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Japan and Colombia appoint new ambassadors to CARICOM

The governments of Japan, and the Republic of Colombia have appointed new Ambassadors to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The accreditation ceremonies took place on Tuesday, July 1, at the CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana.

CARICOM Secretary-General accepted the Letter of Credence from the new Ambassador of Japan to CARICOM, His Excellency Dr. UMEZAWA Akima noting that the CARICOM Secretariat headquarters, funded by Japan, stands as a testament to the enduring strength of CARICOM-Japan relations.

CARICOM, Palestine mark milestone in diplomatic relations

 “We strongly urge an end to the illegal settlement of the occupied Palestinian Territories, a clear violation of international law. The Community’s repeated message is clear: there must be an unconditional and sustained ceasefire, protection of civilian lives, and unimpeded humanitarian aid in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.”

Colombia has a new Ambassador to CARICOM

CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, on 1 July, welcomed His Excellency Graybern Livingston Forbes, Ambassador of Colombia to the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana, where he presented his Letter of Credence.

CARICOM welcomes new Ambassador of Japan to the Community

On 1 July, CARICOM Secretary-Genera, Dr Carla Barnett accepted the Letter of Credence from His Excellency Dr Akima Umezawa, Ambassador of Japan to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The new envoy is the seventh Ambassador of Japan to the Caribbean Community.

CARICOM and Japan share an enduring friendship, rooted in formal diplomatic relations, established since 1993.

Resolve differences to effectively drive regional integration—CYA-Jamaica

"We remain upbeat about the future and continue to engage different processes to ensure that changes are implemented. After all, we are ‘the now,’ and we continue to be hopeful that we can collectively bridge the divide and solve any differences so we can effectively drive regional integration.” - Odane Brooks, CARICOM Youth Ambassador (Jamaica)

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness assumes chairmanship of CARICOM

Effective today, 1 July 2025, Dr The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister of Jamaica, has formally assumed the Chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

As we prepare for the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, Prime Minister Holness has shared a message outlining his vision and priorities for the Community.

Hosting of CARIFESTA XV must reflect “Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence” - Regional Cultural Committee

“Ultimately, CARIFESTA XV presents the opportunity to stimulate the local economy through increased tourism, job creation, and support for small businesses. This festival sees the coming together of hundreds of cultural practitioners, as well as members of the wider populace to network, perform, trade in cultural goods and services and witness a diverse offering of performances, exhibitions and interactive experiences.” - Michelle Maynard, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Division of Culture, Barbados.

Global environment creates opportunity for CARICOM, Africa to achieve common goals – CARICOM SG

The current global environment provides an opportunity for Africa and the Caribbean to build on shared values and interests, and forge a path towards collective action, Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General said Friday.

Secretary-General Barnett was at the time addressing the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meeting being held in Abuja, Nigeria, 25-28 June. The theme of the meeting is ‘Progressive Unity in a Fractured World: Building a Global African Coalition for Development’.

Creative Industries are crucial to sustainable development in small countries— CARICOM Advisor, Social Development

There is now a significant increase in regional and global awareness of the value and importance of the creative industries, and how they can contribute to sustainable development in small countries in the global South. These views were shared by Beverly Harry-Emmanuel, Advisor, Social Development at the CARICOM Secretariat at the opening ceremony of the Thirty-First Meeting of the Regional Cultural Committee (RCC), held today, Thursday 26 June, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre in Bridgetown, Barbados.