CARICOM: A Beacon Of Regional Unity And Cooperation In The Caribbean

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been a cornerstone of regional cooperation and integration in the Caribbean for over four decades. As the Region faces an increasingly complex and challenging global landscape, CARICOM’s role in fostering a more integrated, prosperous, and secure Caribbean has never been more critical.

The 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, held in St. George’s, Grenada, from July 28-30, was a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to deepening integration and advancing the interests of its member states. The meeting was marked by several significant milestones, including the admission of Curaçao as the sixth Associate Member, the conferral of the Order of the Caribbean Community on two regional icons, and robust discussions on critical regional issues.

The formal admission of Curaçao as an Associate Member marked a new chapter in regional cooperation. Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas expressed his country’s commitment to contributing to and benefiting from CARICOM membership, highlighting the potential for enhanced economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and collective action on regional challenges.

“Curaçao is proud to join the CARICOM family and contribute to the Region’s development,” Prime Minister Pisas said. “We believe that our membership will strengthen ties between our countries and foster greater cooperation in areas such as trade, tourism, and education.”

The conferral of the Order of the Caribbean Community on Sir Clive Lloyd and former CARICOM Secretary-General, the Honourable Roderick Rainford, OJ, was a poignant reminder of the Region’s rich legacy of achievement. Their contributions to West Indies cricket and regional integration, respectively, serve as inspirations to future generations of Caribbean leaders.

“Sir Clive Lloyd and Ambassador Rainford are shining examples of the Caribbean’s potential for excellence,” CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, said. “Their dedication, passion, and commitment to the Region’s development are an inspiration to us all.”

Chairman of the Conference, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, sounded a clarion call to action on climate change, emphasizing the devastating impact of this global phenomenon on the Region. As CARICOM continues to

The Caribbean Community is a beacon of hope for a resilient Caribbean,” Dr. Barnett said. “We will continue to work together to address the challenges we face, seize opportunities for growth and development, and build a brighter future for our Region

advocate for climate justice, its member states remain resolute in their commitment to reducing carbon emissions, promoting sustainable development, and building resilience in the face of uncertainty.

“Climate change is a pressing issue that requires collective action and cooperation,” Prime Minister Mitchell said. “We must work together to address this global challenge and ensure a sustainable future for our Region.”

CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, highlighted the significant role of CARICOM institutions in deepening integration, citing the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency’s (CDEMA) efforts in relief and recovery as an example. As the Region continues to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, its institutions remain critical to fostering cooperation, promoting economic growth, and advancing the interests of its member states.

“Our institutions are the backbone of our integration process,” Dr. Barnett said. “They provide the framework for cooperation, facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices, and support the implementation of regional policies and programs.”

Outgoing Chair, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, reflected on CARICOM’s accomplishments, including improvements in food and nutrition security, advancements in restoring peaceful governance in Haiti, and efforts to revitalize West Indies cricket. His tenure was marked by a renewed focus on regional cooperation, economic integration, and collective action on regional challenges.

“I am proud of the progress we have made in advancing the Region’s interests,” President Ali said. “We have demonstrated our commitment to cooperation, our resilience in the face of adversity, and our determination to build a better future for our citizens.”

As CARICOM looks to the future, its commitment to fostering a more integrated, prosperous, and secure Caribbean remains unwavering. The 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government was a testament to the organization’s resolve to deepen regional cooperation, promote economic growth, and advance the interests of its member states.

“The Caribbean Community is a beacon of hope for a resilient Caribbean,” Dr. Barnett said. “We will continue to work together to address the challenges we face, seize opportunities for growth and development, and build a brighter future for our Region.”