{"id":178943,"date":"2023-07-06T20:34:37","date_gmt":"2023-07-07T00:34:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=178943"},"modified":"2023-07-06T20:39:31","modified_gmt":"2023-07-07T00:39:31","slug":"45th-meeting-of-caricom-heads-of-government","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/45th-meeting-of-caricom-heads-of-government\/","title":{"rendered":"45th Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"antig-1022927443\" class=\"antig-ecab antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/discoverflow.co\/web\/antigua\" aria-label=\"ANU CVP Digital Broadband 1200x400_1\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 1201w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:100\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:342\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:256\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1201\" height=\"401\"   \/><\/a><\/div><div id=\"antig-640362409\" class=\"antig-before-content antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/medicalbenefitsscheme\" aria-label=\"ce741a73-c70c-446b-af7f-da2abe2b62bb\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1200\/h:400\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ce741a73-c70c-446b-af7f-da2abe2b62bb.jpeg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1200\/h:400\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ce741a73-c70c-446b-af7f-da2abe2b62bb.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:100\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ce741a73-c70c-446b-af7f-da2abe2b62bb.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:341\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ce741a73-c70c-446b-af7f-da2abe2b62bb.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:256\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ce741a73-c70c-446b-af7f-da2abe2b62bb.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1200\" height=\"400\"   \/><\/a><\/div><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Forty-fifth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held from 3- 5 July 2023. In acknowledgement of the 50<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">th<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas in 1973, it was agreed that Trinidad and Tobago would host.<\/span><\/p><div id=\"antig-3290057082\" class=\"antig-content_5 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ablpag\" aria-label=\"ABLP_Red-&#038;-Reddy_Web_1000x250\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1000\/h:250\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABLP_Red-Reddy_Web_1000x250.png\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1000\/h:250\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABLP_Red-Reddy_Web_1000x250.png 1000w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:75\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABLP_Red-Reddy_Web_1000x250.png 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:192\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABLP_Red-Reddy_Web_1000x250.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1000\" height=\"250\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chair of the Conference, Prime Minister of <\/span><b>Dominica,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> the Honourable Roosevelt Skerritt presided over the Meeting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Other Members of the Conference in attendance were: Prime Minister of <\/span><b>Antigua and Barbuda<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">,\u00a0 Honourable Gaston Browne; Prime Minister of<\/span><b> Barbados<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, Honourable Mia Amor Mottley; Prime Minister of <\/span><b>The Bahamas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, Honourable Philip Davis; Prime Minister of <\/span><b>Grenada,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Honourable Dickon Mitchell; President of <\/span><b>Guyana<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, His Excellency Mohamed Irfaan Ali; Prime Minister of <\/span><b>Haiti,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> the Honourable Dr Ariel Henry; Prime Minister of <\/span><b>Jamaica<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, Most Honourable Andrew Holness; Acting Premier, <\/span><b>Montserrat,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Dr. the Hon. Samuel Joseph; Prime Minister of <\/span><b>St Kitts and Nevis,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Honourable Dr Terrence Drew; Prime Minister of <\/span><b>Saint Lucia,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Honourable Philip Pierre; Prime Minister of <\/span><b>St. Vincent and the Grenadines<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, Dr the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves; President of <\/span><b>Suriname<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chandrikapersad<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Santokhi, and the Prime Minister of <\/span><b>Trinidad and Tobago<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><div id=\"antig-2481705565\" class=\"antig-content_4 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/discoverflow.co\/web\/antigua\" aria-label=\"ANU CVP Digital Broadband 1200x400_1\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 1201w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:100\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:342\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:256\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1201\" height=\"401\"   \/><\/a><\/div><div id=\"antig-2355298259\" class=\"antig-content_12 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ablpag\" aria-label=\"ABLP_Red-&#038;-Reddy_Web_1000x250\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1000\/h:250\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABLP_Red-Reddy_Web_1000x250.png\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1000\/h:250\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABLP_Red-Reddy_Web_1000x250.png 1000w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:75\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABLP_Red-Reddy_Web_1000x250.png 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:192\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ABLP_Red-Reddy_Web_1000x250.