Prime Minister Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) commitment to the region remaining a Zone of Peace in his final statement as chairman of the regional bloc.

In a statement on December 27, Holness highlighted CARICOM’s firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its member states and its ongoing stance against transnational organised crime.

Without directly addressing the controversial stance taken by Trinidad and Tobago’s government in support of U.S. efforts against Venezuela, Holness said CARICOM recognises “that Member States may, from time to time, express differing national perspectives.”

“Such diversity of views is a natural feature of a Community of sovereign nations and does not alter the institutional mandate, the economic interdependence, or the organic people-to-people ties that bind us, regardless of exigencies as may arise from time to time,” he said.

Holness stressed the need for CARICOM to navigate a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment with clarity, cohesion, and strategic discipline.

“As global tensions intensify and external developments increasingly intersect with our interests — affecting our economies, security, and diplomatic relationships — we must ensure our responses are guided by our shared principles: respect for sovereignty, adherence to international law, peaceful engagement, and the resolution of differences through dialogue and mutual respect,” he said.

Despite challenges, Holness said CARICOM had many successes over the past year.

He celebrated the advancement in the regional integration process through historic decisions on the free movement of nationals of Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, implemented from October 1, 2025.

The Prime Minister said the “concentric circles” approach allows willing states to deepen cooperation while keeping the door open for others to join when ready.

CARICOM strengthened its trade and food security initiatives, expanded intra-regional and international airlift, and coordinated advocacy with the CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) and strategic international partners.

Holness also highlighted CARICOM’s unified voice in international forums, including the United Nations General Assembly, the G20 Leaders’ Summit, and the Fourth Community of Latin American and Caribbean States–European Union (CELAC–EU) Summit.

On security, CARICOM adopted the Montego Bay Declaration on Transnational Organized Crime and Gangs during its July meeting, signalling a regional commitment to tackling organised crime while recognising the inseparable link between security and development.

Climate resilience also remained a priority, with Holness commending the work of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

While COP30 outcomes fell short of addressing the urgency faced by Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States, CARICOM reaffirmed its commitment to the 1.5°C goal, emphasising that climate action is essential to safeguarding livelihoods and long-term development.

As he hands over the chairmanship to St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, Holness expressed confidence in CARICOM’s continued ability to safeguard regional peace, development, and cooperation.