Deeper regional integration will be critical for Caribbean countries seeking to navigate an increasingly fragmented global trading system, according to Ambassador Wayne McCook, Assistant Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) with responsibility for the Single Market and Trade.
McCook made the remarks during a panel discussion on the prospects for international trade in 2026 and the implications of changing geopolitical and economic conditions for the Caribbean and Latin America. The discussion was held at the World Trade Centre in Georgetown, Guyana, on January 28.
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He said the region was confronting a combination of climate vulnerability, economic pressures and major shifts in global trade policy. McCook pointed to the impact of tariffs, changing supply chains and growing economic nationalism, arguing that the weakening of multilateral trade rules was already affecting investment and growth prospects.
Despite the challenges, he noted that CARICOM’s trade performance had shown resilience. Between 2023 and 2024, regional exports increased by 32 percent to US $34.7 billion, while exports to the United States rose by 86 percent. McCook cautioned, however, that the effects have not been evenly distributed among CARICOM member states.
McCook said stronger intra-regional trade, diversification of external markets and deeper economic integration should form part of the region’s response. He also pointed to recent progress toward greater free movement of people by Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines as examples of steps that could strengthen economic integration within the Community.
He also highlighted the CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy (CIPS), which was endorsed by CARICOM Heads of Government in February 2026. The strategy is intended to strengthen regional industries, improve competitiveness, create jobs and support economic growth.
Food security is another component of the regional strategy. McCook pointed to the 25×25+5 agenda, which seeks to reduce the region’s dependence on imported food while increasing agricultural production and strengthening regional food systems.
McCook said CARICOM’s ability to respond collectively will become increasingly important as global economic relationships continue to shift. He argued that regional unity and stronger economic cooperation can help member states manage external shocks while creating greater opportunities for trade, investment and production within the Caribbean.
