Prime Minister of St.Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrence Drew, has called for unity within the regional movement, as it is the region’s greatest strategic advantage.
Speaking at the opening of the 51st Regular meeting of Heads of Government, Prime Minister Drew noted that in recent months, the unity of the region has been called into question when there were public debates over private matters.
While the outgoing Chairman did not single out any particular matter, his statement appeared in reference to the recent public debates led by Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, on the reappointment of CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett.
“When I assumed Chairmanship, there were genuine concerns about the future of our community. Matters that would normally been discuss privately among heads of government were increasingly being debated publicly. Questions were being asked about our cohesion. Some wondered whether CARICOM had reached a defining moment in which it might struggle to recover, these concerns were real,” Prime Minister Drew said.
Prime Minisgter Drew said before issues within the region are resolved, relationships must be strengthened.
He said real concerns were raised on about whether could survive recent storms where its internal matters found its way into the public.
The Prime Minister said he visited every full member state during his time as Chairman, and met with every Head of Government, to listen to their concerns and try to rebuild trust and to ensure that every leader had the opportunity to speak openly.
“Whenever this community faces matter of great significance, let us ensure that every head of government make every effort to be present for our retreats and caucuses to resolve matters in house. Those sessions remain among CARICOM’s greatest strength, away from cameras and prepared-statements, colleagues speak candidly, trust is strengthened, misunderstandings are resolved, consensus is built,” Dr. Drew said.
The outgoing CARICOM Chairman said unity and regional remain indispensable to the region’s security.
He urged leaders not to address CARICOM matters through newspaper headlines as it would seek to derail the movement’s standing and press for unity.
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