Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged countries in the region to come together to tackle issues of food security and trafficking in illegal weapons.

Speaking at the ninth summit of the Americas, on Friday, Mr Holness said the event must serve as an opportunity to announce a new blueprint for regional cooperation.

He said the countries of the region must place keen focus on food and energy security, as well as climate change.

Mr Holness noted that financing will be needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

He cited the hurricane season as a stark reminder of what could lie ahead in the next six months.

Meantime, the prime minister stressed that efforts are needed to control illegal weapons in the region.