Source: Erasmus Williams FB
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS — CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr Terrance M. Drew, reiterated on Tuesday that his chairmanship will be guided by purposeful leadership, people-centred integration, enhanced trade, and a renewed focus on outcomes that directly improve the lives of Caribbean citizens. The remarks were made during his first major visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a CARICOM member state.
Upon arrival in St. Vincent, Prime Minister Drew held constructive discussions with the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Hon. Dr Godwin Friday, alongside CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett and other senior officials.
“The meeting formed part of an interpersonal approach being pursued by CARICOM Chairman Prime Minister Hon. Dr Drew, aimed at strengthening dialogue, trust, and coordination among member states, particularly at a time of heightened global uncertainty and evolving regional dynamics,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
According to the PMO, the discussions broadly reflected on the importance of deepening regional integration in practical and meaningful ways, underscoring the need for Caribbean people to understand better and appreciate the tangible benefits derived from regional cooperation. Emphasis was placed on the value of collective action in areas such as education, security cooperation, disaster response, economic coordination, and institutional collaboration—pillars that continue to support regional resilience and stability.
The PMO further disclosed that the engagement reaffirmed a shared commitment to addressing regional challenges through calm, candid, and respectful dialogue, recognising that differences may arise but must be managed in a manner that preserves unity, strengthens institutions, and advances the collective interests of the Caribbean.
The meeting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines marks the first in a planned series of bilateral engagements that the new CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister Drew, will undertake with key CARICOM member states during his tenure.
“These visits are intended to help shape consensus ahead of upcoming regional meetings, including the Fiftieth CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting to be held in St. Kitts and Nevis from February 24,” the PMO statement said.