In the early hours of October 18, 2025, CARICOM released a statement addressing the ‘security build-up in the Region,’ reaffirming the Caribbean as a ‘Zone of Peace.’ The document emphasized dialogue, adherence to international law, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, the statement’s deliberate omissions and underlying dynamics reveal deeper geopolitical complexities. Notably, CARICOM avoided directly referencing its influential southern neighbor, a decision that speaks volumes in the realm of international relations. This strategic silence reflects the region’s delicate balance between asserting principled positions and maintaining vital relationships with powerful allies. The omission may also be linked to the neighbor’s recent global scrutiny, particularly following the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to its opposition leader. Amid these dynamics, Trinidad & Tobago’s successful revival of the Dragon gas-field deal with Venezuela stands out as a strategic win, providing the nation with a buffer against external pressures. However, Trinidad’s simultaneous support for U.S. military intervention in the Caribbean raises questions about its diplomatic independence. The broader challenge for CARICOM lies in its limited resources as micro-states, which constrain its capacity to act unilaterally. The region’s reliance on international cooperation and law underscores the need for tangible investments in regional intelligence, security collaboration, and cohesive diplomatic strategies. CARICOM must transition from reactive micro-states to proactive actors, leveraging niche strengths and pooling resources to safeguard its sovereignty and peace in an increasingly interconnected world.