St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew has used his New Year’s message as incoming chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to urge regional leaders and citizens to remain united amid growing political and geopolitical pressures.
In his address, Drew acknowledged that the Caribbean is navigating a challenging period and said progress would depend on cooperation, calm leadership and a shared sense of responsibility.
“Differences and all, we are one Caribbean people,” Drew said. “CARICOM was never conceived as a space free of disagreement. It was created as a forum where differences could be addressed constructively, internally, and with the shared understanding that our collective strength is greater than any single issue before us.”
While not naming specific countries, Drew’s remarks came against the backdrop of recent public disagreements among regional leaders.
His comments appeared to be a measured response to strong statements made by Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar following criticism from some CARICOM leaders over her vocal support for US military operations in the Caribbean Sea targeting alleged drug traffickers.
Persad-Bissessar later criticised regional leaders for their positions on Venezuela, claiming CARICOM was “not a reliable partner” to Trinidad and Tobago.
Drew also took time to thank outgoing CARICOM chairman and Jamaican Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness for guiding the regional bloc through what he described as a turbulent period.
As he formally assumed the chairmanship of the Conference of Heads of Government, Drew said the moment called for reflection and a recommitment to the ideals on which CARICOM was founded more than five decades ago.
“Regional integration is not optional. It is essential,” he said, noting that small and vulnerable states could not afford to face global challenges in isolation.
Turning to Haiti, Drew said the ongoing crisis there continues to demand sustained regional engagement and practical support.
“The situation in Haiti continues to require sustained regional engagement to help our Caribbean brothers and sisters stabilise and rebuild,” he said.
He said CARICOM would continue its involvement in the French speaking island through the Eminent Persons Group, as Haiti works toward general elections in 2026 and as the United Nations-backed gang suppression mission is implemented.
Looking ahead, Drew revealed that St Kitts and Nevis has already begun preparations to host the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, scheduled for February 24 to 27, 2026.
“I cordially invite my colleague Heads to join us in active engagement as we consider priority issues and advance the welfare of our people and our region,” he said.
Drew ended his messaged by expressing his confidence in the CARICOM project, describing it as both a declaration of Caribbean identity and a commitment to the region’s shared future.
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