News

Bridgetown, Barbados — February 20, 2025 — The Secretary-General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), H.E. Noemí Espinoza Madrid, attended the opening ceremony of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), taking place in Bridgetown, Barbados, under the theme "Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth, and Sustainable Development." 

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister of Barbados, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, S.C., M.P., in her capacity as the Chairperson of CARICOM reflected on the global challenges humanity is facing, particularly the Small states in the Caribbean, are marked by the devastating impacts of climate change, the post pandemic effects and the spread of misinformation. She made a call to combat these issues through unity, bolder action, and a renewed commitment to shared values.
Recognising the Caribbean's ability to shape global debates, the officials who took the podium, stressed that it is paramount for the Caribbean to act on its power to lead the world.

The ACS's participation in this meeting provides a strategic platform for dialogue on critical regional priorities—climate justice, maritime and air transport connectivity, and sustainable development—as the ACS prepares for its 10th Summit of Heads of States and Governments in Colombia in May 2025. This Summit, coinciding with the ACS's 30th anniversary, will define the ACS Strategic Vision, aligning its mission with the priorities of Member States and establishing the foundation for the comprehensive 2025-2035 Strategic Plan. This plan will strengthen the Association's core purpose, enhance its impact, and enable a more effective response to the region's challenges, promoting sustainable development, integration, and cooperation within the Greater Caribbean.

The ACS remains committed to strengthening partnerships within the Greater Caribbean, in alignment with CARICOM’s longstanding vision of inclusive development. As the region navigates increasingly complex global challenges, the ACS stands ready to partner with CARICOM to unify the Greater Caribbean.