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1000\" height=\"250\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Belize was represented by Hon Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><div id=\"antig-1190413125\" class=\"antig-content antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.antiguabarbudaculinarymonth.com\/\" aria-label=\"culinary\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1920\/h:843\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1920\/h:843\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:132\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:450\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:337\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1536\/h:675\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1920\/h:842\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1124\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Associate Member States represented <\/span><b>Bermuda<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, by Premier, the Hon Edward David Burt; the <\/span><b>British Virgin Islands<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, by Premier, Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley and the <\/span><b>Turks and Caicos Islands, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">by Hon. Arlington Alexander Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>OPENING CEREMONY<\/b><\/p><div id=\"antig-679929063\" class=\"antig-content_2 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.courts.com\/antigua\/\" aria-label=\"500X500 (1)\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:500\/h:500\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/500X500-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:500\/h:500\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/500X500-1.jpg 500w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:300\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/500X500-1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:150\/h:150\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/500X500-1.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">CARICOM Secretary General, Dr Carla N Barnett, welcomed the Community and guests to the Opening Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on 3 July 2023.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">She highlighted several of CARICOM\u2019s significant achievements over its 50 years of existence and recognised past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation and who have been standard bearers for integration. She also emphasised the importance of involving young people in the integration process, pinpointing CARICOM\u2019s Human Resource Development Strategy 2030, to equip young people of the Region with the tools necessary to function effectively in the 21st century.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><div id=\"antig-4089268096\" class=\"antig-content_3 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.courts.com\/antigua\/\" aria-label=\"1000436969\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:864\/h:1080\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1000436969.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:864\/h:1080\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1000436969.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:240\/h:300\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1000436969.jpg 240w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:819\/h:1024\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1000436969.jpg 819w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:960\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1000436969.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1350\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Honourable Roosevelt Skerritt, Prime Minister of Dominica and Incoming Chair; Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and Conference Host; the Honourable Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Outgoing Chair and His Excellency Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General also addressed the Conference.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><div id=\"antig-3432939342\" class=\"antig-content_6 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/discoverflow.co\/web\/antigua\" aria-label=\"ANU CVP Digital Broadband 1200x400_1\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 1201w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:100\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:342\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:256\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1201\" height=\"401\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">All three Prime Ministers spoke of CARICOM\u2019s significance, the resilience of the people of the Region, and the need for collective action to advance CARICOM\u2019s integration process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Chair noted that the 50<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">th<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> anniversary offered the opportunity to make transformative decisions to shape the future of our Community for the next 50 years. He highlighted<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">reviving the Single Domestic Space that once allowed citizens to traverse freely across the Region; regional air travel; and the situation in Haiti as critical issues on which the Meeting would focus.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cEven as we celebrate this landmark in the evolution of our integration movement, we must be mindful that the symbols and events of celebration do not serve as a distraction from the substance of the heavy lifting still needed to make our Community viable, prosperous, secure and beneficial to all of its people,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Host Prime Minister, Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley observed that CARICOM has charted its own destiny.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cBeyond the doubts, CARICOM is working diligently to serve the people of the Region. \u00a0While at times, the going may be slow or the outcome may not have been readily apparent, we all continue to build on the strong foundation laid 50 years ago,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Immediate Past Chair, the Honourable Philip Davis, noted that during his tenure, regional cooperation was demonstrated through strong support from the Community for the Bridgetown Initiative; efforts to address crime and violence and the illegal trafficking of guns into the Region; as well as a regional response to mitigate the effects of climate change.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">His Excellency Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General, who was a Special Guest at the Meeting congratulated CARICOM on its 50<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">th<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Anniversary. He recognised the Region\u2019s efforts to extend its Good Offices to Haiti, as well as its leadership on climate action and the plight of Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States, the international financial infrastructure, and financing for development.