon press conference on Thursday.
Esteemed attendees include Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who serves as co-chair of a United Nations advocacy group for Sustainable Development Goals alongside Trudeau. The Prime Ministers of the Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago are also present. Moreover, the Presidents of Guyana and Suriname, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Grenada, and the High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda are expected to join the discussions.
Highlighting the significance of Haiti in Canada’s foreign-policy agenda, the Trudeau government has considered it a key priority. Recently, the United Nations Security Council approved a multinational military intervention, led by Kenya, to address the violence caused by gangs in Haiti. These criminal activities have not only posed a threat but also hindered access to essential resources for the Haitian population.
In crafting partnerships with Caribbean nations, Canada aims to foster cross-regional collaborations on various fronts. As the summit unfolds, the leaders will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen ties, and work towards mutual progress. The engagement between Canada and the Caribbean serves as a testament to the significance of regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges and promoting inclusive growth.
