Gros Islet, St. Lucia, July 6, 2026 (PMO) — Outgoing Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, concluded his six-month tenure at the helm of the regional body with a compelling call for Caribbean leaders to continue strengthening regional unity, deepen cooperation, and build a stronger CARICOM for future generations.
Delivering his outgoing remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, Prime Minister Drew reflected on a chairmanship that unfolded during a period of global uncertainty and regional challenges, while emphasizing that the Community emerged stronger through dialogue, trust, and collective leadership.
“These past six months have strengthened one conviction above all others, that is, unity is not simply our highest ideal. It is our greatest strategic advantage,” Prime Minister Drew told regional leaders as he formally handed over the Chairmanship of CARICOM to the Prime Minister of St. Lucia, Hon. Philip J. Pierre.
Reflecting on circumstances surrounding his assumption of the Chairmanship in January, Prime Minister Drew acknowledged that questions had been raised about the cohesion of the Community. Rather than allowing those concerns to deepen, he undertook a deliberate effort to engage every CARICOM Head of Government through private consultations aimed at strengthening relationships and fostering trust. Those engagements, he noted, reaffirmed every leader’s commitment to regional integration and laid the foundation for renewed confidence in the Caribbean Community.
During his tenure, as expressed by the outgoing Chair, CARICOM continued advancing key regional priorities, including strengthening the Caribbean Single Market and Economy, expanding cooperation with traditional and emerging international partners, promoting food security, advancing climate resilience, supporting democracy and good governance, assisting Haiti, Cuba and Venezuela, pursuing reparatory justice, and enhancing collaboration in health, education and human development.
He also highlighted CARICOM’s continued commitment to ensuring that regional integration delivers tangible benefits to the lives of Caribbean people, while recognizing the indispensable role played by regional institutions in advancing public health, education, justice and security across the Community.
As he reflected on the significance of the regional movement, Prime Minister Drew underscored that CARICOM remains far greater than its meetings of Heads of Government.
“What is often unseen is a remarkable network of regional institutions quietly serving our people every single day,” he said, pointing to the lasting impact of institutions that continue to strengthen Caribbean development and improve the daily lives of citizens across the region.
Prime Minister Drew ended stint with a powerful appeal for continued collective action, declaring, “Let history record that our generation did not diminish this great community. Let history record that we strengthened this community. Let history record that we handed it to the next generation… more united, more confident, and better prepared than when we inherited it.”
