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CARICOM calls for a stronger, secure, economically solid, and sustainable Caribbean
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Economy & Trade

CARICOM calls for a stronger, secure, economically solid, and sustainable Caribbean

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency New plan
  • Caribbean leaders convened in Saint Lucia to advocate for a stronger, more secure, and economically stable regional organization.
  • The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia emphasized the need for tangible benefits of regional cooperation for citizens and stressed unity in the face of global challenges.
  • Internal disagreements within CARICOM were noted, particularly regarding stances on foreign intervention and leadership appointments.

Leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) gathered in Saint Lucia, calling for a more robust, secure, inclusive, and economically sound regional integration organization. The meeting, held until Wednesday, saw Saint Lucia's Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre, who recently assumed the group's rotating presidency, stress the importance of strategic and tireless work toward regional sustainability.

We must work strategically and tirelessly for the sustainability of the region.

— Phillip J. PierreDuring the inauguration of the CARICOM meeting of Heads of Government in Saint Lucia.

Pierre underscored that CARICOM belongs to its citizens, who must "see and feel the benefits of regional cooperation." He urged that "it is not enough to talk about integration; we must make integration work for the common citizen." He added that decisions must be implemented, measured, and fulfilled, not just recorded.

The acting CARICOM chairman highlighted "unity" as the region's priority against global challenges threatening economic and political stability. "Great powers can more easily influence a divided Caribbean than a united one; but when the Caribbean speaks with one voice, when we act together, when we negotiate as a bloc, our collective influence is much greater," he asserted.

It is not enough to talk about integration; we must make integration work for the common citizen. It is not enough for our decisions to be recorded; they must be implemented, measured, and fulfilled.

— Phillip J. PierreEmphasizing the need for tangible benefits of regional cooperation for citizens.

He argued that unity is crucial for ensuring security, climate justice, and an economic space where youth can thrive without needing to emigrate. Pierre warned that "history may forgive us for disagreements, even delays, but it will never forgive us for failing to create a stronger, safer, fairer, and more united Caribbean community."

Great powers can more easily influence a divided Caribbean than a united one; but when the Caribbean speaks with one voice, when we act together, when we negotiate as a bloc, our collective influence is much greater.

— Phillip J. PierreHighlighting the importance of unity in the face of global challenges.

Internal disputes have intensified recently, notably concerning Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's support for U.S. military intervention in the Caribbean and her opposition to Carla Barnett's reappointment as CARICOM Secretary-General. Barnett, meanwhile, noted progress in strengthening the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, with full free movement among four member states set to take effect in October 2025. She also mentioned the expansion of associate membership, with Curaçao joining two years ago and Martinique confirmed before the current meeting.

History may forgive us for disagreements, even delays, but it will never forgive us for failing to create a stronger, safer, fairer, and more united Caribbean community.

— Phillip J. PierreWarning about the consequences of failing to achieve greater unity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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