Last Updated on February 25, 2026, 2:25 PM AST by Anthony Morris
The 50th Regular Meeting of the Heads of the Government of CARICOM opened in St Kitts on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The event was attended by several stakeholders from all over the Caribbean Region.
The event was attended by several international partners. The opening ceremony featured several addresses from prominent leaders across the region.
The Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr Andrew Holness took to his social media account to share his experience of attending the event. He spoke significantly on the importance of managing transnational crime. He advocated for the management of crime activities with the help of regional and international partners.
He also spoke on the matter of territorial integrity, which is another closely related problem faced within the CARICOM region. As the region is majorly composed of small island nations with vast maritime spaces, CARICOM states face pressures from the outer world, including external claims, elicit incursions and evolving geopolitical interests.
The other topics that PM Holness touched on included, regional security, strengthening collaborations, regional trade, Artificial intelligence, technological advancement within the region. He also touched on how the regional solidarity of the Caribbean as they helped Jamaica
In different words and with their own national contexts added to their remarks, several other leaders from across the region came forward to speak on collective resilience and influence of the CARICOM.
Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad Bissessar and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley were among the major persons who attended the opening ceremony.
The Secretary General of the Caribbean Community spoke during the event and highlighted the importance of regional solidarity. The officials have shared that
The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, also delivered the keynote address at the conclusion for the opening ceremony. He spoke about the importance of the gathering and was proud to see the attendance of almost all the regional heads in the same room.
He highlighted that it is the first time in the last ten years that the leadership of CARICOM has gathered together. The Prime Minister spoke about the world that is changing rapidly and how the CARICOM along with much of the world is facing fluctuating energy prices, climate shocks.
In his address, Dr Drew also spoke about their commitment to food security in the region.
The Prime Minister also talked about energy security. He believes that this area requires urgent attention. Dependence on imported fossil fuels drains foreign exchange is negative for the long term growth of the region.
Dr Terrance Drew urged that the region must pursue renewable energy and coordinated energy policies. He further asserted that Energy independence will strengthen economic stability.
Dr. Drew also addressed regional trade during his keynote address. He said that Intra-regional trade remains below its potential and to fix that, some barriers must be dismantled. Regional value chains should be strengthened.
Dr Drew asserted that Trade is not just commerce. It is the movement of opportunity across borders.
He returned to the topic of Climate change, which in his opinion remains an urgent threat. Rising sea levels and stronger hurricanes endanger infrastructure and economies.
Dr. Drew concluded with a call to action. This conference should be remembered for execution, not speeches. Measurable outcomes and disciplined coordination are necessary. No one is coming to save the Caribbean. The region must rely on its own unity and strength. Together, it can rise again and secure a stronger future for all.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
