The 51^st Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government opened on Sunday in Gros Islet, St Lucia, with Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett, challenging the regional leaders to do what is necessary to implement key aspects of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Dr Barnett explained that while steps have been taken to strengthen the operations of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) through improved implementation of the Revised Rules of Origin, expansion of the categories of skilled workers and the commencement of the full free movement among four member states, there are gaps that remain.

She said Regional leaders must redouble their efforts to close the gaps and overcome existing challenges.

“We have to do what is necessary to implement key outstanding aspects of the CSME such as capital markets institutions, payments and settlements, and expanding movement of persons. This requires greater focus and action, not only at the regional level in the Ministerial Councils of the Community, but also at the national level to ensure necessary consultations, parliamentary approvals and any other actions necessary to ensure national implementation of regional decisions,” the CARICOM Secretary General said.

Dr Barnett said the region must also take “decisive action” and recommit to the regional integration movement, particularly during this period of global volatility.

“In the interest of the people we serve now, and for future generations, we should see the prevailing volatility and disruption not as a barrier to progress, but as an opportunity to reaffirm, through decisive action, our commitment to the ideals and aspirations of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas,” she said.

It was explained that 53 years after the establishment of CARICOM, many of the challenges remain the same, including the global fuel crisis.

“Then, as now, external factors and influences put at risk the vision of regional integration. However, the expected benefits to our economies and wider societies at that time, as now, far outweigh the risks,” Dr Barnett explained.

Meanwhile, Dr Barnett told the Conference that agriculture production under the 25 by 2025+5 strategy, is increasing across the region.

Intended to reduce food imports and strengthen food security within the region, the Agriculture Strategy which has now been extended to 2030, has seen increased investments in, and technical support to agriculture across the community, Dr Barnett reported.

The strategy, she explained, was designed to place major focus on young people to ensure the development of the next generation of farmers and to facilitate the application of new technologies to the operation of agricultural enterprises.

In the area of climate change and sustainable development, the Secretary General said the CARICOM Secretariat has played a critical role in guiding Member States as they implement international treaties on biodiversity and areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Shifting weather patterns, hurricanes and floods are increasing the need for finance disaster relief, Dr Barnett said.

“When we see agriculture production being decimated by hurricanes in successive years, as happened in Jamaica with Beryl in 2024 and Melissa in 2025, the climate challenges we face are even more stark. In the area,” Dr Barnett said.

Additionally, Dr Barnett said CARICOM continues to work with Haiti to address the long ongoing challenges of governance and security.

According to her, the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group continues to work with stakeholders to facilitate dialogue and participation of political and civil society representatives of the people of Haiti with a view to promoting broad consensus on the pathway and mechanisms to achieving peace and security.

It was noted that CARICOM supports the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution which established the gang suppression force, with two member states – The Bahamas and Jamaica – providing the necessary support.

President Irfaan Ali is among Heads of Government attending the 51^st Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, which is being held under the theme “From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World. The conference will end on May 8.

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