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Full texts of all the statements are available at <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/hgc.caricom.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">http:\/\/hgc.caricom.org\/<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>CARICOM 50<\/b><b>TH<\/b><b> ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITIES<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Official Flag Raising Ceremony<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On 4 July 2023, the Conference of Heads of Government journeyed to Chaguaramas, where the Treaty which established the Community was first signed, for a 50<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">th<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Anniversary Ceremonial Event. The symbolic occasion featured a flag-raising ceremony, remarks from the Conference Chair, Host Prime Minister and the Dean of CARICOM\u2019s Youth Ambassadors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Conference also signed a document which was deposited in a time capsule to be opened when the Community celebrates its Centenary.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>50<\/b><b>th<\/b><b> Anniversary Tributes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To mark CARICOM\u2019s 50<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">th<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Anniversary, the Conference received tributes from Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo of Korea, other representatives of Foreign Governments and Heads of International Organisations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These were Hon David Rutley, <\/span><b>UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Americas and Caribbean)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">;<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0Hon. Maninder Sidhu Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Canada, His Excellency<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Luis Almagro, <\/span><b>Secretary General of the Organization of American States;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Her Excellency Ms Hua Chunying, <\/span><b>Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People\u2019s Republic of China<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">; Baroness Patricia Scotland, <\/span><b>Secretary General of the Commonwealth;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ambassador Mauricio Vizca\u00edno Crespo,<\/span><b> Special Envoy, Mexico<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">; Dr Sergio Diaz Granados, <\/span><b>Executive President, CAF Development Bank of Latin America.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hon. P Austin Bramble, former Chief Minister of Montserrat, the only surviving signatory of the Treaty, and Sir Shridath Ramphal former Foreign Minister of Guyana who was present at the signing of the Treaty in 1973, gave virtual reflections.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">All guests congratulated CARICOM on maintaining the integration process over its 50 years. They noted CARICOM\u2019s influence and action on critical issues such as the fight against apartheid regimes in Southern Africa, illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and small arms, climate change and climate finance, youth advancement, and the situation in Haiti. They committed to ongoing support and cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The tributes can be viewed on <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.caricom.org\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">www.caricom.org<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>50<\/b><b>th<\/b><b> Anniversary Concert<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Government of Trinidad and Tobago hosted a 50<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">th<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Anniversary Concert, \u201c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Golden Rhythms: CARICOM at 50<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201d at the National Academy for the Performing Arts where Heads of Government and Delegates to the Meeting were treated to diverse cultural offerings from Member States.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The concert can be viewed here\u00a0 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jibdqovtlMM\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jibdqovtlMM<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>PASSING OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF BARBADOS<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Meeting observed a minute\u2019s silence in honour of Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford, former Prime Minister of Barbados. They noted his service of over three decades to his country and the Region, particularly his contribution to the aspirations set out in the Grande Anse Declaration and Work Programme for the Integration Movement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>CARICOM SINGLE MARKET AND ECONOMY (CSME)<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Conference received an update from lead Head on the CSME, the Prime Minister of Barbados, on progress to implement the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They agreed that the Secretariat would prepare a timeline of actions necessary to complete policy and regulatory work to bring the regional capital market into being by July 2024. The timeline will include a schedule of meetings of COFAP, COTED, COHSOD and the LAC, and will be presented to the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on the CSME and the CARICOM Bureau of Heads of Government before the end of July 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">also agreed that the initiatives comprising the macroeconomic policy coordination agenda for the CSME, including the operationalizing of the regional capital market, must be tabled for adoption by Member States by July 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Conference agreed to work towards the free movement of all CARICOM nationals within the Community by 31 March 2024. They acknowledged that there are certain basic guarantees that should be afforded to all CARICOM nationals exercising their right to freely move and remain indefinitely in another Member State of the Community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In this regard, they agreed that any appropriate amendments to the Revised Treaty to provide for the attendant rights of CARICOM nationals exercising their right to free movement within the Community and accommodate the concerns of all Member States would be completed in the intervening period.