标签： Saint Kitts and Nevis

ST. KITTS AND NEVIS – Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is participating in the landmark 50th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government, joining fellow regional leaders in critical deliberations aimed at shaping the Caribbean’s future trajectory. The summit, convened under the chairmanship of St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, carries the ambitious theme “Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable CARICOM.

The historic gathering brings together heads of government from across the Caribbean Community to address pressing regional priorities including enhanced economic cooperation, sustainable development initiatives, food security measures, climate resilience strategies, regional security frameworks, and the accelerated strengthening of Caribbean integration mechanisms.

Prime Minister Friday’s involvement demonstrates his administration’s steadfast commitment to advancing St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ interests within the regional integration movement while fostering collaborative partnerships to tackle shared challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities. His participation includes active engagement in plenary sessions and bilateral discussions with regional counterparts on matters of mutual interest, all directed toward fortifying cooperation throughout the Community.

The conference’s opening ceremony, held at the Marriott Dome in Frigate Bay from 4:00 PM local time, marks the commencement of this significant diplomatic event. NBC Radio provided live coverage of the ceremonial proceedings, allowing citizens across the region to witness this pivotal moment in Caribbean diplomacy.

Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis – Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia is participating in the landmark 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), taking place from February 24 to 27. The high-level gathering, themed ‘Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable CARICOM,’ brings together regional leaders to address a comprehensive agenda of critical issues.

The summit’s deliberations will focus on advancing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), a cornerstone of regional economic integration. Additional priority topics include the urgent need for enhanced climate financing mechanisms, bolstering regional security frameworks, and the ongoing pursuit of reparations. Discussions will also encompass pressing hemispheric and global developments affecting the Caribbean bloc.

This meeting holds particular significance for Saint Lucia, which is poised to assume the rotating chairmanship of CARICOM later this year. In an official statement, the Saint Lucian government affirmed its commitment to ‘work collaboratively with regional partners to support the implementation of decisions and to sustain momentum on key regional objectives.’

The formal proceedings commenced with an opening ceremony on the afternoon of February 24. To ensure transparency and public engagement, the CARICOM Secretariat has established a dedicated digital hub (https://caricom.org/50hgc), providing comprehensive resources including the full program, detailed thematic briefs, media materials, speaker biographies, and live streaming access to both the opening ceremony and the concluding press conference.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to participate in the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in St. Kitts and Nevis, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between the United States and Caribbean nations. The US State Department confirmed Rubio’s attendance through an official statement released on Monday.

Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott outlined the Secretary’s agenda, emphasizing that Rubio will collaborate with Caribbean leaders to address critical regional priorities. These discussions will focus on enhancing regional security mechanisms, intensifying efforts against illegal immigration and illicit trafficking networks, and fostering economic development initiatives. Additional agenda items include advancing public health cooperation and strengthening energy security infrastructure throughout the Caribbean basin.

Pigott further noted that Secretary Rubio’s presence will serve to reaffirm Washington’s dedication to partnership with CARICOM member states, aiming to bolster hemispheric stability through multilateral cooperation.

The historic summit commenced today in Basseterre, capital of St. Kitts and Nevis, under the thematic banner “Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable CARICOM.” The conference proceedings are scheduled to continue through Friday, bringing together regional leaders for substantive policy dialogues and strategic planning sessions.

Prime Minister Godwin Friday is spearheading the official delegation from St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the historic 50th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government. The pivotal regional summit, convening in St. Kitts and Nevis from Tuesday through Friday, marks Prime Minister Friday’s inaugural appearance at this forum since assuming office following the November 27 general election.

This high-level conference assembles Caribbean Community leaders to deliberate on critical regional priorities spanning economic collaboration, sustainable development initiatives, food security measures, climate resilience strategies, regional security frameworks, and enhanced Caribbean integration. According to an official release from the Prime Minister’s Office, Friday’s participation demonstrates his administration’s dedication to advancing national interests within the regional integration movement while fostering collaborative partnerships to tackle shared challenges and capitalize on development opportunities.

