Holness encourages CARICOM countries to build stronger bonds with Africa

Amid the challenges being faced globally from the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called for members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to strengthen their bonds with Africa.

Speaking at the inaugural CARICOM-Africa Summit, which was held virtually today, one year after its postponement due to the pandemic, Holness said the Africa Continental Free Trade Area creates an enabling environment for the flow of investment and tourism.

“For Jamaica, there is potential in the agro-industry and logistics sector and Jamaican companies have already invested in Africa. Opportunities also exist for scientific research and collaboration, investment in health care, technological innovation and digitisation, as well as in the creative economy,” Holness said. 

He added, “In relation to development financing, debt sustainability and climate change, our cooperation within the OACPS [Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States], Commonwealth, UN and WTO remains a strong foundation for deepening integration between us.” 

Kenya hosted the virtual event under the theme 'Unity Across Continents and Oceans: Opportunities for Deepening Integration'.

His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya, will chair the summit.

Holness said he was truly honoured to address the historic inaugural event, which he described as “a timely dialogue which can only strengthen our fraternal bonds.”

“The common historical experiences between Africa and the Caribbean have been enriched by cultural, economic and political affinities. Potential untapped for centuries lies within our respective reaches, as we not only develop national capacities but engage opportunities for cooperation with each other and across continents and oceans.” 

He added that “The challenges of the last year and a half have reinforced the possibilities and value of the Africa-CARICOM relationship.” 

He reiterated that Jamaica and the Caribbean region have benefited greatly from the African Union's provision of access to COVID-19 vaccines and other critical medical supplies through the Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP), which has been a game-changer for the continent. 

Participants at the event included Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean Community and the African Union, Chairs of CARICOM and the African Union Commission, the Africa Regional Economic Communities, the Secretaries-General of CARICOM and the Organisation of the African Caribbean and Pacific States, and the President of Caribbean Development Bank.

It is anticipated that the deliberations will institutionalise CARICOM-African Union collaboration.

It is also expected that there will be an agreement to host summits of the CARICOM-African Heads of State and Government bi-annually.

Expected outcomes could include greater economic trade and investment opportunities between Africa and the Caribbean, and solidarity in actions to address global challenges including climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

- Ainsworth Morris

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