St Kitts and Nevis: Dr Denzil Douglas- Minister of Foreign Affairs of St Kitts and Nevis, has participated in the Twenty-Sixth Meeting of the Community Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) being convened in Kingston, Jamaica, from 16-17 May 2023.
The Council began its discussions regarding regional coordination of foreign policy on areas ranging from support for CARICOM representation in regional and international organizations to matters on the international agenda, including the Multi-dimensional Vulnerability Index and the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and other upcoming meetings relative to the United Nations General Assembly, including the summits to be held during the high-level week of the 78th Session.
In harmony with St Kitts and Nevis’ responsibility for health matters in the quasi-CARICOM Cabinet, the Permanent Mission of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations leads the CARICOM on health matters at the United Nations.
At this Meeting, Foreign Minister Dr Denzil L Douglas updated the Council on actions taken through its Mission to the United Nations to advance preparations for the three high-level meetings on health (The Health Summit) during this year’s high-level week.
The Health Summit consists of three meetings: the High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, the High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage and the High-Level Meeting on the Fight Against Tuberculosis.
Minister also enumerated some of the regional health priorities for which CARICOM will be advocating throughout these meetings, including the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, promoting primary health care as the cornerstone of a resilient health system, and increased access to medicines and health technologies.
The 26th Session of COFCOR will continue with deliberations on issues in the Organisation of American States, engagements with Third States as well as updates on the preparations for observing the 50th Anniversary of CARICOM.
The Two-day Meeting is chaired by the incoming Chairperson for the Council, Jamaica Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator, Kamina Johnson Smith. The outgoing Chairman, Hon EP Chet Greene of Antigua and Barbuda. The two-day Meeting, will review Regional, Foreign Policy and Community Governance.
