CARICOM Leader Urges Unity Amid Crisis and Progress

In her year-end address, CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett called for renewed regional solidarity, balancing a stark assessment of recent crises with measured optimism for integration efforts.

Barnett cited the devastating impacts of 2024’s Hurricane Beryl and 2025’s Hurricane Melissa, which caused severe damage in Jamaica and Haiti, alongside “unprecedented geopolitical headwinds” threatening economic stability. She warned that recovery would be a long-term endeavor.

Despite these challenges, the Secretary-General highlighted determined progress. Four member states – Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines – have agreed to establish full freedom of movement, advancing the core CARICOM Single Market and Economy project.

She also noted development of a comprehensive Industrial Policy and continued, though hurricane-hampered, work on the “25 by 2025” food security goal.

The year’s cultural and democratic resilience was underscored by CARIFESTA XV in Barbados and peaceful elections across eleven member and associate states.

Looking ahead, Barnett said priorities include disaster resilience, food security, and adapting to artificial intelligence. She expressed confidence in the strategic direction set by regional leaders in 2025, concluding with a call to build a “resilient, prosperous, and united Community for All.”