Minister Douglas Hands over Chairmanship of COFCOR 

Paramaribo, (21st May, 2026) – The 20th May 2026 marks the end of Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Chairmanship of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). 

In his handover remarks, Minister Douglas outlined the complexities of governance presented by an unpredictable international arena. He also reminded the grouping of the many changes that have occurred since he took the mantle of Chairmanship of the body. He spoke to the changes in Venezuela, the challenges in Cuba, the Middle East conflicts, and more recently the hantavirus and the Global Health Emergency declared for Ebola. 

On Haiti, he stated, “It is of no use boasting about the region’s stability and its commitment to democratic transition until we can boast about a peaceful, prosperous Haiti. The stability of Haiti remains a top priority for CARICOM.” 

As Minister Douglas concluded, he expressed a note 

of gratitude: “Finally, I take the time to express my sincere gratitude to you, colleagues. To thank all of you for your participation and all of your efforts in ensuring that the COFCOR year ended as a success. Whether it was getting to a consensus on CARICOM’s response to events or the unplanned virtual meetings to coordinate common positions, your willingness to surrender your time to consider these important issues has offered stability during a time where instability is rampant. To the hardworking secretariat staff, thank you for always executing your duties professionally and in a timely fashion.” 

After one year of assuming the Chairmanship, The Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs, et al officially handed over the reins of COFCOR at the Opening Ceremony of the 29th Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) to the Honourable Melvin Bouva, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Suriname.

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