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GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Jun. 28, CMC – Canada and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on regional security, economic development and climate resilience, following high-level talks held on the sidelines of the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in Panama last week.
The 2026 Canada-CARICOM Foreign Ministers’ Group Meeting was co-chaired by Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, and Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Christopher Sinckler, representing the Chair of the CARICOM Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR).
The meeting built on the Canada-CARICOM Strategic Partnership established in 2023 and came amid what ministers described as significant changes in the global landscape that underscore the need for stronger alliances among like-minded partners.
At the conclusion of the talks, ministers endorsed a renewed Action Plan focused on three key priorities: building competitive and resilient economies, advancing climate action, and strengthening regional security and stability.
The ministers agreed that the Action Plan should include clear timelines, measurable targets and sustainable financing mechanisms to ensure effective mplementation and tangible results.
Regional security featured prominently in the discussions, with ministers examining the growing threats posed by transnational organized crime, gang activity, irregular migration and instability in Haiti.
They emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation to strengthen institutional capacity, improve maritime security, boost cyber resilience and disrupt criminal networks operating across borders. Ministers also welcomed Canada’s ongoing support for regional security initiatives through training, capacity building and operational partnerships.
Particular attention was given to the continuing crisis in Haiti, where ministers expressed concern over the worsening political, security and humanitarian situation and its wider implications for regional stability.
They stressed the importance of sustained international support for the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), which is assisting Haitian authorities in restoring security, and pledged their support for the timely renewal of its mandate at the United Nations Security Council later this year.
Ministers also reaffirmed their support for the Haitian people’s right to determine their own future through credible elections and backed CARICOM’s efforts to assist Haiti’s interim authorities in preparing for the electoral process
The discussions further highlighted the need to address corruption and impunity while strengthening Haiti’s judicial institutions to rebuild public confidence in governance.
On economic matters, ministers underscored the close relationship between economic growth and climate resilience, noting that access to affordable and reliable energy is critical for industrial development, innovation and long-term prosperity.
They identified opportunities to expand trade and investment, strengthen supply chains and promote sustainable development through enhanced commercial engagement. Ministers also highlighted the importance of the CARIBCAN programme, which provides duty-free access to the Canadian market for most products originating from 18 Commonwealth Caribbean countries and territories.
Recognizing the vulnerability of Caribbean states to external shocks, including climate-related disasters and global supply chain disruptions, ministers called for reforms to the international financial system and improved access to concessional financing for small island developing states.
They also stressed the importance of disaster preparedness, renewable energy development, climate financing and stronger correspondent banking relationships to support economic resilience across the region.
Looking ahead, ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Canada-CARICOM Strategic Partnership and agreed to maintain momentum by directing officials to finalize details of the renewed Action Plan.
A Senior Officials’ Dialogue is expected to be convened later this year to advance implementation efforts, identify priority initiatives and provide progress reports to ministers.
The ministers also agreed to hold broader consultations on Haiti during the United Nations General Assembly in September as they explore both immediate and long-term approaches to supporting stability and development in the French-speaking CARICOM member state.
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