Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett has called on Member States to strengthen regional unity and cooperation, saying the Community’s future depends on collective action as it confronts climate, economic and security challenges.
In her message marking the 53rd Anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, Dr. Barnett said CARICOM remains “a strong expression of collective determination to shape our own destiny,” adding that collaboration has enabled the Region to strengthen economic partnerships and amplify its voice on global issues.
She said the Community has made significant progress in areas critical to the well-being of its people, including regional security, disaster preparedness, climate resilience, public health, education and sustainable development.
“The Community has advanced critical work across a range of areas vital to the well-being of our people. From strengthening regional security, emergency response and action on climate change, to improving public health and educational outcomes, and advancing other key pillars of regional development, collective efforts continue to reinforce the foundations of a safer, more resilient space for us to call home,” she stated.
Dr. Barnett said these achievements have been made possible through the combined efforts of Member States, the CARICOM Secretariat, specialised institutions and national agencies implementing regional decisions.
She also praised the resilience and accomplishments of Caribbean people.
“CARICOM’s strength has always been rooted in shared purpose and the determination of our people to transcend the limitations of small size and limited resources. At home and abroad, CARICOM nationals continue to distinguish themselves and inspire in many fields, demonstrating remarkable creativity and purpose,” she said.
While celebrating the Region’s achievements, the Secretary-General acknowledged that CARICOM faces growing pressures, including consecutive years of devastating hurricanes, the effects of climate change, and an increasingly uncertain global economic environment.
“Even as we celebrate these successes, we are mindful of the pressures that challenge hard-won progress and unity,” she said.
She stressed that regional cooperation remains the best path forward.
“CARICOM remains convinced that our advancement must continue to be driven by collective action as we confront these headwinds.”
According to Dr. Barnett, the Community remains committed to expanding intra-regional trade, creating jobs, reducing the Region’s food import bill, combating crime and violence, strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure, and improving transportation and digital connectivity to facilitate the movement of people and goods.
She also underscored the importance of investing in young people.
“We remain ever mindful of the current and future needs of our young people, who deserve a Region that is prosperous, technologically advanced, and full of opportunity,” she said.
Closing her anniversary message, Dr. Barnett expressed hope that the observance would renew confidence in the Caribbean integration movement.
“May this Anniversary inspire renewed confidence in the enduring value of regional unity and interdependence.”
CARICOM was established on July 4, 1973, when Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago signed the Treaty of Chaguaramas, laying the foundation for what has become the Caribbean’s longest-standing integration movement.
