IN the heart of the Caribbean, where azure seas meet golden sands, lies a region rich not only in natural beauty, but also in agricultural potential.
Yet, despite this abundance, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) finds itself grappling with a paradoxical challenge: While leaders tout ambitions of achieving regional food security, trade barriers persist, obstructing the free flow of produce across member states.
Chairman of CARICOM and Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has sounded a clarion call for action, urging Caribbean citizens to hold their leaders accountable for dismantling these barriers. His words resonate with urgency and purpose, as the stakes for regional food security have never been higher.
Trade barriers, ranging from tariffs to regulatory hurdles, impede the movement of goods within CARICOM, stifling economic growth and perpetuating dependency on costly food imports.
President Ali’s advocacy for their removal is a step in the right direction, but it requires concerted effort from both leaders and citizens alike.
Guyana stands at the forefront of this battle, spearheading initiatives to bolster food production and foster agricultural innovation. Under President Ali’s leadership, Guyana is expanding its agricultural horizons, cultivating new crops and forging partnerships aimed at fortifying the region’s food supply. However, these commendable efforts will fall short without collective action to dismantle trade barriers and facilitate intra-regional trade.
It is heartening to witness collaborative endeavours such as the black belly sheep project in Guyana; the expansion of shade houses in Barbados and the rice-cultivation initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago. These partnerships exemplify the potential for regional cooperation in achieving the ambitious ’25 by 25′ target to reduce the food-import bill.
Nevertheless, as leaders convene for the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, they must prioritise the removal of trade barriers as a fundamental pillar of the region’s food-security strategy.
Discussions on climate change, security, and global issues are undoubtedly crucial, but they should not overshadow the pressing need to address internal impediments to economic integration and agricultural development.
President Ali’s proposal to eliminate hunger and malnutrition by 2030 sets a laudable yet formidable goal. With over half of the region’s population grappling with food insecurity, urgent action is imperative. As leaders chart the course for the future, they must not lose sight of the human cost of inaction.
The next few days present a critical opportunity for CARICOM leaders to demonstrate their commitment to the region’s prosperity and well-being. Climate financing, security concerns, and global partnerships are integral, but they must be complemented by tangible steps towards removing trade barriers and fostering a more resilient, self-sufficient Caribbean.
Let us heed President Ali’s call to action. Let us demand accountability from our leaders and rally behind initiatives that pave the way towards a more prosperous and food-secure Caribbean. The time for rhetoric is over; now is the time for action.
As citizens of this vibrant region, we must hold our leaders to account for the future of our food security depends on it. Together, let us break down barriers and cultivate a brighter, more resilient Caribbean for generations to come.
