New Chairman of CARICOM, St Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J Pierre says the regional integration movement must continue to move closer to the people.
Pierre, who begins his six-month term today, said in a statement that “CARICOM must continue to move closer to the people. It must be seen and felt not only in meetings and declarations but also in communities, schools, businesses, homes, and in the opportunities available to every Caribbean citizen.”
The St Lucia PM said that work must continue on a more resilient and sustainable Region.
“This means advancing climate action, strengthening food and nutrition security, supporting economic growth, embracing digital transformation, expanding opportunities for trade and investment, and improving the movement of people, skills, services, and ideas across our Community”, he said.
He asserted that every Caribbean citizen, regardless of age, gender, ability, background, occupation, or circumstance, must be able to see themselves reflected in the regional agenda and feel that CARICOM is working to improve their lives.
He also contended that development and security go hand in hand, and every citizen deserves the opportunity to live, work, learn, and thrive in peace and dignity.
“The success of CARICOM must ultimately be measured by whether our people feel the benefits of integration in their daily lives. Because integration that our people cannot feel will not last”, he added.
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