BELMOPAN, Belize – Belize marked the 52nd anniversary of its membership within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) with a youth focused panel discussion as part of the annual CARICOM Week activities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade hosted the panel discussion on Tuesday, under the theme, “Your Future, Your Region,” that brought together students, young professionals, and educators from secondary and tertiary institutions for an engaging discussion on the opportunities CARICOM creates for Belizeans.
The panel discussion, titled “Building Skills, Expanding Access, and Contributing to Belize: What CARICOM Means for You,” explored how regional integration continues to support education, skills development, entrepreneurship, professional mobility, and regional collaboration across the Caribbean.
Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Marconi Leal Jr., reflected on Belize’s longstanding commitment to regional cooperation since joining CARICOM in 1974. He told the audience that CARICOM is not only about institutions and agreements, but about people and the opportunities created through collective regional development.
Leal encouraged participants to view themselves as active contributors to Belize’s future and the advancement of the wider Caribbean region.
The discussion featured a panel of professionals whose careers reflect the impact of regional engagement and leadership. Panelists shared personal experiences, insights on professional growth, and perspectives on how young Belizeans can take advantage of opportunities available through CARICOM while contributing meaningfully to national development.
The event also highlighted the importance of preparing Belize’s youth to compete and succeed in an increasingly interconnected region and global economy. Participants were encouraged to engage actively, ask questions, and explore the many pathways available through regional cooperation.
“As Belize continues to strengthen its role within CARICOM, the event reinforced the value of regional unity, shared opportunity, and youth empowerment in shaping the future of both Belize and the Caribbean community,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said.
Belizean economist, Dr. Carla Barnett serves as the CARICOM Secretary General and has since been reappointed for another five year term beginning in August.
