A seasoned Caribbean media and academic leader is stepping into a pivotal new diplomatic role that will shape regional cooperation across the Caribbean bloc. Dr Janet Caroo has been formally appointed as St Lucia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to both the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with her tenure officially commencing on September 1, 2026. Alongside this ambassadorial posting, Caroo will also lead St Lucia’s Governmental Regional Integration Unit, marking a significant expansion of her decades-long work advancing Caribbean unity.
The appointment has already drawn widespread praise from The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Caroo’s long-time professional home, where institution leaders highlighted her unique qualifications for the high-profile role. Over her career centered on regional public service, Caroo has built a proven track record of leadership, deep institutional knowledge of Caribbean geopolitics and community needs, and an unwavering commitment to driving cross-border development, cooperation and integration across the region.
Before moving into diplomacy, Caroo served as Managing Director of UWItv, the University of the West Indies’ regional media platform. In that position, she leveraged strategic communication and targeted public engagement strategies to advance The UWI’s mission of connecting academic resources to Caribbean communities. During her tenure, she spearheaded initiatives that bridged the gap between the University’s cutting-edge research and technical expertise and grassroots communities across every corner of the Caribbean, while emphasizing media’s critical role in fostering open, informed public debate on pressing regional issues.
Caroo will bring this extensive experience in regional outreach and collaboration to her new diplomatic portfolio, as the government of St Lucia works to deepen its institutional ties with both CARICOM and the OECS. Her core responsibilities will center on advancing key regional priorities, including enhanced cross-border cooperation, streamlined labor and professional mobility, expanded intra-regional trade and investment, accelerated innovation across Caribbean economies, and stronger people-to-people connections across Caribbean island nations.
Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, joined the entire University community in offering formal congratulations to Caroo, commending her transformative contributions during her time leading UWItv. In a statement shared by the institution, Beckles emphasized that Caroo’s appointment is a testament to the strength and value of homegrown Caribbean leadership, rooted in deep institutional experience and an intimate understanding of the region’s unique opportunities and challenges.
“Dr Caroo’s appointment reflects the value of Caribbean leadership, institutional experience and a deep understanding of the region. The UWI is proud of the impact she has made through UWItv, particularly in amplifying Caribbean perspectives and strengthening the University’s connection with the people it serves. We are equally pleased to see her carry that experience into this important diplomatic assignment on behalf of St Lucia and the wider Caribbean,” Beckles said.
The UWI wrapped up its announcement by noting that it has full confidence Caroo’s transition from regional media leadership to diplomatic representation will open new pathways for impactful service to both St Lucia and the broader Caribbean community. The institution extended its warm wishes for Caroo’s success in her new role, highlighting the mutual benefits her experience will bring to both the region’s diplomatic bodies and the Caribbean people it serves.