Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, July 6, 2026
— Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, has concluded his six-month tenure as Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), using the occasion to urge regional leaders to continue strengthening unity, expanding cooperation, and advancing a more resilient Caribbean Community for future generations.
Dr. Drew delivered his outgoing remarks during the Opening Ceremony of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, where he officially passed the chairmanship to Prime Minister of St. Lucia, Hon. Philip J. Pierre.
Reflecting on his tenure, Prime Minister Drew acknowledged that his leadership came during a period marked by global uncertainty and significant regional challenges. Despite those obstacles, he said CARICOM demonstrated that dialogue, mutual trust, and collective leadership remain the foundation of the Community’s strength.
“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.
Looking back on the beginning of his chairmanship in January, Dr. Drew noted that concerns had been expressed about the cohesion of the regional bloc. Rather than allowing those doubts to persist, he embarked on a series of private consultations with each CARICOM Head of Government to reinforce relationships, encourage open dialogue, and build greater trust among regional leaders. According to the Prime Minister, those engagements reaffirmed a shared commitment to regional integration and helped strengthen confidence in the Community.
Throughout his chairmanship, CARICOM continued to make progress on several priority areas. These included advancing the Caribbean Single Market and Economy, strengthening partnerships with both longstanding and emerging international allies, promoting food security, enhancing climate resilience, supporting democracy and good governance, providing assistance to Haiti, Cuba and Venezuela, pursuing reparatory justice, and deepening collaboration in health, education, and human development.
Dr. Drew also emphasized the Community’s commitment to ensuring that regional integration delivers meaningful and measurable benefits for Caribbean citizens. In doing so, he highlighted the vital contribution of CARICOM’s institutions in supporting public health, education, justice, and regional security.
Speaking on the broader impact of the regional movement, the outgoing Chairman stressed that CARICOM’s work extends well beyond 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.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Drew challenged regional leaders to remain steadfast in protecting and strengthening the Caribbean integration movement for generations to come.
“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.”
Source: SKNIS