Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Carla Barnett is urging Caribbean foreign ministers to deepen regional coordination and strengthen the bloc’s unified international voice as the region faces growing geopolitical and economic pressures.
Barnett made the call Wednesday during the opening session of the Twenty-Ninth Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) in Paramaribo, Suriname.
Addressing ministers gathered for the meeting, the secretary-general said CARICOM is operating during a period of “hemispheric and global shifts” that carry significant implications for the region’s economies, trade relationships and foreign policy priorities.
She warned that decisions made by COFCOR and other regional bodies directly affect the economic and social wellbeing of Caribbean citizens and stressed the importance of strengthening the Community’s resilience through coordinated action.
“One of our Caribbean Community’s greatest strengths is our ability to project a united voice,” Barnett said, noting that regional unity has historically allowed small states to exert influence on global decision-making.
She acknowledged that balancing national interests with regional priorities can be challenging but maintained that cooperation among member states remains essential.
“None of our small nations can effectively confront these challenges in isolation. Working together is therefore not an option, it is an imperative,” she told delegates.
Barnett also highlighted CARICOM’s ongoing efforts to broaden its international engagement strategy through both traditional diplomatic partnerships and expanded outreach to new global partners.
During the meeting, CARICOM officials are expected to hold engagements with representatives from Japan, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates on areas of shared interest.
The secretary-general further urged member states to actively prepare for a series of major international meetings scheduled for 2026 that could shape discussions on issues critical to the Caribbean.
Among the upcoming engagements she identified were the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda, the United Nations General Assembly, the Organization of American States General Assembly and the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31.
Barnett said these forums will likely play a key role in advancing Caribbean priorities including reparatory justice, the crisis in Haiti, climate change, access to climate financing, and broader international peace and security concerns.
 Secretary-General Carla Barnett is urging Caribbean foreign ministers to deepen regional coordination.){kind=link}