In her annual year-end message, Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), delivered a comprehensive assessment of the region’s tumultuous year while highlighting significant institutional progress. The address, disseminated from the CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana on December 22, 2025, acknowledged the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa which followed closely on the heels of 2024’s Hurricane Beryl, causing substantial destruction in Jamaica and Haiti. Dr. Barnett emphasized that recovery efforts would demand considerable resources and extended timeframes given the scale of devastation.
Beyond natural disasters, the Secretary-General noted that unprecedented geopolitical tensions had threatened regional export earnings, peace, and sovereignty throughout the year. Despite these compounded challenges, Dr. Barnett highlighted the Community’s characteristic resilience, with member states collaborating urgently to address critical post-hurricane needs and implementing creative solutions to safeguard economic stability and livelihoods.
Significant institutional advancements were achieved in regional integration, particularly through the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) framework. Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines committed to full free movement of persons among themselves, establishing foundations for enhanced economic activity and people-to-people connections. The development of a comprehensive CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy progressed substantially, aiming to strengthen productive capacity, innovation, and economic diversification across member states.
Agricultural initiatives under the 25 by 2025+ strategy demonstrated production growth despite climate-related setbacks, while cultural celebrations during CARIFESTA XV in Barbados showcased regional artistic talent. Democratic processes remained robust with seven Member States and five Associate Members conducting peaceful general elections throughout the year.
The Secretary-General emphasized ongoing commitments to human capital development, particularly focusing on youth and women’s participation in economic activities and decision-making processes. Future priorities include examining Artificial Intelligence implications for regional business practices, expanding physical and digital connectivity, strengthening disaster resilience, and enhancing food and nutrition security programs.
Dr. Barnett expressed gratitude to CARICOM citizens, Secretariat staff, international partners, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, labor movements, and the Caribbean diaspora for their sustained advocacy and engagement. She concluded with confidence in the Community’s ability to address forthcoming challenges, referencing strategic outcomes from Heads of Government meetings in Barbados and Jamaica covering trade, security, foreign policy coordination, reparations, governance, human development, and climate change initiatives.