Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip Pierre, who is incoming chairman of Caricom, has pledged to steer the regional bloc towards a more people-centred approach, saying integration must deliver tangible benefits in the daily lives of Caribbean citizens.
Pierre said he accepts the chairmanship “with humility, determination, and a deep sense of service,” stressing that Caricom’s enduring strength lies in its founding principle that member states achieve more together than alone. He noted that while the Caribbean continues to face global economic uncertainty, climate pressures and social challenges, cooperation remains the most effective path forward.
Across the region, Pierre said citizens are increasingly questioning how Caricom directly improves their lives. That question, he added, must now guide the organisation’s agenda.
“Caricom must move closer to the people,” Pierre said, adding that the bloc should be visible not only in official meetings and communiqués but also in communities, schools, businesses and homes.
He emphasised that strengthening unity among member states will be central to his tenure. According to Pierre, the region’s diversity of languages, cultures and traditions should be viewed as an asset rather than a barrier, and greater coordination will be needed to harness that diversity for collective progress.
Pierre also outlined a focus on building a more resilient and sustainable Caribbean Community. Priorities will include climate action, food and nutrition security, economic growth, digital transformation and expanded trade and investment opportunities. He further highlighted the need to improve the movement of people, skills, services and ideas across the region.
At the heart of these efforts, Pierre said, must be the Caribbean people themselves. Every citizen, regardless of background or circumstance, should feel represented in the regional agenda and confident that integration is improving their prospects.
Security and development, he added, must advance together, with safer and more stable communities forming the foundation for long-term prosperity.
“The success of Caricom must ultimately be measured by whether our people feel the benefits of integration in their daily lives,” Pierre said, warning that integration which is not felt by citizens “will not last.”
He called for renewed momentum across the bloc, urging member states to move collectively “from resilience to renewal and revival,” and to build a Caribbean Community that is more united, inclusive and prepared for future challenges.
Pierre concluded by thanking citizens of the region, pledging continued solidarity as he assumes leadership of the Community.
