Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, has officially assumed the rotating chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on January 1, 2026, marking the beginning of his six-month tenure leading the regional bloc. His installation coincides with a comprehensive New Year’s address directed toward Caribbean citizens and diaspora communities worldwide.
In his inaugural message as CARICOM Chairman, Dr. Drew commenced by extending gratitude to his predecessor, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, for his stewardship during a period of regional instability. He further acknowledged the collaborative efforts of fellow CARICOM Heads of Government, the Secretariat, and regional leadership in fortifying the Community’s foundational objectives.
The address reflected deeply on CARICOM’s historical context, noting its establishment in 1973 via the Treaty of Chaguaramas. This foundational agreement emerged from a strategic recognition by regional forebears that smaller, vulnerable states required collective action to navigate an evolving global landscape. The core mission—to foster economic integration, harmonize foreign policy, and amplify the Caribbean’s international voice—was characterized as an act of strategic foresight and regional self-confidence.
Dr. Drew enumerated CARICOM’s tangible achievements, highlighting expanded markets through regional trade, enhanced mobility of skills and labor, and advancements in health systems, disaster management, education, and climate advocacy. He emphasized that in today’s volatile global environment, regional integration transcends choice and has become an imperative for sustainable development.
The message also addressed pressing regional concerns, reaffirming CARICOM’s commitment to reparatory justice through its dedicated Commission and Ten Point Plan. Regarding Haiti, Dr. Drew confirmed the Community’s sustained engagement to support stabilization and rebuilding efforts, including through the Eminent Persons Group and implementation of UN Security Council resolutions.
Celebrating the Caribbean’s profound cultural and intellectual contributions—from pioneering musical genres and literary movements to global sporting excellence—the Chairman framed these achievements as products of resilience and disciplined imagination rather than historical accident.
Addressing recent public disagreements among Member States, Dr. Drew acknowledged that differences are inherent within a diverse community but stressed the necessity of managing dialogues with mutual respect and regional responsibility. CARICOM, he clarified, was designed not as a frictionless space but as a constructive forum for resolving differences internally, underpinned by the conviction that collective strength outweighs individual disputes.
The Chairman concluded with a call for renewed commitment to CARICOM’s principles, stronger institutional coordination, and strategic maturity on the global stage. He announced St. Kitts and Nevis’ preparations to host the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government from February 24-27, 2026, extending a formal invitation to fellow leaders to collaborate on priority issues affecting regional welfare.