Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, has affirmed that Jamaica’s recent chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) effectively advanced the region’s integration agenda.

“Jamaica was able to promote discourse and renewed commitments of Member States on advancing the region’s integration efforts in the areas of economic integration, human and social development, foreign policy coordination and security,” she stated.

Senator Johnson Smith was addressing Wednesday’s (March 18) Ministerial Briefing during Diplomatic Days 2026, at the Ministry’s offices in downtown Kingston.

She emphasised that over the past year, Jamaica sustained its active engagement within CARICOM, most notably through its Chairmanship of the Conference of Heads of Government from July to December 2025.

Senator Johnson Smith noted that, from this position of leadership, Jamaica facilitated the implementation of “a coordinated CARICOM approach to the stabilisation of Haiti and advancing regional positions in relation to advocacy on climate finance, disaster resilience and sustainable development”.

Jamaica also spearheaded the adoption of the Montego Bay Declaration on Transnational Organised Crime and Criminal Gangs during the 49th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government, held in Montego Bay in July 2025.

“We [additionally] acceded to the Partnership Agreement between CARICOM and the African Export-Import Bank, expanding access to up to US$1.5 billion of financing for trade, investment and development for the region,” she informed.

Senator Johnson Smith further noted that Jamaica recently participated in the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, held in St. Kitts and Nevis, where Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, formally handed over the Chairmanship to the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew.

She emphasised that the Meeting served as an important platform for Member States to deliberate on pressing regional challenges and reaffirm their collective commitment to addressing issues critical to the stability and development of the Caribbean Community.

“A commitment to collaborate with Mexico on the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Cuba was one such matter. We are sensitive to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Cuba, the difficulties being endured by its people, fuelled by the energy crisis, and its possible impact on the rest of the region,” Minister Johnson Smith stated.

She further underscored that Haiti remains a priority on both CARICOM’s and Jamaica’s agenda.

“The 50th CARICOM Conference afforded an opportunity for Prime Minister Holness to hold bilateral discussions with Honourable Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, Prime Minister of Haiti, to exchange views on the current situation and the path towards the restoration of security, stability, and democratic governance in Haiti,” the Foreign Affairs Minister disclosed.

She outlined that the discussions included support for the process initiated following the expiration of the Transitional Presidential Council, as well as preparations for Haiti’s upcoming elections.

“Jamaica continues to monitor developments in our sister country as a matter of priority, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting efforts aimed at securing a safe and stable future for the Haitian people through our membership of the United Nations (UN)-backed Standing Group of Partners, established to oversee the new Gang Suppression Force,” Senator Johnson Smith affirmed.

She emphasised that Jamaica will continue to collaborate with regional and international partners, including the Organization of American States (OAS), the UN, and CARICOM, to support initiatives aimed at advancing peace, security, and sustainable development in Haiti.

Minister Johnson Smith expressed gratitude to the countries that have supported efforts in Haiti and encouraged others to explore ways in which they can contribute to restoring hope for the Haitian people.

“Making contributions to the UN Trust Fund on Haiti is one of the ways which we recommend, as it is still very much a reality that a level of security and stability will be needed for the holding of credible free and fair elections which are programmed for this year,” she added.