As Caribbean communities and the wider global diaspora observed the festive season, CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett reflected on the significant challenges faced by the region over the past year, while underscoring the importance of unity and collective action.
In her end of year message delivered on December 22, Barnett noted that the past year exposed deep vulnerabilities across the Caribbean, reinforcing the purpose and enduring value of regional integration. She recalled the severe devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in 2024 and Hurricane Melissa in 2025, both of which resulted in widespread loss of life and destruction, particularly in Jamaica and Haiti.
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Barnett acknowledged that recovery efforts would require substantial financial resources and sustained commitment. She also highlighted that unprecedented geopolitical pressures had threatened export earnings, regional stability and national sovereignty. Despite these challenges, she said the region demonstrated resilience by responding swiftly to humanitarian needs and adapting creatively to protect businesses and livelihoods in the aftermath of natural disasters.
She pointed to notable progress in advancing the Caricom Single Market and Economy. Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines have agreed to implement full free movement of people among themselves, a step she described as critical to stimulating economic activity and strengthening people-to-people connections across the region.
Barnett also reported that the framework for a comprehensive Caricom Industrial Policy and Strategy is well advanced. She said this initiative is designed to support stronger and more integrated productive capacity, innovation, and economic diversification across member states.
In agriculture, she noted that implementation of the 25 by 2025 plus strategy has resulted in increased production levels. However, she acknowledged that hurricanes and other climate related events caused major setbacks for farmers and agricultural communities, highlighting the urgent need for climate resilient agricultural systems.
Barnett praised the cultural achievements of the region, citing Carifesta XV held in Barbados in August as a showcase of the Caribbean’s artistic talent and cultural diversity. She also emphasized the region’s democratic tradition, noting that seven member states and five associate members successfully conducted peaceful general elections during the year.
Human capital development and inclusivity remain central to the Caribbean Community’s (Caricom) agenda, according to Barnett. She said the Community continues to prioritize increased participation by young people and women in economic activity, decision-making processes, and regional affairs.
Looking ahead, Barnett said Caricom is actively preparing for future challenges by examining the implications of artificial intelligence for regional economies, while working to expand physical and digital connectivity as a driver of sustainable development. Strengthening disaster resilience and enhancing food and nutrition security were identified as ongoing priorities for the Community.
She expressed appreciation to Caribbean citizens for their continued engagement, describing an empowered and active population as the region’s greatest asset. She also thanked the staff of the Caricom Secretariat and affiliated institutions for their contributions to regional welfare, as well as international partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, labor movement and the Caricom diaspora for their advocacy and support.
Barnett expressed confidence in Caricom’s capacity to respond decisively to future challenges, citing outcomes from the 2025 Conference of Heads of Government meetings held in Barbados in February and Jamaica in July. She said progress in trade, regional security, foreign policy coordination, reparations, governance, human development and climate action reflects the Community’s strategic focus and commitment to implementation.
She concluded by urging all Caricom stakeholders at home and abroad to move forward together in pursuit of a resilient, prosperous and united Community for all, while extending wishes for peace and progress in the coming year.
Caricom was established on July 4, 1973, following the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which was revised in 2001 to facilitate the creation of a single market and economy. The regional bloc currently comprises fifteen member states, including Trinidad and Tobago, along with six associate members.
