Saint Lucia Welcomes CARICOM Heads of Government for Opening Ceremony of Fifty-First Regular Meeting
Sunday, July 5, 2026
by OPM
THE OPENING CEREMONY OFFICIALLY COMMENCES THE FOUR-DAY MEETING, WHICH RUNS FROM JULY 5 TO 8, 2026, AND BRINGS TOGETHER THE REGION'S HIGHEST DECISION-MAKERS TO DELIBERATE ON MATTERS CRITICAL TO THE FUTURE OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY.

Saint Lucia today welcomes Heads of Government of CARICOM, senior government officials, representatives of regional and international institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners and delegates from across the Caribbean Community for the Opening Ceremony of the Fifty-First Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, taking place today at Sandals Grande Saint Lucian.

The Opening Ceremony officially commences the four-day Meeting, which runs from July 5 to 8, 2026, and brings together the Region's highest decision-makers to deliberate on matters critical to the future of the Caribbean Community. Heads of Government will consider issues including regional security, climate change and climate financing, food and nutrition security, the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, community enlargement, foreign and community relations, reparations and other priorities affecting the sustainable development of the Region.

The ceremony will feature addresses by the Outgoing Chairman (Immediate Past Chairman) of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew; the Secretary-General of CARICOM, Dr. Carla Barnett; and the Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon. Philip J. Pierre.

Special remarks will also be delivered by Rahym Augustin-Joseph, a Saint Lucian youth leader and Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholar.

Prime Minister Pierre assumed the Chairmanship of CARICOM on July 1, 2026, marking the beginning of Saint Lucia's six-month tenure at the helm of the Caribbean Community. During that period, Saint Lucia will lead the Community's work as Member States continue to strengthen regional cooperation and pursue practical solutions to shared challenges.

As host of the Fifty-First Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, Saint Lucia is honoured to welcome the Region's leaders and delegations and looks forward to productive discussions that will further strengthen Caribbean integration and advance the interests of the people of the Caribbean Community.