Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett, Monday said that the challenges faced by the 15-member regional integration grouping ‘have thrown our vulnerabilities into sharp relief, and more than ever’ while underscoring the purpose and value of a united region
In an end of year message, Barnett said that on the heels of the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in 2024, Hurricane Melissa in October this year left death and destruction in its wake in Jamaica and in Haiti.
‘Recovery will take considerable resources and time. In addition, unprecedented geopolitical headwinds threatened export earnings, regional peace, and sovereignty.’
Barnett said that amid these and other challenges, CARICOM’s ‘characteristic resilience shone through’ noting the region ‘pulled together urgently to help address critical needs in the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes, and pivoted creatively to safeguard businesses and livelihoods’.
The region’s top public servant said that ‘commendable progress’ had been made in the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) that allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labour and services across the region.
(Details in Politics section)