The 44th meeting of the Caribbean Community and Common Market [CARICOM] is taking place in the nation’s capital this week. A press event was held on Tuesday where CARICOM’s Chairman and Secretary General provided a preview of the conference.

Serving as Chairman, Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis said, “our discussion of national security and migration issues will include specific consideration of the crisis in Haiti. Climate change and financing will be a central focus. The Bridgetown Initiative and its role in generating funding to assist developing nations as they adapt to climate change will serve as the launch pad for our discussions. CARICOM welcomes the opportunity to engage with the President of Africa Export Import Bank, the President of the Development Bank of Latin America, the Director General of the World Trade Organization, The Prime Minister of Canada and the President of the Ukraine who will deliver a video message.”

CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett also addressed members of the press. She indicated the matters pertaining to Haiti expected to be discussed saying, “the representatives of Haiti at the official heads meeting would be the representatives of the Government who are supposed to be here. There’s an ongoing conversation that CARICOM is having about bringing all of the stakeholders together in Haiti and I’m expecting that that matter will be further discussed among the heads when they meet.

The conference ends on Friday February 17th.