In a messageahead of the Meeting, BarnettstatedthattheCommunitywillseek to devisesolutionsthatadvance regional integration and economic and social development.

TheSecretary-General saidthat CARICOM Chair, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, will lead discussionsontheprogressbeingmadeonareascritical to oursurvival and growth, such as climatechange, food and nutritionsecurity, transportation and the free movement of CARICOM nationals in theRegion.

Shenotedthatthetheme of the meeting, “Strength in Unity: ForgingCaribbeanResilience, Inclusive Growth and SustainableDevelopment,” reflectsCARICOM’sawarenessthatitsgainswereunderthreat.

“Thisfocusreflectsourawarenessthatgains in economicintegration, foreignpolicycoordination, and human and social development are underthreatfromclimatechange, crime and violence, and increasing global instability.”

CARICOM’s response, sheadded, requirescoordination, collaboration, and partnerships.

Heads of Governmentwillwelcomedistinguishedguests, including UN Secretary-General AntónioGuterres and EuropeanCommissionPresident, Ursula von der Leyen.

Therewillalso be exchangeswithrepresentativesfrom civil society, labor, theprivate sector, and youth, whoseperspectives are vital fortheRegion’seconomicstability and prosperity, theSecretary-General said.

“Ourobjectivewill be to ensurethat, as we plan, ouractions are strategic, meaningful and beneficial to allthecitizens of theCaribbeanCommunity,” Barnettstated.