Although the official delegation roster remains undisclosed, photographic evidence from the summit venue indicates the presence of First Lady Ave Friday, Foreign Affairs Minister Fitz Bramble, two prime ministerial advisors, and a security detail. Throughout the conference, Prime Minister Friday is scheduled to contribute to plenary sessions and conduct bilateral discussions with fellow regional leaders on matters of mutual interest, all directed toward strengthening cooperative mechanisms throughout the Caribbean Community.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines government reaffirmed its commitment to constructive regional engagement, emphasizing its support for building a more robust, resilient, and integrated Caribbean Community through this diplomatic channel.

In a significant diplomatic development, the United States State Department has officially confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s participation in the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM. The high-level gathering is scheduled to convene at the Marriott Resort in St. Kitts, marking a pivotal moment for hemispheric relations.

Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott verified that Rubio will arrive in the Federation on February 25 to engage directly with Caribbean leaders. The Secretary’s agenda focuses on advancing mutual priorities, particularly strengthening regional security frameworks, enhancing collaborative efforts against illegal immigration and illicit trafficking, and fostering sustainable economic development throughout the Caribbean region.

According to official statements, Rubio will reaffirm Washington’s dedication to working alongside CARICOM member states to bolster stability and prosperity across the Western Hemisphere. The diplomatic mission underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing critical challenges including health security, energy independence, and climate resilience.

The Secretary joins an impressive roster of international dignitaries attending this milestone conference. Notable participants include His Excellency Adel al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia; Commonwealth Secretariat Secretary-General The Honourable Shirley Botchwey; United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi; and Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of Afreximbank.

CARICOM Chair and St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew emphasized the global significance of this gathering, noting that international attention will focus on the Federation as it hosts over 200 delegates and world leaders. The summit officially commences with an opening ceremony on Tuesday evening.

Held under the thematic banner “Beyond Words,” this historic 50th anniversary meeting will feature substantive discussions on climate finance mechanisms, food and energy security challenges, regional security cooperation, and evolving geopolitical dynamics affecting Caribbean nations.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is leading Trinidad and Tobago’s delegation to the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom in St Kitts and Nevis from February 24-27. The high-level gathering, chaired by St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, convenes under the theme “Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable Caricom.”

The Trinidadian delegation includes Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Sean Sobers, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Nicholas Morris, and Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine. Beyond formal proceedings, the delegation plans bilateral engagements with United States representatives and security agencies to strengthen cooperation on economic development, security, trade, and regional challenges.

This diplomatic mission occurs against a backdrop of regional tensions regarding US military operations in Caribbean waters. Since September 2, US anti-narcotics operations have resulted in 148 fatalities and the destruction of 44 vessels, including two Trinidadian nationals—Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo—killed in an October 14 strike off Venezuela.

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has consistently supported these operations, stating she has “no sympathy for traffickers” and that US forces should “violently kill them all.” This position has placed her at odds with Caricom’s collective stance that the region should remain a “zone of peace.” In October, she described Caricom as an “unreliable” partner following disagreements over US military actions.

The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a case on behalf of the deceased Trinidadians, alleging the strikes constitute “premeditated and intentional killings” violating domestic and international law. Despite these controversies, Persad-Bissessar has maintained Trinidad and Tobago’s bilateral security partnership with the US, including high-level meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and General Dan Caine, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts and Nevis – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is poised to host one of its most significant diplomatic gatherings in history as world leaders and international dignitaries assemble for the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government from February 24-27, 2026.

The landmark summit, convened under the theme ‘Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable CARICOM,’ has attracted unprecedented international attention with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading the distinguished roster of global participants. Secretary Rubio is scheduled to deliver a keynote address during Wednesday’s Opening Plenary Session, highlighting the strategic importance Washington places on Caribbean partnerships.

