CARICOM Heads of Government continue to be actively concerned about the implications of crime and violence on the social development of the Region. To date, two symposiums on Crime and Violence as a Public Health Issue have been convened, keeping at the forefront of the deliberations the importance of balancing the rights of the individual and the public safety interests of the whole of society.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) welcomes the recent announcement by the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development of Canada of $24.1 million in funding to promote social action, empowerment of women, human rights and security in the Region, including in Haiti.

As a Community, we continue to proactively address persistent inequalities in political representation, the development of policies to decrease the burden of unpaid care, and the unique challenges faced by women in marginalised communities, including indigenous women, rural women and those living with disabilities. The intersectionality of gender and other forms of inequality must guide our actions, ensuring that no woman is left behind.

“The Regional Nursing Body discussed a number of policies and tools aimed at significantly improving the level of care provided by nurses in the Region. The body continued the work towards completing the revision of the Caribbean Standards for Nursing and Midwifery Education and Practice to ensure that these standards were harmonised throughout the Region and remained consistent with international policies and guidelines.

Earlier today, 1 March 2025, CARICOM was informed by the President of Guyana, H.E. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, of the interaction of Venezuela’s military vessels with one of the Floating Production Storage and  Offloading (FPSO) platforms in Guyana’s maritime territory.  

All such acts of aggression and provocation are contrary to international law and the 2023 Argyle Declaration.