Regional Heads of Government convened in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, from July 5 to 8, 2026, at the Fifty-First Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño and the Government of Belize were represented by a delegation led by Hon. Anthony G. Sylvestre, Attorney General.
The regional summit brought together Heads of Government and senior officials from across the Caribbean to address key regional priorities and advance regional integration. Discussions focused on the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), climate change and climate finance, reparations, food and nutrition security, public health preparedness, governance and community financing, border issues, and developments in Haiti and Cuba. French Guiana was admitted as the eighth Associate Member of CARICOM.
The Attorney General also participated in the Heads of Government Retreat, where leaders discussed effective measures for addressing the increased cost of living, crime, and security, as well as the process for the reappointment of the Secretary-General of CARICOM. Following deliberations, Heads of Government agreed to seek an Advisory Opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), in accordance with Article 212 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, on issues relating to the reappointment process.
Throughout the Meeting, Attorney General Sylvestre advanced Belize’s positions to deepen regional integration, strengthen climate resilience, and coordinate Caribbean responses to the unique challenges facing Small Island Developing States. The Attorney General also provided an update on Belize–Guatemala relations and other matters of national interest.
On the margins of the Conference, Belize held bilateral meetings with delegations from Saint Lucia, Cuba, the Republic of Korea, and Australia to further strengthen bilateral relations and explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation. Discussions covered climate change, sargassum management, candidatures in multilateral fora, COP31, trade, and technical cooperation.
Attorney General Sylvestre also signed the Amendment to Article 84 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. The amendment establishes a more flexible and efficient mechanism for updating Schedule I (Rules of Origin), thereby strengthening the implementation and responsiveness of the CSME.
The Attorney General was accompanied by Ambassador Oscar Arnold, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Ambassador Ayesha Borland, Director of International Affairs (Policy); and Ms. Giselle Gibson, Foreign Service Officer.
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Regional Heads of Government convened in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, from July 5 to 8, 2026, at the Fifty-First Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño and the Government of Belize were represented by a delegation led by Hon. Anthony G. Sylvestre, Attorney
The post Belize participates in 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
