Source: CNW
The Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has urged Caribbean citizens and stakeholders to recommit to regional unity and resilience, citing a year marked by devastating hurricanes, geopolitical pressures, and steady progress on regional integration.
In her end-of-year message issued December 22, Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett reflected on the impact of Hurricane Beryl in 2024 and Hurricane Melissa in 2025, which caused “death and destruction” in Jamaica and Haiti, noting that recovery would require significant time and resources. She also pointed to “unprecedented geopolitical headwinds” that threatened export earnings, regional peace, and sovereignty.
Despite those challenges, she said the region’s resilience remained evident. CARICOM member states, she noted, mobilised quickly after the hurricanes to meet urgent needs and adapted to protect businesses and livelihoods across the Community.
The Secretary-General highlighted progress on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, pointing to decisions by Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to begin full free movement of people among themselves. She described the move as a step toward greater economic activity and deeper people-to-people ties.
She also reported advances toward a comprehensive CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy aimed at strengthening productive capacity, innovation, and economic diversification, while noting setbacks in agriculture caused by hurricanes and other climate-related events, even as the region continued implementing the “25 by 2025+” food security initiative.
Cultural and democratic milestones were also underscored, including celebrations of Caribbean creativity during CARIFESTA XV in Barbados in August, and the holding of peaceful general elections in seven member states and four associate members.
Looking ahead, the Secretary-General said CARICOM would continue focusing on human capital development, inclusivity, and expanding opportunities for young people and women, while exploring the implications of artificial intelligence and strengthening physical and digital connectivity. Building disaster resilience and improving food and nutrition security, she added, would remain top priorities.
She praised the region’s citizens, CARICOM institutions, international partners, civil society, the private sector, labour groups, and the Caribbean diaspora for their continued engagement, and expressed confidence that outcomes from this year’s meetings of CARICOM Heads of Government — including those held in Barbados in February and Jamaica in July — signal a clear strategic direction.
The message concluded with a call for all stakeholders to work together toward a “Community for All” that is resilient, prosperous, and united, as the region prepares to enter the new year.