Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva has reaffirmed his government’s dedication to collaborating with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders in their efforts to combat food insecurity in the region.
Earlier today, President Lula arrived in Georgetown for talks with Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali and other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders.
President Ali, the new Chairman of CARICOM, is hosting the 46th Regular Meeting with the CARICOM Heads of Government.
Addressing the CARICOM heads of government, President Lula voiced his support for the Caribbean’s call for strengthened cooperation on food security.
He acknowledged the pressing challenges facing the region, particularly food insecurity, affecting half of the Caribbean population, and the impacts of climate change.
Highlighting the interconnectedness of these challenges with inequality, President Lula said, “I also want to emphasize that those two problems (food insecurity and climate change) have the same root. Inequality.”
To this end, the Brazilian president criticized the disparity in global spending, with vast sums allocated for military weapons while commitments to climate action and hunger alleviation fall short.
“It is not possible that in a planet that produces enough food to feed the whole world population around 735 million people something to eat,” President Lula stated.
President Lula also underscored Brazil’s commitment to promoting peace and highlighted the ripple effects of conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and the situation in Gaza on global food prices and humanitarian concerns.
Proposing solutions, President Lula stressed the importance of connectivity and integration, outlining plans to establish corridors to enhance food security in the Caribbean region.
“We want to pave our way to the Caribbean. We will open corridors capable of meeting supply demands and strengthening food security in the region,” President Lula stated.
Lula also explained that one of the priorities of his government is the integration with the Guiana shield (Guyana, Venezuela and Suriname). He stated, “But what happens foods and devices do not circulate where they are no open roads.”
He offered Brazil’s support in providing food at competitive prices and increasing global agricultural productivity.
Moreover, President Lula also addressed the crisis in Haiti, stressing the urgent need for action to alleviate suffering and calling for regional cooperation.
He concluded by reaffirming the significance of CARICOM-Brazil relations and announced plans for a second Brazil-CARICOM summit, underscoring the enduring partnership between Brazil and the Caribbean.
