PM Friday holds bi-lateral engagements while at CARICOM Heads Meeting

Prime Minister, Dr. Godwin Friday, held bilateral engagements on the margins of the 50th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government with Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, to discuss matters of mutual interest and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and the Commonwealth.

He also held discussions with Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Areximbank, that focused on exploring transformative investment opportunities and advancing South–South trade and development cooperation.

Dr. Elombi said, “St. Vincent and the Grenadines presents important opportunities for productive growth and long-term transformation, and we had an open and practical discussion about the country’s development priorities, including revitalising agriculture and fisheries, expanding tourism capacity, strengthening the creative and technology sectors, and unlocking the potential of shipping, marine and yachting services. These priorities speak directly to building productive capacity, creating jobs, and strengthening economic resilience”.

The president added that, “access to affordable, well-structured capital remains central to delivering these ambitions. African Export Import Bank – Afreximbank stands ready to work with St. Vincent and the Grenadines to
turn these priorities into bankable, executable projects”.

These engagements was part of the Prime Minister’s wider programme of high-level interactions during the CARICOM meeting, that wrapped up on Friday, February 26, 2026 in the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, aimed at strengthening partnerships and advancing St Vincent and the Grenadines’ regional and international relations. (API)