ST. JOHN, Antigua and Barbuda – 25th February, 2026…….Prime Minister Gaston Browne is attending the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Fiftieth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, from 24–27 February 2026.
The Prime Minister is accompanied by Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to CARICOM, Dr. Clarence Henry, and Senior Foreign Service Officer Kurt Williams.
The Meeting, chaired by the Honourable Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, brings together regional leaders at a pivotal time for the Caribbean Community, as Heads of Government deliberate on key economic, security, and geopolitical matters affecting Member States .
A major item on the agenda is the situation in Haiti, as the country enters a critical phase in its governance process. Heads of Government will receive updates on efforts to support a peaceful and sustainable transitional governance arrangement, the role of CARICOM’s Eminent Persons Group in facilitating dialogue among Haitian stakeholders, and international security support arrangements, including the deployment of the United Nations-authorized Gang Suppression Force. Discussions will focus on restoring security, ensuring institutional continuity, and creating the conditions necessary for credible elections .
The Conference will also feature high-level engagements with international partners aimed at strengthening economic and development cooperation. Heads of Government are scheduled to meet with His Excellency Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, building on the momentum of the inaugural CARICOM–Saudi Arabia Summit and exploring opportunities for collaboration in areas critical to the Region’s socio-economic advancement.
Additionally, the Conference will engage with Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, to consolidate the growing partnership between CARICOM and Africa. Discussions are expected to focus on expanding trade, investment flows, and access to development financing, particularly following the Second CARICOM–Africa Summit .
Other significant matters under review include the advancement of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), climate change and climate finance, regional transportation, food and nutrition security, external trade issues, reparations, and the governance and financing of the Community.
Prime Minister Browne’s participation reaffirms Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to regional solidarity, collective security, and coordinated economic development. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda anticipates that the outcomes of the Meeting will contribute meaningfully to regional stability, stronger international partnerships, and enhanced opportunities for sustainable growth across the Caribbean Community.
