As the final event of CARICOM Energy Month 2025, the walk underscores the Region’s unified commitment to accelerating its transition to clean, affordable, and sustainable energy systems. A diverse group of participants is expected to participate including government ministries and agencies, regional organisations, development partners, the private sector, civil society, academia, and youth groups.

Participants will assemble from 5:15 a.m. AST at the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters in Turkeyen for an aerobic warm-up, before starting the walk at 6:00 a.m. AST. The route will take walkers along the Railway Embankment to the Sheriff Street Roundabout before returning to the Secretariat.

The event concludes with a short programme and remarks from regional leaders and partners, including:

· Hon. Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips, M.S.S. Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

· Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General, CARICOM Secretariat

· Shevon Wood, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Guyana Energy Agency

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 29 November 2025

Time: 5:15 a.m. AST (Assembly)

Starting Point: CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana

Registration: Scan the QR code on the official event poster

Contact: energy.programme@caricom.org

For more information, email: energy.programme@caricom.org or visit caricom.org

Dr. Barnett is on a three-day official visit to the Dutch-speaking Member State from 24 -26 November to participate in activities marking this historic milestone.

The Secretary-General attended a networking reception hosted by the President of Suriname, H.E. Jennifer Geerlings Simons, for stakeholders and key development partners. She also participated in the National 50th Independence Anniversary Thanksgiving Service.

On 25 November, Dr. Barnett also attended an Extraordinary Session of the National Assembly of the Republic of Suriname, and she will join officials at a Parade of the Armed Forces, which will feature parachute jumping demonstrations in celebration of the Golden Jubilee.

During her visit, the Secretary-General will also pay a Courtesy Call on the President of Suriname.

In a congratulatory message to the President of Suriname, Her Excellency Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett said:

“For thirty years, Suriname has been a valued Member of CARICOM, as the Community’s first non-English speaking country. This visionary action has been well-demonstrated though its commitment to regional integration, including as the lead Head of Government in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet on Community Development and Cultural Cooperation, including Culture, Gender, Youth and Sport, as well as Industrial Policy.”

The Secretary-General’s full message reads as follows:

“Excellency,

On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I extend warm congratulations to the Government and People of the Republic of Suriname as you celebrate your nation’s Fiftieth Anniversary of Independence.

The theme for this Golden Jubilee, “Srefidensi na Srefidenki” (Independence through Reflection), reminds us that independence is best anchored on courageous thoughts, decisions, and actions, thereby giving true meaning to sovereignty.

For thirty years, Suriname has been a valued Member of CARICOM, as the Community’s first non-English speaking country. This visionary action has been well-demonstrated through its commitment to regional integration, including as the lead Head of Government in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet on Community Development and Cultural Cooperation, including Culture, Gender, Youth and Sport, as well as Industrial Policy. Further, Suriname’s stewardship and advocacy on climate change and forests have strengthened our Community’s global voice on this critical issue.

We look forward to your continued active engagement within the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet on these issues, which lie at the heart of regional transformation, resilient societies, creative economies, and an empowered citizenry.

CARICOM values the deep bonds of friendship and cooperation that we share with Suriname. On this momentous occasion, the Community extends very best wishes to the Government and People of Suriname for joyous celebrations, and continued peace, prosperity, and progress. Happy Fiftieth Independence Anniversary!”

Ends.

She expressed appreciation for the support the Community has received from the EU over the years and emphasised the need for continued collaboration, particularly in addressing climate change. She referenced her visit on Monday 17 November to Jamaica alongside CARICOM Heads of Government to show the Community’s solidarity following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

“It is a terrible situation. There is need for support for clean-up, humanitarian relief and reconstruction because the job confronting Jamaica is unimaginable. They are still counting the losses. There was infrastructure that was newly built, roads that have been washed away, houses are gone,” Dr Barnett said, explaining the scale of the destruction.

She also highlighted the challenge of restoring livelihoods in western Jamaica, where the agricultural sector suffered severe damage for a second consecutive year.

Turning attention to Haiti, the Secretary-General thanked the EU for its support as an organisation and from EU member states which assist Haiti directly. She stressed the need for international financing to sustain security efforts on the ground, particularly in the transition from the Multinational Security Support Mission to the Gang Suppression Force.

“There is a lot for us to work on together,” Dr. Barnett told Ambassador Pierantoni, reaffirming the Secretariat’s readiness to support efforts to strengthen the CARICOM-EU partnership.

