The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has significantly enhanced its international diplomatic network through the formal accreditation of three new European ambassadors this week. Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett presided over ceremonies welcoming senior diplomats from Sweden, Norway, and Austria to the regional organization.
On February 3rd, Dr. Barnett accepted the Letters of Credence from Swedish Ambassador Her Excellency Maria Velasco, followed the next day by the accreditation of Norwegian Ambassador His Excellency John Petter Opdahl and Austrian Ambassador His Excellency Gerold Vollmer.
During the ceremonies, Dr. Barnett emphasized the strategic importance of these partnerships, noting Sweden’s critical role in climate action and energy infrastructure development. ‘Our collaboration spans bilateral, regional, and multilateral dimensions,’ she stated, highlighting joint initiatives in ocean governance, water resource management, and climate adaptation strategies.
The Secretary-General particularly acknowledged Norway’s longstanding support, recalling its instrumental role in establishing CARICOM’s Secretariat Office in Haiti in the early 2000s. She praised Norway’s continued commitment to regional security through support of the Gang Suppression Force under UN mandates.
Regarding Austria’s engagement, Dr. Barnett highlighted financial contributions to the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) and professional development programs for Caribbean diplomats. All three ambassadors were urged to prioritize Haiti’s stabilization efforts given the nation’s ongoing political transition.
In response, the European ambassadors emphasized shared global perspectives. Ambassador Velasco noted that CARICOM and EU nations collectively represent 41 countries with aligned positions on international issues. Ambassador Opdahl reaffirmed Norway’s dedication to addressing challenges faced by small island states, while Ambassador Vollmer outlined three key collaboration areas including potential establishment of a CARICOM office in Vienna.