Basseterre, Saint Kitts, May 08, 2025 (SKNIS): Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, officially assumed the chairmanship of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) on Thursday, May 08, 2025, as ministers and delegates commenced their 28th Regular Meeting at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort in Frigate Bay.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), welcomed Dr. Douglas to his new role, which will run for one year. She expressed confidence in his leadership.
“Mr. Chairman, our comprehensive agenda for the next two days presents a valuable opportunity for in-depth, full and frank discussions on our foreign and community relations, ultimately aiming to determine the most effective way to continue to position our community for prosperity of all our people,” said Secretary-General Barnett. “I look forward to rich debates and a productive meeting.”
She also extended appreciation to the outgoing COFCOR Chair, Honourable Vince Henderson, Minister of Foreign Affairs for Dominica, for his service and stewardship over the past year.
In his remarks, Minister Henderson reflected on the shifting global landscape, encouraging fellow foreign ministers to embrace the moment with courage and clarity of purpose. He reflected that over the past 12 months, while CARICOM member states continued working to strengthen community ties, the world had undeniably shifted and continued to evolve. He noted that despite the challenges, the region must not relent in its pursuits or fear the future. Instead, he saw the moment as an opportunity for the Caribbean to define its own civilisation and shape the kind of community it aspired to be. He emphasised that this pivotal time should not be overlooked, as it offered a chance to reaffirm the values that define the Caribbean Community and to continue advocating for them, regardless of political changes occurring in capitals across the globe.
Newly appointed Chair of COFCOR, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, acknowledged the significance of the gathering and the importance of the setting.
“Secretary-General and colleague ministers, I am confident that our discussions today and tomorrow can only be enhanced by the backdrop of the natural beauty of our twin-island Federation that we are so very pleased to share with you,” said Dr. Douglas. “Yet, this environment of calm and beauty that surrounds us, belies a shifting and troubled geopolitical and economic landscape where the rules-based international order is now being eroded by the attempts of some to undermine multilateralism and of course the rule of law.”
He further emphasised the pressing need for unity and adaptability as the region navigates a complex global environment.
“Partnerships once considered sacred and principles considered inalienable are now being progressively diminished prompting the need for the realignment of priorities for many of our countries, even when the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and armed international conflicts continue to loom over the global economy,” said Dr. Douglas. “The circumstances constitute an inflexion point for this our Caribbean region. They demand a unity of vision and mission to weather the tide and to identify and implement innovative approaches to achieving regional and national development goals. In this vein, the continued bolstering of our efforts to deepen relations with non-traditional partners even while we continue to engage fully with our own.”
The 28th Regular Meeting of the COFCOR continues on Friday, May 09 with key discussions on regional and international diplomatic relations, security, and development priorities.
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