CARICOM leaders open 51st summit amid key regional debates on Haiti, trade and governance
Key Points(5)
- Leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) convened in Saint Lucia on Sunday for the opening of their 51st Regular Meeting, with incoming chairman and Prime Minister Philip J.
- Pierre calling for the regional bloc to focus more directly on improving the lives of citizens.
- Pierre said he hoped the organisation would “continue working for the people of the region so they could feel the impact of CARICOM,” as all 15 heads of government were expected to attend the four-day summit being held near Gros Islet.
- The meeting, themed “From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World,” comes at a time of heightened regional debate over integration, governance and security issues, particularly the crisis in Haiti and differences among member states on foreign policy alignment.
- Among the anticipated attendees is Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has confirmed her participation despite previous tensions with the bloc over foreign policy positions, including support for U.S.
Leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) convened in Saint Lucia on Sunday for the opening of their 51st Regular Meeting, with incoming chairman and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre calling for the regional bloc to focus more directly on improving the lives of citizens.
Pierre said he hoped the organisation would “continue working for the people of the region so they could feel the impact of CARICOM,” as all 15 heads of government were expected to attend the four-day summit being held near Gros Islet.
The meeting, themed “From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World,” comes at a time of heightened regional debate over integration, governance and security issues, particularly the crisis in Haiti and differences among member states on foreign policy alignment.
Among the anticipated attendees is Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has confirmed her participation despite previous tensions with the bloc over foreign policy positions, including support for U.S. military actions in the Caribbean and differing views on CARICOM consensus decisions.
A key point of discussion is expected to be the reappointment of Belizean economist Carla Barnett as CARICOM Secretary-General. While leaders agreed in February to extend her term, her continuation in the role has drawn criticism from Trinidad and Tobago, which has stated it does not recognise her appointment beyond August 2026. Other leaders, including Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, have publicly backed the decision, arguing that the matter followed established voting procedures.
The debate has underscored broader questions around CARICOM decision-making and consensus-building, even as officials stress the need to maintain unity. Regional analyst Derek Ramsamooj noted that while consensus is preferable, governance rules allow for majority-based decisions in certain appointments.
Beyond leadership issues, the summit agenda includes progress on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), climate resilience, food and nutrition security, digital transformation, and ongoing instability in Haiti.
Haiti remains one of the bloc’s most urgent concerns, with leaders continuing to support transitional arrangements aimed at restoring security and preparing for elections. CARICOM’s Eminent Persons Group, which includes former prime ministers Dr. Kenny Anthony, Bruce Golding and Perry Christie, is expected to continue its engagement with Haitian stakeholders as part of ongoing mediation efforts.
The meeting also takes place against the backdrop of wider regional concern over rising food prices, crime, climate shocks and economic vulnerability, issues Prime Minister Pierre said must translate into more tangible outcomes for citizens.
“We can do that by impacting the lives of people where they are affected the most,” he said, pointing to crime, food security, the cost of living and climate resilience as priority areas.
While not formally on the agenda, discussions are also expected around evolving U.S. migration and “third-country” arrangements involving several Caribbean states, an issue some leaders say is handled bilaterally rather than collectively at the CARICOM level.
The summit is scheduled to continue over four days, with leaders expected to move directly into closed-door sessions following the ceremonial opening.
