On July 5, at the opening ceremony of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Conference of Heads of Government hosted in Saint Lucia, outgoing CARICOM Chairman Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis delivered a pivotal call to regional leaders, challenging them to forge a more robust, impactful CARICOM tailored to serve the Caribbean’s future generations.
This year’s summit, held as the regional integration bloc celebrates its 53rd anniversary, carries the unifying theme “CARICOM: From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World”, a framing that reflects the bloc’s ongoing efforts to adapt to shifting global conditions. During the opening proceedings, Drew formally handed the CARICOM chairmanship over to host nation Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre, in line with the bloc’s established procedures.
Speaking to delegates gathered at the Jefferson Ballroom of Sandals Grande St. Lucia, Drew emphasized that while the 53-year-old organization must prioritize continuous evolution to meet modern demands, it must never abandon its core mission of advancing collective regional interests. Reflecting on his tenure at the helm of the bloc, he commended his fellow heads of government for upholding unwavering commitments to regional unity, democratic governance, and the rule of law through a period of unprecedented global uncertainty and persistent local challenges across the Caribbean.
“Throughout these challenges, CARICOM chose engagement over isolation,” Drew noted in his address. “Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to a fair and rules-based international trading system, and ensured that the interests of small developing states continued to be heard.” He highlighted that during his chairmanship, the bloc deepened collaborative ties with long-standing traditional partners, while simultaneously expanding strategic cooperation with new partners across other global regions — most notably advancing the bloc’s growing relationship with the African Union. All partnerships, Drew stressed, were guided by a core principle: every collaboration must deliver mutual benefits for all participating parties.
Within the bloc itself, Drew added that regional leaders made meaningful progress strengthening the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, boosting cross-regional trade cooperation, expanding labor mobility, and laying more solid foundations for long-term inclusive economic growth across member states.
The outgoing chairman also used the platform to recognize the leadership and work of CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, praising her consistent professionalism, unwavering integrity, and deep personal dedication to the regional organization. He extended additional gratitude to the entire staff of the CARICOM Secretariat for their persistent support in advancing the bloc’s integration goals.
“Throughout my tenure, whenever I called, you answered. Whenever support was required, you and your team responded with diligence, competence, and excellence,” Drew said, addressing Barnett directly. “You have served and continue to serve CARICOM with distinction. You have understood the importance of preserving the impartiality of the Secretariat while faithfully implementing the decisions of Heads of Government. That balance has strengthened this Community, and for this, I offer, on behalf of all of us, our sincerest gratitude.”
Drew closed his remarks by reaffirming that building a stronger CARICOM for coming decades demands more effective regional governance, more rigorous execution of collective regional decisions, and ongoing targeted efforts to make the bloc safer, more prosperous, and more responsive to the daily needs and priorities of ordinary Caribbean citizens.