Heads of Government to cover critical issues including pandemic and the attack on Ukraine

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders began a two-day summit in Belize still grappling with the socio-economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the need to implement measures aimed at further deepening the regional integration process and concerns that the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia could further stymie the development of the region.

Belize Prime Minister, John Briceno, the CARICOM chairman, told the opening ceremony in the picturesque San Pedro region that the summit was taking place at a time when “unprecedented and existential challenges” coincide with citizens’ expectations for relief and prosperity.

“The international climate is riddled with crises, conflicts and suffering. Every country, every region is managing, they say, unprecedented challenges, with, they say, inadequate sources. The global unraveling is occurring against the backdrop of what appears to be a new cold war.

Briceno said that Russia had invaded Ukraine in what he described as a “flagrant violation of international law”.

“We condemn in the strongest terms this unjustified invasion. There must be an immediate cessation of hostilities and immediate and unilateral withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukraine. We call for all to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.”

He said that the uncertainties that exist are proof positive that multilateral cooperation and support are indispensable to effectively counter the immense challenges facing the region while at the same time having the responsibility of meeting the aspirations of Caribbean people for development, for improved standards of living and for opportunities.

Prime Minister Briceno said that CARICOM countries are contending with the worst economic recession in modern history, noting that in 2020, countries registered double digit economic contraction, thousands of citizens were suddenly unemployed and remittances had dried up.

“In Belize we estimate that the poverty rate has increased from 50 per cent in 2018 to 60 per cent in 2021, two thirds of all Belizeans are poor. That is clearly unacceptable. No doubt, similar circumstances obtain across the region.”

He said the robust economic recovery that appeared to be at hand in first part of 2021 is now slowing and in August last year, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) projected that the Caribbean would grow by 4.1 per cent in 2021.

However, by January this year, ECLAC had revised its projection to three per cent and a measly 1.2 per cent excluding Guyana.

“For 2022, ECLAC has already revised downward its projections for the Caribbean from 7.8 per cent to 6.1 per cent. In addition to these circumstances, many of us are carrying unsustainable debt loads and have limited fiscal space to mount the necessary economic response. “

Briceno said that only four CARICOM member states are participating in the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Debt Service Suspension Initiative and in 2020 only five member states, including Haiti, received concessional financing from the World Bank.

“This is wrong. It is also unjust. While it is imperative that we continue to press our case, which is fair and just; we know from experience that the wheels of international cooperation grind slowly. We cannot afford to lose further ground; we cannot afford to lose our future.

“Therefore, we must be more strategic and coordinated in our advocacy. We must demand an immediate reform of the international financial system. Demand urgent climate action, and immediate access to vaccines,” Prime Minister Briceno said. (BT/CMC)