Association of Caribbean States Holds its 27th Intersessional Preparatory Meeting for the 30th Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – January 24, 2025 – The Association of Caribbean States (ACS) held its 27th Intersessional Preparatory Meeting for the 30th Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council virtually today. Representatives from ACS Member States and Associate Members came together to discuss key priorities and set the stage for the upcoming 10th Summit of Heads of States and Governments of the ACS, scheduled to take place in Colombia in May 2025.
In her remarks, ACS Secretary-General, Noemi Espinoza emphasized the significance of the meeting in ensuring a successful Summit. She highlighted that the Summit will address strategic issues as climate change and food security which are critical to advancing the region's sustainable development. This momentous event will be held along with the 9th ACS International Cooperation Conference, the 17th Business Forum of Greater Caribbean and the 30th Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council.
During this meeting Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, reaffirmed his nation’s commitment to the supporting ACS. Minister Browne commended the leadership and vision of Secretary-General Espinoza, underscoring the importance of collective action to achieve shared regional goals.
Ms. Kandya Obezo Casseres, Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, and current Chair of ACS Ministerial Council, stressed the critical role of this preparatory meeting in fostering high-level dialogue and setting a collaborative agenda. She called for active engagement from all stakeholders to effectively tackle the region’s pressing challenges.
The Honourable Albert Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Suriname, former Chair of ACS Ministerial Council, also participated in the meeting and expressed his country’s full support for the ACS and its initiatives.
The 27th Intersessional Preparatory Meeting provided a vital platform for constructive dialogue among Member States and Associate Members, helping to shape the future direction of the ACS. The outcomes of this meeting will significantly contribute to ensuring a successful and impactful 10th Summit of Heads of State and Government in May 2025.
The Association of Caribbean States is the organization for consultation, cooperation and concerted action in trade, transport, sustainable tourism and natural disasters in the Greater Caribbean. Its Member States are Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuela. Its Associate Members are Aruba, Curacao, (France on behalf of French Guiana, Saint Barthelemy and Saint Martin ), Guadeloupe, Martinique, Sint Maarten, (The Netherlands on behalf of Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius ), Turks and Caicos.