CARICOM Leaders Reassert Region as Zone of Peace

CARICOM Heads of Government have reaffirmed the Caribbean’s status as a Zone of Peace, pledging to resolve regional tensions through dialogue and diplomacy, even as concerns mount over increased security build-ups in parts of the hemisphere.

In a joint statement issued following a high-level meeting, regional leaders—with Trinidad and Tobago reserving its position—agreed on a collective approach to safeguarding sovereignty, regional stability, and public safety.

“They reaffirmed the principle of maintaining the Caribbean Region as a Zone of Peace and the importance of dialogue and engagement towards the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflict. CARICOM remains willing to assist towards that objective.”

The leaders also turned their attention to transnational threats, expressing renewed commitment to combating narcotrafficking and the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons, which they acknowledged continue to plague Caribbean societies.

“CARICOM Heads of Government reiterated their continued commitment to fighting narcotrafficking and the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons which adversely affect the Region. They underscored that efforts to overcome these challenges should be through ongoing international cooperation and within international law.”

The statement also highlighted a firm stand in defense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Caribbean nations, amid rising concerns over external military and strategic interests in the region.

“They reaffirmed unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the Region and the safety and livelihoods of the people of the Region.”

This strong regional posture comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and growing scrutiny of the Caribbean’s role in broader hemispheric security issues. Civil society groups, including the Guyana Trades Union Congress, have echoed CARICOM’s concerns, calling on the Guyana Government to urgently address the situation and to ensure that the country’s actions align with the regional commitment to peace, sovereignty, and lawful cooperation.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing military action inside Venezuela, escalating tensions in the region with a build-up of forces in the Caribbean and recent flights of B-52 bombers off the Venezuelan coast. In response, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has mobilized troops, repositioned military assets, and called upon “millions” of militia members, denouncing U.S. activity as a provocation.

This military posturing signals renewed defiance from Maduro amid a deepening standoff. According to reports, Trump administration officials have privately acknowledged that the pressure campaign is once again aimed at ousting Maduro—a continuation of efforts dating back to Trump’s first term, when the U.S. recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate president.

See CARICOM’s full statement below

STATEMENT from the Caribbean Community | Security Build Up in the Region

Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) met and discussed various issues on the regional agenda including the increased security build up in the Caribbean and the potential impacts on Member States.  Save in respect of Trinidad and Tobago who reserved its position, Heads agreed on the following:

They reaffirmed the principle of maintaining the Caribbean Region as a Zone of Peace and the importance of dialogue and engagement towards the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflict.  CARICOM remains willing to assist towards that objective.

CARICOM Heads of Government reiterated their continued commitment to fighting narcotrafficking and the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons which adversely affect the Region.  They underscored that efforts to overcome these challenges should be through ongoing international cooperation and within international law.

They reaffirmed unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the Region and the safety and livelihoods of the people of the Region.

18 October 2025