CASTRIES, St Lucia—Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders opened their four-day summit here on Sunday, underscoring the importance of unity as the region confronts global challenges that threaten its economic and political stability.
St Lucia’s Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre, who assumed the chairmanship of the 15-member regional integration grouping, said the moment calls on all stakeholders to rise above the limitations of the present.
“It calls us to think beyond election cycles. It calls us to think beyond national borders. It calls us to think beyond the pressures of today and toward the Caribbean we must build for tomorrow.
“We owe that to the founders of this Community. We owe it to the generations who struggled for independence, dignity and self-determination. We owe it to those who believed that small states acting together could become a powerful force for development, justice and progress.”
Pierre said that, above all, regional leaders owe it to the people of the Caribbean, warning that “history may forgive us for disagreements, it may even forgive us for delay, but it will never forgive us for failing to create a stronger, safer, fairer and more united Caribbean Community.”
He pledged that, as he assumes the chairmanship of the grouping for the next six months, he is prepared to serve and listen to his colleagues while working with them to advance the common good of the CARICOM people.
“Unity within Caricom must be foundational. If we are to create a safer place for our people, secure climate justice for them, and find an economic space for our youth, we must offer them opportunities to develop, express their creativity and have hope.”
Outgoing Caricom chairman Dr Terrance Drew urged his colleagues to be present when crucial decisions affecting the Community are being made.
“Whenever this Community faces matters of great significance, let us ensure that every Head of Government makes every effort to be present,” said the St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister.
“Our responsibility is to protect this Community, improve it where necessary, modernise it where appropriate, but never, ever lose sight of its immense value to our people.”
He said that whenever Caricom faces major issues, leaders should make every effort to attend retreats and caucuses where matters can be discussed and resolved internally.
“Those sessions remain among Caricom’s greatest strengths. Away from cameras and prepared statements, colleagues speak candidly. Trust is strengthened.
“No public commentary has ever replaced honest dialogue, but respectful conversation among colleagues committed to a common purpose has repeatedly strengthened this Community. May we always preserve that tradition.”
Prime Minister Drew’s comments may have been a response to the controversy surrounding the reappointment of Belizean economist Dr Carla Barnett to a second five-year term as Caricom Secretary-General.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has publicly indicated that she will not recognise Barnett’s reappointment when her current term expires in August.
Persad-Bissessar arrived at Sunday’s opening ceremony after Barnett had delivered her remarks.
Drew subsequently praised Barnett for her stewardship of the Guyana-based Caricom Secretariat and the regional integration movement as a whole.
“So before I conclude, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to our Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, and her team. Madam Secretary-General, thank you for your professionalism, your integrity and your steadfast commitment to this Community.”
