The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) today celebrates 52 years of regional unity, shared purpose, and collective progress.
In messages marking CARICOM Day 2025, leaders from across the region reflected on the Community’s achievements and resilience, while also acknowledging the pressing challenges facing Member States.
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett noted that this year’s observance comes in the wake of Hurricane Beryl and other climate-related disasters, which have added to the strain already placed on countries grappling with shifting global trade dynamics and regional security concerns. She said that amid these challenges, the humanitarian crisis in Haiti remains a top priority.
Despite external pressures, Dr. Barnett emphasized that CARICOM remains anchored in its founding values — democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, which have shaped its collaborative responses to major regional and global issues. These include joint health responses during the COVID-19 pandemic, coordinated action on food and nutrition security, and advocacy for climate finance.
Attention now turns to Montego Bay, Jamaica, where CARICOM Heads of Government are gathering for the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference. The agenda includes key issues such as citizen security, the future of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and external trade negotiations.
In her message, Dr. Barnett also expressed gratitude to the region’s citizens and diaspora communities for their contributions to development, highlighting the role of youth in advancing Caribbean integration.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness said CARICOM Day serves as a moment for reflection, noting that the region’s strength lies in its shared unity. He pointed to continued opportunities in areas such as trade, foreign policy coordination, education, culture, health, and the environment, while also acknowledging that challenges remain, particularly in deepening CSME implementation, facilitating labour and capital mobility, and boosting inter-regional trade.
President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to regional integration, describing CARICOM as a “towering symbol of unity and cooperation.” He stressed that integration is now an urgent necessity, in light of the increasing effects of climate change, natural disasters, volatile global markets, and threats to regional stability.
President Ali called for bold, coordinated action across the Community, especially in advancing intra-regional trade, food security, and resilient energy systems. He said Guyana is prepared to support these efforts through its expanding agricultural and energy sectors, and reiterated the importance of defending democratic values across Member States.
As CARICOM enters its 53rd year, leaders affirmed their commitment to strengthening integration, resilience, and the collective development of the Caribbean region.