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government agreed to the further extension of the CDF\u2019s Second Contribution Cycle to\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 31 December 2023. They thanked Dr. Wendell Samuel for his sterling service as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the CDF and acknowledged the COFAP\u2019s commitment to an early appointment of a new Chairperson.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Conference welcomed the support of the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) for finalising the instruments and policies, in particular for the regional capital markets, and welcomed renewed efforts by the Organisation to establish a CARICOM Stock Exchange.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>EXTERNAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Meeting received a report from the Lead Head of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on External Negotiations, the Prime Minister of Jamaica. The Committee had considered the key findings of the preliminary assessment of CARICOM\u2019s merchandise trade, which represented part of the Region\u2019s pivot to a more evidence-based approach.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Heads of Government agreed to the recommendations made by the Sub-Committee. They endorsed the decision for the Region to prepare for and engage in negotiations to update the Community\u2019s existing trade agreements with hemispheric partners with a sense of urgency and a willingness to arrive at mutually beneficial outcomes within the shortest possible timeframe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They emphasized that CARICOM should strengthen its trade and economic linkages with non-traditional partners, to support further integration into the global economy, and agreed to further explore and strengthen relations with Africa, building on established partnership arrangements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They also agreed, that as part of its transformational trade agenda the Community will adopt a more strategic and sustained engagement with traditional hemispheric partners, including by reviewing the scope of arrangements to include services, and by prioritizing cooperation on trade finance, trade facilitation, transportation and payments arrangements under its bilateral trade agreements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>THE AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS AGENDA<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government commended the Lead Head of Government with responsibility for Agriculture and Agriculture Development in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, for his leadership towards the achievement of the 25 by 2025 Food and Nutrition Security Initiative.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They acknowledged the steady progress already made to advance the regional agri-food system, resulting in a decrease in the number of people in the Region who face food insecurity between 2022 and 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They deepened their commitment to the removal of all non-tariff barriers to intra-regional trade, de-risking the agricultural sector and increased resource mobilization to help Member States achieve their 25 by 2025 target.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads welcomed the offer of the President of Guyana of training for 300 CARICOM nationals in hydroponics and aquaculture, at least half of whom should be women.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>CLIMATE CHANGE AND CLIMATE FINANCE<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government emphasized the critical importance of urgent efforts to address financing to address the impact of climate change. To this end, a Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee was established, comprising Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia, Suriname and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to define the Regional approach for preparations for COP 28.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They agreed on the need for strong political advocacy from the Region on key action areas to keep the 1.5 temperature goal within reach, focusing on areas of finance for adaption and loss and damage, improving access to finance for SIDS, de-risking, debt sustainability and innovation as key points.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Conference also agreed to actively support the Caribbean Development Bank proposal to host of the Santiago Network on Loss and Damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Haiti<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government discussed the crisis in Haiti and agreed to issue a Statement which is <\/span><b>attached<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>ADVANCING REGIONAL PRIORITIES<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Engagement with Guests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Al Jaber, President-Designate, COP 28<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government received the President-Designate of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28). He extended 50<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">th<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Anniversary congratulations to the Conference.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The President Designate outlined that his presidency would focus on an action-oriented, consensus-driven approach to climate change mitigation, with a view to protecting nature and enhancing food security.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government welcomed his proposed new framework, which included efforts to keep pressure on donor countries regarding financing and targets for the reduction of carbon emissions. They insisted on the need for urgent and decisive measures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>His Excellency Paul Kagame, President, Republic of Rwanda<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Meeting received His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">He congratulated CARICOM on its 50<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">th<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Anniversary and highlighted its many accomplishments and influence as an enduring and respected integration movement. President Kagame pinpointed transportation, telecommunications and regional security as areas for bilateral mutual support.