Ambassador Pierantoni, who served in Guyana from 2014 to 2015 as Head of Regional EU-Caribbean Cooperation, expressed his commitment to deepening CARICOM-EU relations, highlighting the shared values on regional integration, multilateral cooperation, human rights, international law, and democracy.

“These are difficult times, the world is changing rapidly, and it is very important that we remain credible partners with a firm belief in multilateralism,” Ambassador Pierantoni stated.

He recalled the participation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Barbados earlier this year. This he said, reaffirmed the EU’s high regard for its relationship with CARICOM. Ambassador Pierantoni also reiterated EU solidarity and willingness to continue supporting Member States affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The Mission was deployed in response to an invitation extended by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in a letter dated 2 October 2025. The CARICOM Election Observation Mission will be in the country for the period 20-29 November 2025.

The Mission comprises senior electoral and other officials from seven CARICOM Member States, as well as three members of the CARICOM Secretariat, who will provide administrative and logistical support.

The CEOM is headed by the Chief of Mission, Mr. Sase R. Gunraj, Commissioner, Guyana Elections Commission. The other members of the CEOM are as follows:

1. Mr. Clovis St. Romain, Member, Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (Antigua and Barbuda);
2. His Honour Arthur Eugene Holder, SC. MP, Speaker of the House of Assembly (Barbados);
3. Ms. Anthea Joseph, Chief Elections Officer, Electoral Commission (Dominica);
4. Ms. Karina Nicola Thomas, Systems Administrator, Parliamentary Elections Office (Grenada);
5. Mrs. Dorinnie Irma, Member of the Independent Electoral Council (Suriname); and
6. Ms. Gillian Macintyre, Chair of the Human Resource Sub Committee, Elections and Boundaries Commission (Trinidad and Tobago).

The CEOM is supported by the following CARICOM Secretariat staff:

1. Ms. Shae-Alicia Lewis, Programme Manager, Community Relations;

2. Mr. Irvin Brown, Project Officer, Foreign and Community Relations; and

3. Ms. Serojnie Seetaram, Senior Secretary, Foreign and Community Relations.

The Chief of Mission and CARICOM Secretariat staff, who comprise the Core Group, arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on 20 November 2025. The remaining members of the observation team are expected to arrive by 23 November 2025.

To date, the CEOM has met with the Honourable Daniel Cummings, Chairman of the New Democratic Party (NDP), representing Dr. Godwin Friday, Leader of the Opposition and of the NDP, and Dr. Doris Frederick, Leader of the National Liberation Movement (NLM). We have also met with representatives of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union, the Voice of the Disabled, and the media.

In the coming days, the CEOM is scheduled to meet with Dr. the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP); Ms. Dora James, Supervisor of Elections; and Mr. Enville Williams, Commissioner of Police. The team will also engage with other political actors and civil society institutions. These engagements are expected to provide the CEOM with a first-hand account of the pre-election atmosphere and assess the level of preparedness for the holding of the elections.

The role of the CEOM Observers on Election Day is to observe the electoral process, including preparations for the start of the poll, the casting of votes, the closure of the polling stations, the counting of the ballots, and the declaration of results. The CEOM will also assess the immediate post-election atmosphere.

Following the conclusion of the Election Day activities on 27 November 2025, and prior to the departure of the CEOM on 29 November 2025, a Preliminary Statement will be issued, outlining the Mission’s initial assessment of the electoral process.

A detailed Final Report providing a summary of the Mission’s comprehensive findings and recommendations will subsequently be prepared. This Report will be submitted to Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, and subsequently made public.

The CARICOM Election Observation Mission values this opportunity to support the democratic process in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Mission expresses its appreciation for the warm welcome and cooperation received since its arrival and extends its best wishes to the electorate as they prepare to go to the polls.

SASE R. GUNRAJ

CHIEF OF MISSION

21 November 2025

Hurricane Melissa, a powerful late-season storm, caused widespread socio-economic disruption across Jamaica. Torrential rainfall, destructive winds, and severe flooding resulted in significant damage to public infrastructure, homes, and essential services. Several parishes experienced major impacts to road networks, utilities, and community facilities, limiting mobility, interrupting livelihoods, and heightening vulnerabilities among at-risk populations. The rapid accumulation of debris and environmental hazards has further strained recovery efforts and heightened public health concerns.

Under the approved intervention, the CDF will provide US$500,000 to support early recovery efforts, with a focus on the rapid and safe management of the extensive debris generated by the hurricane. The support aims to restore access to essential services, reduce public health and environmental risks, and accelerate economic recovery in the most affected and underserved communities. The intervention is being delivered in collaboration with the UNDP Multi-Country Office (MCO) in Jamaica.

