Premier Honourable Juliana O’Connor-Connolly joined regional and global leaders in Bridgetown, Barbados yesterday evening (Wednesday, 19 February) for the opening ceremony of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The conference, which runs from 19-21 February 2025, has brought the leaders together to discuss key issues affecting the Caribbean, including food and nutrition security, climate resilience and regional security. The two-days of business meetings are being held under the theme, “Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development”. 

Hon. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados and incoming Chair of CARICOM delivered a rousing keynote address. 

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen addressed a packed audience at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. Other speakers included outgoing CARICOM Chair, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada; Premier of Montserrat, Hon Ruben Meade and CARICOM Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett.  

Premier O’Connor-Connolly joined Heads of Government and special guests on stage for an official photo at the conclusion of the opening ceremony and later attended a private dinner for Heads of Government and special guests hosted by Prime Minister Mottley.  

The Cayman Islands is an Associate Member of CARICOM.

 Premier of the Cayman Islands Honourable O’Connor-Connolly (pictured 6th from the left) joined Heads of Government and special guests on stage for an official photo at the conclusion of the opening ceremony.