GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Caribbean Community (CARICCOM) Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett, Monday said that the challenges faced by the 15-member regional integration grouping “have thrown our vulnerabilities into sharp relief, and more than ever,” while underscoring the purpose and value of a united region
In an end-of-year message, Barnett said that on the heels of the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in 2024, Hurricane Melissa in October this year left death and destruction in its wake in Jamaica and in Haiti.
“Recovery will take considerable resources and time. In addition, unprecedented geopolitical headwinds threatened export earnings, regional peace, and sovereignty.”
Barnett said that amid these and other challenges, CARICOM’s “characteristic resilience shone through,” noting that the region “pulled together urgently to help address critical needs in the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes, and pivoted creatively to safeguard businesses and livelihoods.”
The region’s top public servant said that “commendable progress” had been made in implementing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), which allows for the free movement of goods, services, labour, and skills across the region.
She said that Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines decided to commence the whole free movement of persons among themselves, paving the way for increased economic activity and people-to-people contacts.
Barnett also said that the framework for a comprehensive CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy is well advanced, laying the foundation for stronger, more integrated productive capacity, innovation, and economic diversification.
“In agriculture, the continued implementation of the 25 by 2025+ strategy yielded production growth, although the hurricane and other climate-related events caused significant setbacks for farmers and agricultural communities. ”
She was full of praise for the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA), which was held this year in Barbados.
On the political front, the Secretary General said that CARICOM maintained its “tradition of democracy” with seven member states and five Associate Members holding “peaceful general elections” during the year.
”Importantly, we have been actively focusing on human capital development and inclusivity, and especially, supporting young people and women to participate more fully in economic activity, decision-making, and in regional affairs.”
She said that as governments move towards equipping the region for the future, “we will continue to explore the implications of Artificial Intelligence on how we do business, while striving to expand physical and digital connectivity to drive economic development.
“Building resilience against disasters and continuing our programmes to enhance the food and nutrition security of families will also be paramount.”
In her message, in which she praised the staff of the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat and other CARICOM institutions, she also extended “thanks” to international partners, civil society organisations, the private sector, the labour movement, and the CARICOM diaspora “for their advocacy and engagement”.
Barnett, in her statement, did not refer to the ongoing tension in the region regarding the United States military engagement in its fight against the illegal drug trade that has so far divided the grouping.
But she said, “As we prepare to embrace a New Year, I have every confidence that the Community will continue to respond with clarity and resolve to our challenges.
“The outcomes on trade, regional security, community and foreign policy coordination, reparations, governance, human development issues, and climate change from this year’s Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, including those held in Barbados in February, and in Jamaica in July, are clear indications of the strategic focus and commitment to action,” she added.
She said she was urging all CARICOM stakeholders, in the region and beyond, to move forward together as we work to achieve our vision of a “Community for All”, that is resilient, prosperous, and united.
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