PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar delivered a nuanced parliamentary address on Friday, acknowledging the Caribbean Community’s pressing need for structural reform while simultaneously reaffirming Trinidad and Tobago’s steadfast commitment to regional unity. The statement came during a special session attended by CARICOM Chairman Dr. Terrance Drew, who concurrently serves as Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, and CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett.
Persad-Bissessar expressed her administration’s substantial investment in regional prosperity, echoing Chairman Drew’s New Year’s message emphasizing collective regional strength. Despite previous criticisms of the organization’s operational effectiveness, the Prime Minister deliberately reiterated that “we remain committed to Caribbean unity” – a declaration met with audible approval from government legislators.
The diplomatic engagement continued at the Diplomatic Center where Chairman Drew outlined his vision for strengthened regional collaboration, emphasizing outreach to all member states to build “stronger and more stable heights” based on mutual respect and sovereign equality within the CARICOM framework. Persad-Bissessar characterized the discussions as “very encouraging,” particularly praising Drew’s fresh leadership approach.
This high-level consultation forms part of the CARICOM chairman’s broader initiative to conduct personal dialogues with regional leaders, following recent meetings with St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday. The developments precede the upcoming CARICOM heads of government summit scheduled for February 24-27 in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Prime Minister’s conciliatory tone marks a notable diplomatic shift from her December criticisms, where she had labeled CARICOM “not a reliable partner” citing organizational dysfunction, accountability deficiencies, and problematic interventions in member states’ domestic affairs. Those earlier remarks emerged amidst controversy surrounding Trinidad’s support for US drug enforcement policies and CARICOM’s stance on Venezuela’s political situation.