-says crime a pressing concern
Incoming Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of St Lucia, Philip J. Pierre last evening said regional integration must produce tangible benefits for ordinary citizens while warning that CARICOM’s unity should never be taken for granted.
He pledged to focus on strengthening regional cooperation, security, economic renewal and climate resilience during his six-month tenure.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in in Gros Islet, St Lucia, Pierre said Caribbean citizens are increasingly questioning the relevance of the regional body and are demanding practical results.
“Across our region, our people are asking a serious and legitimate question, what more can CARICOM do for me?” he said, adding that the question “is not an attack on this community, but a genuine appeal for solutions.”
Pierre said his chairmanship would be guided by ensuring that CARICOM’s decisions translate into improvements in the daily lives of Caribbean people.
“Our people must be able to see and feel the benefits of regional cooperation. It is not enough for us to agree on a principle; we must implement it in practice. It is not enough for us to speak of integration. We must make integration work for the ordinary citizen.”
He added that “integration that our people cannot feel will not last,” stressing that every commitment undertaken by the Community must answer one question: “How will this improve the lives of our people?”
Pierre said unity would be a central priority of his chairmanship but cautioned that it required constant effort.
“A priority of this chairmanship must be unity. Unity is the foundation on which everything rests. But unity must never be taken for granted and will not happen automatically. It requires work. It requires trust. It requires consultation. It requires consensus on some issues.”
In an apparent reference to recent differences among regional leaders, Pierre said external powers had historically benefited whenever the Caribbean was divided.
“The world has often benefited from Caribbean disunity. Larger powers and larger markets can more easily engage a divided Caribbean than a united one. But when the Caribbean speaks with one voice, when we act together, when we negotiate as a bloc, our collective influence is far greater.”
He said that during his tenure he would work to ensure that “no member state feels unheard, unseen or isolated.”
“Every voice counts. Every nation matters. Every citizen must be able to see themselves reflected in the work of CARICOM.”
Acknowledging that differences had recently emerged among member states on regional and foreign policy issues, Pierre maintained that disagreements should not weaken the Community.
“This is not unusual in any democratic space, and it does not weaken us if we remain anchored in principle, mutual respect and constructive dialogue.”
Security
Meantime, Pierre identified crime and citizen security as one of the region’s most pressing concerns, describing violent crime, illegal firearms trafficking, organised criminal networks, cybercrime and delays in the justice system as regional challenges requiring coordinated action.
“No member state can address these challenges alone,” he said, while arguing that security must also include education, skills training, employment, sports, culture, mental health support and community development.
On climate change, Pierre reiterated that although Caribbean countries contributed least to global emissions, they continued to suffer some of the gravest consequences.
“We cannot accept a global system that preaches our resilience while denying us the resources to survive,” he declared, adding that CARICOM would continue pressing for climate justice, greater access to climate finance, debt relief linked to climate vulnerability and international recognition of the realities facing small island developing states.
He also reaffirmed CARICOM’s support for Guyana’s bid to host the 2030 United Nations climate conference, COP35.
Economic renewal, Pierre said, would also feature prominently during his chairmanship through deeper implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, improved transportation links, expanded food production and greater adoption of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence.
“A ferry service for transportation of people and goods must be our priority,” he said, while noting that Caribbean economies remained heavily dependent on imports and vulnerable to external shocks.
It has been two years since President Irfaan Ali assured that a regional ferry service would take off. It is unclear whether the long-delayed regional ferry service linking Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, will be on the agenda of the meeting which concludes on July 8th.
The St Lucian Prime Minister pledged to place young people, women, indigenous peoples, persons living with disabilities, Rastafarians and other historically marginalised groups at the centre of the regional agenda.
“Our young people are watching us. They are listening to what we say, but more importantly, they are measuring what we do,” Pierre said, adding that they expected CARICOM to create opportunities through employment, entrepreneurship and easier movement across the region.
He also called for stronger support for CARICOM’s regional institutions, arguing that their work in public health, education, disaster preparedness, agriculture, security and research often goes unnoticed despite delivering tangible benefits across the Community.
Pierre urged regional leaders to think beyond national politics and electoral cycles.
“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 said he was assuming the chairmanship “with humility, determination and with a deep sense of respect for the responsibility to the people of the region.”
“Unity within CARICOM must be foundational. If we are to create a safer place for our people and secure climate justice for them, we need to find an economic space for our youth… The ideals of CARICOM must become real in the lives of our people, especially the youth.”
Discussion