In his inaugural New Year’s message as the new Chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew delivered a compelling appeal for regional unity, solidarity, and self-sufficiency. Assuming the rotating Caricom leadership until June 30, 2026, Drew addressed Caribbean citizens both within the region and throughout the diaspora.
Drew expressed profound gratitude for the developmental progress achieved across member states while emphasizing the critical importance of hope and collective determination amid growing global uncertainties. He specifically acknowledged the exemplary leadership of his predecessor, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who successfully navigated Caricom through turbulent times. Drew also extended appreciation to fellow government leaders, the Caricom Secretariat, and citizens of member nations for their sustained collaborative efforts toward regional advancement.
Reflecting on Caricom’s foundational principles established through the 1973 Treaty of Chaguaramas, Drew reiterated that the organization emerged from the recognition that small, vulnerable states must collectively respond to global challenges. He identified four essential pillars for continued success: economic integration, coordinated foreign policy, functional cooperation, and maintaining a strong unified international voice.
The Caricom chair highlighted tangible benefits of regional collaboration, including expanded markets, free movement of labor and skills, enhanced healthcare systems, improved disaster response capabilities, educational advancements, security cooperation, and climate diplomacy. Drew asserted that regional integration has transitioned from optional strategy to absolute necessity.
Special attention was directed toward Haiti’s ongoing crisis, with Drew underscoring the imperative of sustained regional engagement to support stability and reconstruction efforts. This commitment aligns with preparations for planned 2026 elections and implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2793.
Drew celebrated the Caribbean’s extraordinary historical and cultural contributions to global literature, sports, music, political thought, and cultural heritage—achievements he attributed to regional resilience, discipline, and deeply ingrained self-belief.
However, the chairman issued a sobering warning regarding recent geopolitical tensions and external policies affecting Caribbean citizens, emphasizing that the region must primarily rely on itself. “Nobody will come to save us; we must save ourselves,” he declared.
While acknowledging that differences of opinion among member states may occasionally surface, Drew advocated for careful dialogue, mutual respect, and strengthened regional responsibility. He emphasized that Caricom serves precisely as the platform for internally and constructively addressing disagreements.
Concluding his address, Drew announced that St. Kitts and Nevis will host the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government from February 24-27, 2026, inviting fellow leaders to actively participate in discussions concerning priority issues and regional welfare.