The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Export Development, under the leadership of Hon. Joseph Andall, has successfully concluded its participation in the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of CARICOM, held in Barbados from February 19-21, 2025.
This high-level forum facilitated crucial discussions on regional cooperation, economic resilience, and strategic partnerships, further solidifying Grenadaโs role in advancing regional and international development agendas.
Hon. Joseph Andall engaged in a series of impactful bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding collaborative efforts in key areas such as education, healthcare, climate resilience, agricultural development, digitisation, tourism, and the creative economy. These discussions align with Grenadaโs Vision75 framework and the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that diplomatic initiatives translate into tangible benefits for the nation and its people.
Among these significant engagements was the bilateral meeting with Mexico, a regional powerhouse in Latin America and a key player in agricultural innovation and disaster management. Hon. Andall met with H.E. Mauricio Vizcaรญno Crespo, Ambassador of Mexico to CARICOM, and Dr. Josรฉ Luis Caballero to discuss expanding business-to-business support, enhancing disaster management cooperation, and strengthening agricultural development, particularly in the cultivation of root crops. This meeting reaffirmed Mexicoโs commitment to supporting Grenadaโs agricultural sector and disaster preparedness efforts, leveraging Mexicoโs expertise in these areas.
Further reinforcing diplomatic ties, Hon. Andall held discussions with Romania, an emerging economic force in Eastern Europe and a country with strong technological and educational advancements. Meeting with H.E. Mircea, Ambassador of Romania to Grenada, the dialogue emphasised Romaniaโs interest in supporting Grenadaโs capacity-building initiatives, particularly in education, technical assistance, and trade. Grenada seeks to leverage Romaniaโs experience in digital transformation and higher education to bolster its own national development efforts.
Portugal, with its strategic presence in Europe and historical ties to the Caribbean, was also a key partner in the diplomatic engagements. Minister Andall met with H.E. Joรฃo Fins do Lago, Ambassador of Portugal to Trinidad and Tobago and CARICOM, accompanied by Special Envoy of the Portuguese Government to the Caribbean Region, Mr. Joรฃo Caetano da Silva, and Foreign Service Officer, Mr. Josรฉ Mรผller e Sousa. Discussions focused on Portugalโs support for climate resilience initiatives and trade relations. Given Portugalโs global leadership in renewable energy and climate adaptation, Grenada aims to enhance cooperation in these fields to further its sustainability goals.
The United States of America, as one of Grenadaโs most significant bilateral partners and the worldโs largest economy, reaffirmed its support for key developmental priorities. The meeting with Ms. Karin B. Sullivan, Chargรฉ d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Barbados, and Mrs. Frances Herrera, Principal Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Grenada, focused on deepening cooperation in education, trade, and specialist areas. This engagement underscored the strong and enduring partnership between Grenada and the United States, reinforcing the commitment to mutual prosperity and development.
Additionally, Minister Andall participated in the meeting with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), led by Prime Minister Hon. Dickon Mitchell. The UAE is a rapidly expanding global economic hub with strong investments in renewable energy and digital transformation. In discussions with Mr. Omar Hassan Shehadeh, Foreign Ministerโs Envoy to the Caribbean and Pacific Islands, both sides explored avenues for economic collaboration, investment opportunities, and partnerships in sustainable development. Grenada is particularly interested in leveraging the UAEโs advancements in smart technology and green energy solutions to drive its national economic agenda.
Beyond these scheduled meetings, Minister Andall also met with delegations from the United Kingdom and Austria, reinforcing Grenadaโs commitment to expanding its diplomatic outreach with European nations that have historically played a role in Caribbean development. These discussions centred on trade, climate action, and opportunities for investment, ensuring that Grenada remains a key participant in international cooperation efforts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Export Development remains steadfast in its mission to advance Grenadaโs foreign policy objectives by fostering strategic alliances that drive sustainable growth and development. These engagements at the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting underscore the administrationโs unwavering commitment to leveraging international partnerships for the benefit of Grenada and its people, ensuring a more resilient, prosperous, and forward-looking future.