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government welcomed his presence. They<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">highlighted the close linkages and the ongoing friendship he has shown to the Region and noted existing fruitful bilateral relationships with individual CARICOM Member States. They welcomed his offer to support CARICOM efforts towards a solution for Haiti and committed to continued deepening of the alliance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US Department of State<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Leader, US House of Representatives<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Both leaders expressed their honour at having been invited to address the Conference on CARICOM\u2019s golden anniversary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Secretary of State outlined current initiatives, including creation of a new position for a Coordinator for Caribbean Firearms Prosecutions to help maximise information sharing to support the prosecution of traffickers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government welcomed the high-level encounters between the Region and the United States, as well as commitments from recent engagements towards regional strategic priorities. They noted that CARICOM is intent on working jointly with its partners to address its pressing challenges such as energy security, food security and development financing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They also outlined challenges which impede regional development, including correspondent banking, blacklisting and access to concessional financing. They also stressed the importance of reforming the global financial system to mobilise short-term liquidity for crisis response and long-term funding for sustainable development, as proposed under the Bridgetown Initiative.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Further, the Heads of Government underlined their continued deep concern at the increased flow of illegal guns into the Region which has resulted in<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">an increase in crime and violence. They reiterated their call for the United States to disrupt the trade by supporting efforts to manage porous borders, sharing intelligence and effecting relevant legislation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Republic of Korea<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government welcomed the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea and acknowledged that country\u2019s support for the Community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They expressed appreciation for the Republic of Korea\u2019s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with CARICOM as evidence of the country\u2019s commitment to building long-term and sustainable cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They also welcomed the Prime Minister\u2019s offer of deepening cooperation in areas such as climate change, marine environment, food security, and renewable energy, both in the public and private sectors, in the years ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government further welcomed his announcement of an increase in contribution to the Korea-CARICOM Cooperation Fund next year as a clear demonstrate of his country\u2019s commitment to CARICOM.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Corporacion Andina de Fomento (CAF)<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government welcomed Dr Sergio Diaz Granados, Executive President, CAF Development Bank of Latin America.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They expressed appreciation for the assistance already provided to some Member States including non-members of the Bank.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government agreed that those Member States that are not yet members of the Bank would consider taking steps to join as soon as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>SANCTIONS<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Cuba<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government reiterated their call for the lifting of the unjust financial, economic and trade embargo against the Government and people of Cuba.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Venezuela<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Urged the removal of the sanctions on Venezuela to allow for countries in the Region to benefit from the PetroCaribe initiative and for further progress on the exploration of the cross-border natural gas fields between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>CRICKET WORLD CUP 2024<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government exchanged views with the President of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Dr Kishore Shallow on the state of the game in the Region and the preparations for the hosting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup 2024 (CWC2024) in the Region.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government expressed their profound disappointment at the performance of the Men\u2019s team in the ICC Qualifying Tournament being held in Zimbabwe and congratulated the Women\u2019s team on their victory against Ireland in the series being played in the Region.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They agreed that a team of Heads of Government will meet Cricket West Indies in the week of 10 July to finalise matters related to the hosting of CWC 2024 and continue discussions on other issues raised during the meeting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government also agreed that on-going collaboration with Cricket West Indies and other stakeholders was critical to address the crisis in West Indies cricket.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government appointed the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago to lead the Prime Ministerial sub-committee on Cricket.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>BORDER ISSUES:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Guyana-Venezuela<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government acknowledged the update provided by Guyana on the case before the International Court of Justice. They noted the overwhelming decision of the Court of 6 April 2023 to reject Venezuela\u2019s Preliminary Objection which sought to make the United Kingdom an indispensable party to the proceedings. They further noted the Court\u2019s decision that, in keeping with the provisions of the 1966 Geneva Agreement, it had jurisdiction to adjudicate on the merits of Guyana\u2019s claim regarding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award that had determined the boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They reiterated their continued support for the judicial process and the security, maintenance and preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Belize-Guatemala<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Heads of Government received an update on the claim brought by the Republic of Guatemala against Belize in which the International Court of Justice is asked to resolve \u201cany and all legal claims of Guatemala against Belize to land and insular territories and to any maritime areas pertaining to those territories, and to declare the rights therein of both Parties, and to determine the boundaries between their respective territories and areas\u201d. They were informed that Belize filed its Rejoinder in the first week of June 2023.