Washington, D.C., June 30, 2026 — The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation, sustainable development, and economic integration through its active participation in the 31st Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), held in Panama City, Republic of Panama, from June 20–21, 2026. The Federation was represented by Her Excellency Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin, Head of Delegation, accompanied by Foreign Service Officer Ms. Ticoya Gilbert. The Ministerial Meeting formed part of Panama’s High-Level Week commemorating the Bicentennial of the Amphictyonic Congress and preceded the 56th Regular Session of the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly.
A key feature of the meeting was the adoption of the ACS Strategic Plan 2035, the first comprehensive long-term strategic framework in the organization’s 31-year history. The Strategic Plan establishes five priority areas for regional action: protection of the Caribbean Sea, trade and external economic relations, climate justice-based disaster risk reduction, transport and connectivity, and sustainable tourism.
Her Excellency Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin O.B.E delivering the presentation on behalf of Saint Kitts and Nevis at the 31st Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in Panama.
In its capacity as Chair of the ACS Special Committee on Trade Development and External Economic Relations, Saint Kitts and Nevis presented the Committee’s report to the Ministerial Council through Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin.
The report detailed the achievements of the Committee’s 2026 Work Programme, including initiatives to strengthen regional trade, support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, promote investment, advance digital commerce, and deepen economic cooperation across the Greater Caribbean.
Ambassador Henry-Martin emphasized the importance of delivering practical outcomes that benefit the people of the region, stating:
“The Directorate remains committed to delivering tangible value to ACS Member States through the implementation of its Trade Work Programme. Working closely with regional and international partners, we have continued to pursue initiatives that strengthen institutional capacity, support entrepreneurship, promote investment, and facilitate greater economic cooperation throughout the Greater Caribbean.”
The Ministerial Council also underscored the importance of multilateralism, solidarity, and collective action in addressing the complex challenges facing the Greater Caribbean. Discussions focused on climate resilience, sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, regional connectivity, trade, and resource mobilization, while reaffirming the value of regional organizations in responding to shared priorities.
31st Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in Panama
In recognition of the Federation’s continued leadership and constructive engagement within the Association, Saint Kitts and Nevis was elected Vice Chair of the ACS Special Committee on Sustainable Tourism for the upcoming term. This appointment reflects the confidence of Member States in the Federation’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth and regional resilience.
The meeting further highlighted expanding partnerships with international organizations and development partners, including the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB), Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the OECD. These partnerships will support priority initiatives in renewable energy, climate resilience, investment, digital transformation, the blue economy, and capacity-building for Small Island Developing States.
The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis welcomes the outcomes of the 31st Ordinary Meeting of the ACS Ministerial Council and remains steadfast in its commitment to working with regional and international partners to foster sustainable development, deepen economic integration, strengthen resilience, and advance the shared prosperity of the Greater Caribbean.
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