– to prioritise regional food security, development
BRAZILIAN President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has pledged to combat food insecurity in the Caribbean, proposing significant collaborative efforts with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations to strengthen regional food security and address the impacts of climate change.
President Lula arrived in Georgetown, on Wednesday, for in-depth discussions with President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the current CARICOM Chairman, and other CARICOM leaders.
The leaders were in Guyana for the 46th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government.
President Lula, in his address, underscored the importance of improving connectivity and co-operation between Brazil and the Caribbean to meet supply demands and bolster food security.
“We want to pave our way to the Caribbean. We will open corridors capable of meeting supply demands and strengthening food security in the region,” Lula stated, highlighting the strategic integration of the Guiana Shield, which includes Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Addressing the issues of climate change and food insecurity, Lula pointed out the unacceptable global disparity, where millions remain hungry despite sufficient global food production.
“It is not possible that on a planet that produces enough food to feed the whole world population around 735 million people [have] nothing to eat,” he said, noting the interconnection between these challenges and global “inequality”.
Furthermore, President Lula criticised the disproportionate global spending on military capabilities compared to insufficient commitments towards climate action and hunger alleviation.
He stressed that the ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and the situation in Gaza, exacerbate global food prices and humanitarian crises, reinforcing the need for peaceful solutions and strengthening regional co-operation.
In addition to food security, the Brazilian president touched on the crisis in Haiti, urging immediate regional action to alleviate suffering.
He also recognised the existing infrastructure projects, such as Guyana’s Linden to Lethem roadway, as crucial steps towards enhancing connectivity and trade between northern Brazil and the Caribbean.
President Ali, in his address, echoed the sentiments on food insecurity and climate change, outlining the additional areas of disaster preparedness, energy security, and human resource training where Brazil’s support could be instrumental.
“CARICOM and Brazil share a rich history of south-south co-operation… We are united not only by geography but also by our common desire to build a prosperous, peaceful, and sustainable future for our people,” President Ali stated.
Both heads reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between CARICOM nations and Brazil, with a focus on creating a more integrated, resilient, and equitable region.
“We see the bloc [CARICOM] as a promising economic partner and a strategic interlocutor,” President Lula said.
