A 12-member delegation is in Jamaica for multisectoral stakeholder engagements under the Caribbean Canada Leaders Dialogue (CCLD) 2025.

The initiative, involving 100 emerging leaders from Canada and the Caribbean, runs from May 22 to June 1 and features meetings, observations, and discussions. Engagements focus on cross-cultural dialogue, policy exploration, and leadership training.

Following an opening plenary in Toronto, where participants engaged in relationship-building and team formation, delegates were divided into groups to travel to one of seven Caribbean countries to explore leadership challenges through themes like diversity, sustainability, ethics, collaboration, and advocacy.

The participating countries include The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, and Jamaica.

On May 27, Canada’s High Commissioner to Jamaica Mark Berman, hosted a reception at his official St. Andrew residence, featuring presentations from Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr, and other key stakeholders.

In his remarks, Minister Charles urged delegates to maximise the opportunities offered through CCLD, fostering innovation and new partnerships.

“Challenge yourselves to create solutions and redefine ways of thinking. This is an exciting time to be among emerging leaders—an era where technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is reshaping the global landscape,” he stated.

High Commissioner Berman emphasised the initiative’s meaningful impact, highlighting site visits, team projects, and discussions on democratic governance, inclusion, economic resilience, and sustainable development.

“Canada is proud to support CCLD 2025. This programme exemplifies the power of people-to-people engagement, fostering bold, creative solutions through deep discussions on sustainability, diversity, ethical leadership, and advocacy,” he said.

The initiative will culminate in a closing plenary in Barbados, where delegates will present their findings and recommendations.

CCLD 2025 builds on Canada’s legacy of supporting Commonwealth study tours, including previous Caribbean editions in 2011, 2015, and 2019, as well as the 2023 Canada Study Tour—reinforcing the country’s commitment to leadership development and regional collaboration.