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The 18th Antilles-Guyana Regional Cooperation Conference (CCRAG), which began on Wednesday, July 1, in Fort-de-France, Martinique, concluded this Friday. The conference was chaired by the Minister for Overseas Territories, Naïma Moutchou, and brought together key stakeholders in regional cooperation from Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy. The conference consisted of plenary sessions, thematic sessions, and workshops led by rapporteurs. Topics ranged from economic development and the ecological transition to mobility, regional diplomacy, and security. “The conference aims to generate concrete proposals and shared roadmaps,” explained Arnaud Mentré, ambassador in charge of regional cooperation in the Atlantic region. At the conclusion of the proceedings, the rapporteurs will present the results of the discussions and the identified next steps to the minister and the presidents of the local authorities. The Collectivity of Saint Barthélemy is represented by Territorial Councilor Mélissa Lake and the head of the Innovation and Territorial Development Department, Pascal Peuchot. This presence is all the more essential given that the Collectivity of Saint Barthélemy assumed the presidency of the Association of Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTA) last April.
“Saint Barthélemy is deeply committed to regional cooperation,” says Mélissa Lake. “We must rely on our neighbors to ensure the sustainability of our model. We’re performing well in certain areas, such as digital infrastructure and waste management. When it comes to combating Sargassum, I have high hopes for this conference to see what our neighbors are doing and proposing. The same goes for renewable energy. There are also issues related to imports and exports.” An initial meeting on Wednesday morning with CMA CGM executives provided an opportunity to discuss this latter topic.
Thursday’s agenda included a session providing an update on regional cooperation in the fight against Sargassum, a plenary session on the environment, workshops on waste management, a session on diplomacy, and a conference on security. Friday morning was devoted to presenting the conclusions.