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Heads of Government expressed concern over Guatemalan illegal activities in and near the Adjacency Zone, and the deforestation of Belize\u2019s national parks and protected areas along the Belize-Guatemala border due to the continuing illegal incursions by Guatemalan nationals. They urged both countries to abide by the Confidence Building Measures and conclude a protocol to apply to the Sarstoon River and the Gulf of Honduras.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They reiterated their support for the critical work carried out by the OAS in defusing tensions along the border and urged the international community to continue its support for the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Heads of Government reiterated their unequivocal support for Belize\u2019s sovereignty and territorial integrity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>ASSOCIATE MEMBERS<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government received a report of Special Consultations with the Associate Members and agreed that there would be regular consultations with the Associate Members prior to the Regular July Meetings of the Conference.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government urged the completion of processes for formal inclusion of Martinique and Curacao as Associate Members of CARICOM and looked forward to welcoming Martinique as the sixth Associate Member of CARICOM at the Forty-Sixth Conference of Heads of Government to be held in Guyana in February 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>APPRECIATION<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government expressed their appreciation to the Government and People of Trinidad and Tobago for their excellent hospitality and the arrangements as hosts of the meeting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT REGULAR MEETING<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government accepted the invitation of Guyana to host the 46<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">th<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Regular Meeting of the Conference in the last week of February 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government also agreed to hold a retreat in Dominica on 18-19 August 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>6 July 2023<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>STATEMENT ON HAITI<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government deliberated over the complex crisis enveloping Haiti, and expressed their grave concern over the deep humanitarian, security and governance crises.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In that regard, they noted the need for the immediate creation of a Humanitarian and Security Stabilization Corridor under the mandate of a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution, and agreed to seek support from international partners to help finance its establishment and the strengthening of security in Haiti.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government are of the view that approaches should be made to Rwanda, Kenya and other willing international partners to support the strengthening of the Haitian National Police (HNP) and the establishment of the corridor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They welcomed the statement by the Prime Minister of Haiti that he will not seek election but will head a Transition Government to secure the arrangements to transition the country from the security and humanitarian crises until the holding of credible, free, and fair elections.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Government acknowledged that the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG) will continue to work with the Haitian Government and stakeholders in their efforts to find a Haitian led solution to the crisis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/LgZXQuHl9MhCtCAAZEbcrd\">CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"antig-990684684\" class=\"antig-paragraph-12\"><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/LgZXQuHl9MhCtCAAZEbcrd\">CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/LgZXQuHl9MhCtCAAZEbcrd\">CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR 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src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1000\/h:250\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Hadeed_WEB_Banner_MG-2.png\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1000\/h:250\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Hadeed_WEB_Banner_MG-2.png 1000w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:75\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Hadeed_WEB_Banner_MG-2.png 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:192\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Hadeed_WEB_Banner_MG-2.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1000\" height=\"250\"   \/><\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Forty-fifth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held from 3- 5 July 2023. In acknowledgement of the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas in 1973, it was agreed that Trinidad and Tobago would host. Chair of the Conference, Prime Minister of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":178948,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-178943","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-regional"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.1 (Yoast SEO v24.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>45th Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government - Antigua News Room<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/45th-meeting-of-caricom-heads-of-government\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"45th Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The Forty-fifth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held from 3- 5 July 2023. 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