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CARICOM pushes unified response to global shifts, backs Guyana’s COP35 bid
CARICOM pushes unified response to global shifts, backs Guyana’s COP35 bid
The Caribbean Community, CARICOM has called for urgent and coordinated action to confront mounting global uncertainties, as it concluded its 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Basseterre, Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis.
The four-day summit, held from February 24 to 27 under the chairmanship of St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr Terrance Drew, brought together regional leaders to deliberate on security, economic integration, external trade, reparations and the situation in Haiti.
In her opening remarks, CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, urged member states to take advantage of opportunities presented by the shifting global order.
She said as new markets emerge and strategic alliances are recalibrated, the Region must engage with clarity and cohesion in areas such as energy transition, digital infrastructure, climate resilience and technology to attract investments aligned with its development priorities.
Outgoing Chairman and Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, said the speed of global change was outpacing regional coordination, warning that climate shocks, criminal networks and technological disruption were evolving faster than existing policy and regulatory frameworks.
“The question before us is not whether CARICOM can endure, but whether it can deliver for our people with urgency and relevance in a rapidly changing world,” he said.
President of Suriname, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, also stressed the need for regional unity, describing it as a necessity in the face of economic volatility, climate insecurity and geopolitical shifts.
During the meeting, Heads of Government held discussions with the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and agreed on the need to establish a 21st-century cooperation framework covering migration, security cooperation, trade and investment, disaster recovery and technical assistance.
Leaders noted that the US remains a valued partner and welcomed Washington’s commitment to reinvigorate traditional ties within the Western Hemisphere.
The Conference also engaged Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on expanded economic collaboration, including structured mechanisms to unlock opportunities in the digital economy, climate resilience, water security and infrastructure development.
In a major financial boost, Afreximbank announced an increase in its global limit for CARICOM initiatives from $3bn to $5bn, as the Region seeks to strengthen economic ties with Africa and expand trade and investment flows.
On Haiti, the Conference reaffirmed its commitment to supporting stability and free and fair elections, and expressed appreciation to Kenya for leading the Multinational Security Support mission, now transitioned to a Gang Suppression Force authorised by the United Nations Security Council.
The Bahamas and Jamaica were also commended for contributing personnel and operational support.
Heads of Government reiterated their steadfast backing for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Belize and Guyana in border matters before the International Court of Justice, calling on all parties to respect and implement the court’s decisions when delivered.
On regional security, leaders welcomed progress on model legislation for criminal justice reform and the offer by the United Nations Development Programme to support the expansion of a Police Record Management Information System across member states.
On economic integration, the Conference approved the inclusion of additional professions under the free movement of skilled nationals within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy and adopted amendments to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to streamline Rules of Origin adjustments.
Heads of Government also approved a CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy Framework aimed at fostering competitive and sustainable industries across the Region.
In a significant climate development, the Conference agreed to support Guyana’s bid to host COP35 in 2030.
The leaders expressed appreciation to the Government and people of St Kitts and Nevis for hosting the landmark 50th meeting and accepted Saint Lucia’s invitation to host the 51st Regular Meeting from July 5 to 8, 2026.
No Threat to Britain from Iran, Says Starmer
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday dismissed fears that mainland Britain could be targeted by Iran, insisting that national security assessments show no immediate threat.
Speaking to reporters in London, Starmer said, “We carry out assessments all the time in order to keep us safe, and there’s no assessment that we’re being targeted in that way.”
The Prime Minister’s statement comes amid reports over the weekend that Iran fired two ballistic missiles at the joint U.S.-U.K. military base on Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean.
When asked if Britain could face repercussions from Iran following the strike, Starmer maintained a cautious tone, emphasising that protecting British interests was his top priority.
He also commented on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil supplies, saying any attempt to reopen it must be approached with “careful consideration” and a “viable plan.”
The Prime Minister concluded by underlining his commitment to de-escalation, signalling a steady but cautious British approach in the region.
China Cautions US, Israel Against Escalation, Cites Iraq War Lessons
China on Monday called on all parties involved in the escalating Middle East conflict, particularly the United States and Israel, to halt military operations, warning that continued hostilities could trigger a “vicious cycle” with far-reaching global economic consequences.
Speaking after a shuttle diplomacy tour of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, China’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, Zhai Jun, urged restraint, stressing that those responsible for the crisis must take the lead in resolving it.
“The one who tied the bell must be the one to untie it,” Zhai said during a media briefing, underscoring Beijing’s position that dialogue, not force, remains the only viable path to de-escalation.
In a separate briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, cautioned that the continued use of force would only deepen tensions, warning that an expansion of the conflict could plunge the entire region into chaos.
Referencing historical precedents, China highlighted the long-term consequences of war, pointing to the Iraq War, which marked its 23rd anniversary last week, as a stark reminder of the devastation prolonged conflicts can inflict on the Middle East.
The ministry noted that the 2003 invasion of Iraq led to years of instability, significant loss of life and the eventual rise of extremist groups, warning that a similar trajectory could emerge if the current hostilities involving Iran persist.
Meanwhile, Beijing expressed concerns over the economic fallout of the crisis, particularly on global energy supply and its export-driven economy, as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—through which a significant share of global oil passes—threaten emerging markets and could dampen demand for Chinese goods in the coming months.
Trump Shares Skit Mocking Starmer Amid Iran War Talks
United States President Donald Trump has shared a video of a comedy skit portraying United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer as anxious about taking his call, hours after both leaders discussed the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran.
The clip, posted on Truth Social, was taken from a British adaptation of Saturday Night Live and featured actor George Fouracres depicting a visibly nervous Starmer inside Downing Street ahead of a fictional phone conversation with Trump.
In the skit, Starmer is seen expressing fears about speaking with Trump, jokingly referring to him as a “scary, scary, wonderful president,” while consulting a parody version of Foreign Secretary David Lammy over the United Kingdom’s position on the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
Trump did not include any caption with the video, which surfaced amid rising tensions between Washington and its NATO allies over their reluctance to support US-led efforts to counter Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The US President has recently criticised NATO members, including the UK, describing them as unwilling to assist in what he termed a straightforward military effort to reopen the vital oil shipping route, through which about 20 per cent of global supply passes.
Meanwhile, both leaders held talks on Sunday evening, with Downing Street confirming that Trump and Starmer agreed on the urgency of reopening the Strait to stabilise global energy markets and ensure uninterrupted shipping.
However, Starmer on Monday stressed the need for caution, noting there was no indication Britain was under direct threat from Iran, while reiterating that any military response must prioritise de-escalation and protection of British interests.
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