Fraser represents BVI at CARICOM meeting

Deputy Premier Julian Fraser represented the Virgin Islands at the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) held in Bridgetown, Barbados, on February 20 and 21.

The meeting, chaired by Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley, focused on regional security, economic cooperation, climate change, tourism, food security, education, technological innovation, and international partnerships.

Fraser reaffirmed the Virgin Islands’ commitment to regional collaboration.
“The territory remains steadfast in its commitment to deepening regional ties and working together to address the shared challenges the region faces,” he said.

A significant topic of discussion was the rise in crime, with an emphasis on the illicit trade of firearms, narcotics, and human trafficking. CARICOM leaders called for enhanced law enforcement cooperation, stressing the need for joint efforts with international partners to strengthen regional security.

Fraser engaged in high-level discussions with international figures, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Talks focused on regional security, economic resilience, and international partnerships, with particular emphasis on stabilising Haiti and addressing global pressures impacting the Caribbean.

During the meeting, leaders also explored opportunities for the Caribbean to adopt emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). A highlight was AI’s potential to transform healthcare through advancements in medical imaging and diagnostics.

The conference saw Martinique’s provisional accession as an Associate Member of CARICOM. Fraser congratulated Serge Letchimy, President of the Regional Council of Martinique, calling the milestone “a step towards closer collaboration between Martinique and the wider CARICOM.”

Fraser also addressed financial services and constitutional matters, ensuring the Virgin Islands’ position was recognised at the highest level of the conference.

He was accompanied by Special Envoy Benito Wheatley, the Virgin Islands’ CARICOM Ambassador.