– After 14-year hiatus
– Summit aims to bridge time gap, explore new avenues for co-operation

FOLLOWING a break of 14 years, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Brazil are embarking on a new era of regional integration and co-operation through the anticipated organisation of the second CARICOM-Brazil Summit.

This move was highlighted during the talks held this Wednesday, where Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva arrived in Georgetown for in-depth discussions with President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the current CARICOM Chairman, and other CARICOM leaders.

Hosted at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, the gathering of CARICOM officials witnessed a renewed commitment to collaboration between the South American giant and the Caribbean states.

President Ali highlighted the elapsed time since the first summit, underlined the importance of reconvening to address critical matters that influence the region’s well-being and prosperity.

“Mr. President (Lula), a significant amount of time has elapsed since the first CARICOM-Brazil Summit, which was held 14 years ago… It is important that we convene the second summit, which will present a valuable opportunity for us to engage on critical matters,” he stressed.

President Ali expressed confidence in Brazil’s leadership under President Lula, foreseeing a partnership that “will soar to greater heights,” significantly contributing to the nations’ collective welfare and prosperity.
His sentiments resonate with a shared vision of a strengthened bond between CARICOM countries and Brazil, aiming to enhance regional stability and economic growth.

On his part, President Lula responded by acknowledging the importance of resuming political consultations and crafting a substantial agenda for the upcoming summit.
He invoked the words of the late Caribbean Nobel Prize in Literature laureate, V.S. Naipaul, to inspire a broader vision beyond conventional boundaries.

“Many people are confined by the niche in the world that they carve out for themselves. They limit themselves to fewer possibilities by the narrowness of their vision,” Lula said.
To the CARICOM leader, President Lula said, “That’s why I want to invite you all together, expand our vision, and conquer a greater place in the world.”

Highlighting the indispensable role of CARICOM in regional integration, Lula deemed the Caribbean organisation as an “essential partner for Brazil” and a crucial element of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), without which, he noted, “the regional integration project will remain unfinished.”

The proposed CARICOM-Brazil Summit aims to not only bridge the time gap since their last official gathering but also to explore new avenues for co-operation, economic development, and mutual understanding.
As the two regions gear up for this monumental event, the spirit of collaboration and the aspiration for a ‘greater place in the world’ remain the guiding principles for this renewed partnership.

The history of the CARICOM-Brazil Summit dates back to the inaugural meeting that took place on April 26, 2010, in Brasilia, Brazil. Towards the end of 2024 the next summit is expected to commence.
This summit aimed to identify avenues for co-operation between CARICOM and Brazil across various sectors, including political collaboration.

The close ties between CARICOM and Brazil had been established for several years prior to this historic meeting, which was considered timely and significant by Caribbean nations.
Over the years, these summits have continued to strengthen relations between CARICOM countries and Brazil.