The high-level assembly will feature addresses from an impressive array of international figures including Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, United Arab Emirates Minister of State Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, and African Export-Import Bank President Dr. George Elombi. Their collective presence demonstrates growing global recognition of CARICOM’s geopolitical significance.

Host nation Saint Kitts and Nevis, currently holding the rotating CARICOM chairmanship under Prime Minister Dr. Terrance M. Drew, will guide deliberations on pressing regional concerns including climate finance architecture, food and energy security frameworks, and evolving regional security challenges. The gathering of over 200 delegates represents one of the most substantial diplomatic convergences in the Caribbean Community’s five-decade history.

Prime Minister Drew emphasized the transformative potential of this golden jubilee meeting, stating: ‘The world’s eyes will be on Saint Kitts and Nevis as we host this landmark gathering. Our theme challenges us to move from deliberation to decisive action. The caliber of international participation reflects a shared commitment to building a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous Caribbean.’

The summit marks a pivotal moment for regional integration efforts and represents a significant diplomatic achievement for the Drew administration, which assumed the CARICOM leadership role on January 1, 2026.

BASSETERRE, SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS – February 23, 2026 – The Caribbean Community embarks on a monumental chapter as Saint Kitts and Nevis prepares to host the fiftieth regular meeting of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government. The grand opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24th at 4:00 PM local time at the prestigious Marriott Dome in Frigate Bay.

This landmark assembly, commemorating five decades of regional integration, will convene under the compelling theme “Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable CARICOM.” The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis assumes a position of leadership as the current CARICOM Chair, with Prime Minister Dr. Terrance M. Drew steering the community’s agenda through the first half of 2026.

The ceremony will feature addresses from an esteemed roster of Caribbean leaders, including CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, outgoing Chair and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Surinamese President Dr. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, and Vincentian Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday.

The event promises to be a vibrant showcase of Caribbean cultural heritage through performances, setting the stage for three days of high-level diplomatic discussions. Attendees will include heads of government from member and associate states, international dignitaries, and representatives from regional institutions.

Prime Minister Drew emphasized the historical significance of the gathering, stating: “This ceremony transcends formal proceedings—it embodies Caribbean unity and reaffirms our shared dedication to tangible progress. Our theme ‘Beyond Words’ communicates to our citizens and the global community that CARICOM is transitioning into an era defined by implementation, resilience, and sustainable prosperity.”

The Ministry of Sustainable Development has issued a formal rebuttal against what it characterizes as malicious disinformation spread by Regiwell ‘Reggie’ Francis, Managing Director of St. Kitts Marine Works Ltd. The controversy centers on the company’s unauthorized occupation of Crown lands at the New Guinea Industrial & Commercial Development zone.

According to the Ministry’s statement released February 23, 2026, despite a cordial meeting between government officials and Francis on February 19 aimed at resolving longstanding land regularization issues, the businessman subsequently disseminated distorted information regarding the factual and legal circumstances.

The Ministry revealed that St. Kitts Marine Works Ltd has occupied approximately 26.68 acres of Crown land for nearly two decades without paying rent, additionally constructing seawall and berthing facilities on adjacent seabed without proper leases or compensation to the state. The company initially entered a land purchase agreement in January 2021 for the concessionary price of EC$6,013,893.60, but failed to fulfill the terms, paying only a partial deposit of EC$50,000.

The government’s calculations indicate the company now owes EC$13,284,092.75 as of February 2026 under the terms of the failed agreement. Furthermore, the Ministry alleges the business has encroached on sixteen adjacent commercial lots allocated to other landowners who have complied with their obligations.

In what the Ministry describes as a reasonable regularization framework, the government has proposed a 10-year renewable lease for the occupied land at negotiated rates, a separate seabed lease at EC$4,000 monthly, and application of the previous deposit toward rental payments. The proposal requires the company to vacate the unauthorized adjacent lots immediately.

The statement emphasized that Crown lands constitute public assets held in trust for citizens, and no entity is entitled to occupy them indefinitely without lawful tenure or state compensation. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and orderly development while supporting continued economic activity.