Kamina Johnson Smith Leads Jamaican Delegation at CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Grenada
Grenada — Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, has seamlessly transitioned from her role as Chair of the OACPS Council to head Jamaica’s delegation at the 47th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government. The meeting, held in the picturesque Spice Isle of Grenada, was marked by a warm welcome from the local government and a vibrant display of the island’s rich culture.
In a series of tweets, Minister Johnson Smith expressed her gratitude for the warm reception from Grenada’s government and people, highlighting the high energy and thoughtful presentations that characterized the opening of the conference. “Thank you to the government and people of Grenada #DickonMitchell for the high energy, strong cultural representation, and thoughtful presentations demonstrating true resilience,” she tweeted.
A significant milestone of the event was the welcoming of Curaçao as the sixth Associate Member of CARICOM, further strengthening the regional body. Minister Johnson Smith expressed pleasure at this addition, noting the importance of collaboration and unity within the Caribbean community.
Work is done in and out of plenary as the 47th Meeting of @CARICOMorg proceeded with discussions on the impact of Beryl, preparations for #COP29 the role of our regional institutions in exploring technology for resilience – including for the construction of affordable housing.… pic.twitter.com/KpvrtQctx8
— Hon. Kamina J Smith (@kaminajsmith) July 31, 2024
The minister also shared insights into the key discussions and activities that took place during the meeting. Topics included the impact of the tropical storm Beryl, preparations for the upcoming COP29 climate conference, and the role of regional institutions in leveraging technology for resilience, particularly in the construction of affordable housing.
A highlight of the meeting was a productive working breakfast with Canada’s Minister for International Development, Ahmed Hussen. The discussion focused on enhancing partnership support between Canada and CARICOM member states, particularly in areas of resilience and sustainable development.
Minister Johnson Smith praised her dedicated team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade for their unwavering support, even during a weekend. She emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and preparation as Jamaica navigates the complex landscape of international relations and regional cooperation.
The CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting continues to serve as a crucial platform for member states to address pressing issues, share best practices, and forge stronger ties. As the meeting progresses, it is expected that more concrete measures and agreements will be reached, further bolstering the region’s collective resilience and development.
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