Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders concluded their four-day summit with landmark decisions including immediate humanitarian assistance for Cuba and the establishment of a trilateral commission to redefine relations with the United States. The conference, held in Saint Kitts and Nevis and chaired by Prime Minister Terrance Drew, addressed multiple regional challenges through concrete action plans.
Prime Minister Drew confirmed during the post-summit press briefing that Cuba’s escalating humanitarian situation received extensive deliberation. All member states recognized the urgency of addressing the crisis, with CARICOM pledging to leverage its unique position having close ties to both Cuba and the United States. The specific form of assistance will be determined within the next month, ensuring it directly benefits the Cuban people while maintaining regional stability.
The summit marked a significant advancement in US-Caribbean relations through the creation of a three-member commission that will explore new cooperation frameworks. This initiative emerged from discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who attended the CARICOM meetings. Prime Minister Drew characterized this development as profoundly significant for strengthening the longstanding partnership between the regional bloc and the United States.
Beyond immediate crises, leaders made substantial progress on regional integration through the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The summit approved recommendations enabling free movement of aviation professionals including pilots and air traffic controllers across member states. Four nations—Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—have successfully implemented full freedom of movement for goods, services, and labor since October 2025.
The conference also addressed Haiti’s security and humanitarian situation, endorsing the Eminent Persons Group report that praised Kenya’s leadership of the UN-mandated Gang Suppression Force (formerly the Multinational Security Support mission). CARICOM reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability in Haiti through continued support.
Reparations discussions advanced with the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee tasked to review the revised Caricom Ten-Point Plan for Reparations and establish priorities for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026.
Regional security and justice cooperation saw progress with model legislation and policy documents, complemented by renewed UN offers to support implementation of a Police Record Management Information System.
A dedicated committee comprising the prime ministers of Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, and the president of Guyana will undertake comprehensive review of CARICOM’s governance and funding mechanisms.
Regarding ongoing border disputes—specifically Guatemala-Belize, Belize-Honduras, and Guyana-Venezuela cases before the International Court of Justice—leaders unanimously endorsed peaceful, legal resolutions and reaffirmed unconditional support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of affected states.