Commenting on the approval, CDF Chief Executive Officer Rodinald Soomer said:

“The CARICOM Development Fund stands resolutely with Jamaica in this time of need. Our commitment to supporting Member States during periods of crisis remains unwavering, and this relief package reflects our belief in regional solidarity and shared responsibility. By providing this emergency support, we aim not just to help rebuild what was lost, but to strengthen resilience so that communities emerge stronger and better prepared for future shocks.”

About the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF)

The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) is an institution of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) established to provide financial and technical assistance to disadvantaged countries, regions, and sectors within the Community. The Fund supports projects and programmes that promote economic resilience, reduce disparities, and foster sustainable development across Member States. Through its targeted interventions, the CDF contributes to regional integration, building competitiveness, and fostering inclusive growth.

Ambassador Priono expressed condolences for the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in some CARICOM Member States. He pledged to build on the work of his predecessor and strengthen ties between Indonesia and CARICOM.

The new Indonesian envoy said the country is interested in advancing its relations with CARICOM in technical cooperation and capacity building, trade and economic ties, and in multilateral advocacy and global inclusivity. It is also ready to share its expertise in disaster risk management, tourism, and the digital economy, while learning from CARICOM’s experience in climate resilience.

Ambassador Priono encouraged CARICOM businesses to explore opportunities in Indonesia and ASEAN markets.

The launch takes place on World Children’s Day 2025 (20 November), under the inspiring global theme: My Day, My Rights. This year’s focus shines a spotlight on STEAM education as a fundamental right and a key driver of the Region’s digital transformation and sustainable future. 

HERizon is all about breaking barriers and building opportunities. Through this campaign, the CGICT Partnership is challenging gender stereotypes in STEAM, boosting digital literacy and skills development, expanding mentorship pathways and inspiring girls and young women across the Caribbean to dream big and pursue careers in technology and innovation.

 Over the next two weeks, HERizon will spotlight the voices and journeys of 56 phenomenal CARICOM women whose achievements prove the power of inclusive access to STEAM. Their stories showcase the diversity, brilliance, and leadership fueling the Region’s digital and creative economies. 

This is just the beginning! HERizon sets the stage for Girls in ICT Day 2026 (23 April), where the CGICT Partnership will continue championing digital inclusion, innovation, and youth empowerment across the Caribbean. 

Learn more about the CGICT Partnership and the HERizon campaign at caricom.org, follow @CARICOMorg on social media.

“The Population and Housing Census is a direct source of SDG data and a key input to many SDG indicators. It also provides the statistical frame on which numerous household surveys rely to track national and regional development progress.”

Mr. Brizan commended the European Union for its support under the 11th EDF, noting that several Member States including The Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, and St. Kitts and Nevis have already benefitted from in-country technical assistance in census data cleaning and analysis.

Mr. Junior Alexis of the Statistics Office, Grenada, underscored the importance of the initiative, noting that some Member States are in the final stages of their 2020 Round of Population and Housing Censuses and are engaged in analysis, interpretation, and dissemination.

With Member States facing varying levels of technical capacity in these areas, he said that the workshop addresses the challenges Statistical Offices may be experiencing.

“This,” he added, “is not only a technical priority, but also a developmental imperative that supports climate resilience planning, social policy, education, labour force strategies, agricultural development, and economic transformation.”

The workshop features two experts in statistics, Dr. Frank Eelens and Dr. Bart de Bruijn, who are renowned demographers and consultants in population and development of the IBF International Consulting Firm.

The OIF delegation was led by the Special Envoy of the OIF to Haiti, H.E. Domitien Ndayizeye, former President of Burundi. He was accompanied by Ambassador Emmanuel V. Adjovi, Regional Representative of the OIF to the Caribbean and Latin America; Mr. Cyril Ntone, Diplomatic Attaché; and Mr. Guillaume Kazirikanyl, Technical Assistant to the Special Envoy.

In preparation for its onward mission to Haiti, the OIF met virtually with the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG). This engagement was followed by an in-person meeting at the CARICOM Secretariat with Assistant Secretary-General for Foreign and Community Relations, Ms. Elizabeth Solomon; the Ambassador of the French Republic to CARICOM, His Excellency Olivier Plançon; and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission in Guyana, Mr. Daniel Bood. Discussions focused on the OIF’s visit and ongoing efforts to support peace and security in Haiti.