CARICOM Chair, the Honourable Dr Terrance Drew, is scheduled to make an official visit to Trinidad and Tobago this week, where he will meet with Prime Minister, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and members of her administration.
The visit, dated Jan. 28, forms part of Dr Drew’s ongoing efforts to hold face-to-face discussions with regional leaders on CARICOM priorities and regional cooperation.
Dr Drew will be accompanied by CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett.
The meeting in Port of Spain follows recent engagements under the Chair’s outreach initiative. Last week, Dr Drew and Dr Barnett met with the new Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr the Honourable Godwin Friday, in Kingstown.
Regional context and recent developments
Trinidad and Tobago’s relationship with CARICOM has gained heightened attention recently amid broader regional discussions on security, economic cooperation, and strategic partnerships. In late 2025, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar signalled a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy, stating that Trinidad and Tobago will realign its approach and pursue new partnerships beyond the region while emphasising national security priorities.
At the same time, Trinidad and Tobago continues to play a constructive role in CARICOM’s economic and integration agenda. The country has been actively involved in efforts to strengthen the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), which aims to deepen regional trade, labour mobility and economic resilience.
Trinidad and Tobago has also called for more effective collaborative measures against transnational crime, urging CARICOM and other regional partners to strengthen joint actions to address narcotics trafficking, human trafficking and related challenges affecting the region.
With these developments in the background, Dr Drew’s visit underscores efforts to maintain dialogue and cooperation within CARICOM, even as member states navigate shifting geopolitical and domestic priorities.
