Prime Minister Hon. Allen M. Chastanet is scheduled to attend the 37th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Georgetown, Guyana.

The Heads of Government will have an opening ceremony today, followed by a packed agenda for business sessions on July 5 - 6. Some of the major highlights will include regional security,  CARICOM Single Market and Economy, border issues, correspondent banking (de-risking),  CARICOM-Cuba relations,  an exchange of views with the President of Chile, the plight of persons of Haitian descent rendered stateless in the DR, and the Rules of Procedure for Heads of Government.

The Heads will examine how current mechanisms for regional security are working, how they can be improved, and the legal instruments required to facilitate the desired collaboration. During business sessions they will discuss matters related to the operation of the CSME, including travel facilitation (the movement of people).

The Heads will also take into account the border issues between Guyana and Venezuela, and Belize and Guatemala. The meeting will seek to advance the search for solutions to eliminate the possibilities of derisking. They will also evaluate the threats to domestic banking, commerce and transfer of resources. The meeting will seek to advance the process of finalizing an expanded trade agreement with Cuba. In addition, the Heads of Government will discuss cooperation on matters of mutual interest with the President of Chile Ms. Michelle Bachelet.

The Prime Minister left the island on July 3, and will return on July 8. He will attend CARICOM meetings to be held in Guyana from July 4 - 6. The delegation for Saint Lucia will include Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. June Soomer (CARICOM/OECS) and Linda Brice of External Affairs.

In his absence Hon. Ezechiel Joseph will act as Prime Minister.