Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Wilfred Elrington represented Belize at the 31st Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community held in Barbados on February 18-19, 2020.
CARICOM Heads of Government reviewed the state of play of the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. In that context they exchanged views with regional private sector representatives on the opportunities and challenges for business and investment in the region.
Heads received an update on the regional approach to COVID-19 and non-communicable diseases. The Heads discussed crime and security, the digital transformation of the region, and de-risking and withdrawal of correspondent banking services. They also exchanged views with the Foreign Minister of Canada.
Minister Elrington briefed the CARICOM Heads of Government on the most recent developments in the Belize-Guatemala relations. CARICOM reaffirmed its steadfast support for the sovereignty of Belize and territorial integrity. Furthermore, CARICOM urged the development of a protocol for the Sarstoon River and the continued implementation of the Confidence Building Measures pending the final resolution of Guatemala’s Claim at the International Court of Justice.
Minister Elrington held bilateral meetings with the High Commissioner of New Zealand and the Former Prime Minister of Ireland on the margins of the Intersessional Meeting.
Minister Elrington was accompanied by H.E. Lawrence Sylvester, Ambassador of Belize to CARICOM; Ayesha Borland, Director of International Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Tricia Gideon, Trade Economist, Directorate of Foreign Trade.
