Gros Islet, St. Lucia, July 6, 2026 (PMO) — Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, has called on Caribbean leaders to seize the opportunity to modernize and strengthen the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), stressing that the regional integration movement must continue evolving to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations.
During his outgoing address as Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister Drew stressed that the Caribbean Community has entered a new chapter, one that should focus not on whether CARICOM will endure, but on how it can become more effective, responsive, and relevant.
Reflecting on the progress made during his six-month as Chairman, Prime Minister Drew noted that the Community successfully navigated a period of uncertainty by placing dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation at the forefront of regional leadership. With renewed confidence now established, he urged leaders to focus on the work of strengthening the institution for generations to come.
Prime Minister Drew also emphasized that the Community’s ability to confront difficult issues depends on preserving the traditions of honest dialogue and trust that have long defined CARICOM’s leadership, and further encouraged Heads of Government to make every effort to participate in leaders’ retreats and caucuses, describing those engagements as among the Community’s greatest strengths.
He added that while public discourse has its place, lasting solutions are forged through respectful engagement among leaders committed to a common purpose.
“No newspaper headline has ever solved a disagreement among Caribbean leaders. They have done the opposite. No public commentary has ever replaced honest dialog, but respectful conversation among colleagues committed to a common purpose has repeatedly strengthened this community. May we always preserve that tradition.”
Prime Minister Drew said the reaffirmation of regional unity during his chairmanship was never an end in itself, but rather the foundation upon which meaningful progress must be built.
“Our people rightly expect more than declarations, they expect progress, they expect opportunity, they expect that a regional corporation will improve their daily lives.”
Prime Minister Drew used the opportunity to encourage Caribbean leaders to remain steadfast in their commitment to strengthening regional integration through cooperation, dialogue, and visionary leadership, ensuring that CARICOM continues to serve as a powerful vehicle for peace, prosperity, resilience, and sustainable development across the region.
