CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) Heads of Government have the COVID-19 pandemic and the region’s response high on the agenda of their 42nd regular meeting which wraps up today, July 6.

The impact of recent natural disasters, including the eruption of La Soufriere volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the widespread flooding in Guyana and Suriname are also being examined at the two day meeting, a release from the CARICOM Secretariat states.

The Heads were also being updated on the passage of hurricane Elsa through several Member States.

The range of critical economic development matters listed for attention include prioritising regional food production and food security; the removal of regional roaming charges to help enhance the ICT sector; the push towards a common CARICOM tourism policy; and revival of regional air transportation, post covid. The ongoing issues related to tax transparency, black listing and de-risking are also down to receive attention.

Issues impacting the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), Community and international relations, crime and security are also listed on the agenda.

The Heads also intend to engaged in dialogue with representatives of the regional Private Sector, Labour and Civil Society.

The incoming CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, is chairing the Heads of Government meeting and will host an end-of-meeting press conference this afternoon.