Prime Minister Drew Heads Saint Kitts and Nevis Delegation at CARICOM Summit

The Forty-Eighth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held in Bridgetown, Barbados from February 18th to 21st, 2025, served as a crucial platform for regional leaders to address pressing challenges and forge a collective path towards a more resilient and integrated Caribbean. Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis led a high-level delegation, demonstrating his nation’s commitment to regional cooperation and its pursuit of sustainable development. The delegation comprised key figures including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador to CARICOM, the Press Secretary, and a Senior Foreign Service Officer, ensuring comprehensive representation and engagement across the meeting’s multifaceted agenda.

The CARICOM summit focused on a broad spectrum of critical issues impacting the region. Economic resilience, a key priority in the face of global uncertainties and vulnerabilities, topped the agenda. The leaders explored strategies to strengthen regional economies, promote sustainable growth, and enhance their capacity to withstand external shocks. Climate change, an existential threat to the Caribbean islands, also featured prominently. The discussions centered on mitigating the effects of climate change, adapting to its impacts, and advocating for greater global action to address this pressing global challenge. Regional security, encompassing both traditional and non-traditional security concerns, was another focal point, with leaders deliberating on collaborative approaches to combat crime, enhance border security, and address the multifaceted security challenges facing the region.

Deepening integration through the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) formed a core component of the meeting’s agenda. The CSME, a cornerstone of CARICOM’s vision for a unified and prosperous Caribbean, aims to facilitate the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people within the region. Leaders engaged in discussions to further strengthen the CSME, remove barriers to trade and investment, and unlock the full potential of regional economic integration. This commitment to deepening integration reflects the understanding that a unified approach is essential for the Caribbean to effectively compete in the global marketplace and achieve sustainable development.

Beyond these core themes, the CARICOM heads of government also addressed a range of other critical issues. Food security, a growing concern in light of global supply chain disruptions and climate change impacts, was a key topic of discussion. Leaders explored strategies to enhance regional food production, reduce reliance on imports, and build more resilient food systems. Geopolitical developments and their implications for the Caribbean were also considered, with leaders analyzing the evolving global landscape and its potential impact on the region’s security and economic stability. The ongoing crisis in Haiti, a matter of deep concern for CARICOM, also featured prominently in the discussions. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Haiti in its efforts to restore stability and address its complex challenges. The free movement of people within the region, a fundamental tenet of the CSME, was also discussed, with leaders exploring ways to further enhance the free movement regime and promote greater regional integration.

The meeting also provided a platform for high-level engagements with international partners. H.E. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, participated in discussions with CARICOM leaders. These engagements underscored the importance of global partnerships in addressing the region’s challenges and advancing its development agenda. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, and security. These high-level dialogues provided an opportunity for CARICOM to advocate for its interests on the global stage and build stronger alliances with key international partners.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the signing of agreements related to Martinique’s accession as an Associate Member of CARICOM. This expansion of CARICOM’s membership signifies the growing influence of the bloc and its commitment to fostering closer cooperation within the wider Caribbean region. Martinique’s membership will enhance regional integration, promote economic cooperation, and strengthen cultural ties between the islands. This development further solidifies CARICOM’s role as a leading voice for the Caribbean in regional and international affairs. Prime Minister Dr. Drew’s active participation in the CARICOM summit reflected his dedication to advancing the interests of St. Kitts and Nevis within the regional and global arenas. His engagement in the discussions and his commitment to regional cooperation underscored the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges facing the Caribbean and building a more sustainable and prosperous future for the region. As St. Kitts and Nevis continues its transformation into a Sustainable Island State, regional partnerships remain crucial for achieving its development goals and contributing to the wider progress of the Caribbean community.