As the Caribbean Community ushers in a new year, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, incoming CARICOM Chair, issued a stirring call for unity, calm leadership, and renewed commitment to the Caribbean ideal.

Addressing citizens and residents across the Region and the global Caribbean diaspora, Prime Minister Drew extended warm greetings while reflecting on the collective journey of Caribbean nations—one shaped by resilience, cooperation, and an unwavering belief in shared destiny. He paid tribute to the leadership of outgoing Chairman, Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, commending his stewardship during a period marked by regional and global turbulence.

Prime Minister Drew is assuming the chairmanship at what he described as a critical moment for reflection and recommitment. He underscored that CARICOM, established in 1973 through the Treaty of Chaguaramas, was born out of strategic foresight-an understanding by Caribbean forebears that small, vulnerable states would face immense challenges in a rapidly evolving global order. Regional integration, he emphasized, was never symbolic; it was essential.

Over five decades later, that vision remains relevant. CARICOM’s achievements in trade, labour mobility, health cooperation, disaster preparedness, education, security, and climate advocacy were highlighted as tangible benefits that continue to improve the lives of Caribbean people. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that in an increasingly uncertain world, integration is not optional but indispensable, particularly as the Region seeks innovative partnerships, capacity building, and access to affordable finance to support sustainable development.

Addressing the Caribbean’s historical and cultural legacy, Prime Minister Drew pointed to a civilization forged through slavery and indentureship yet distinguished by extraordinary global contributions. From literature and political thought to music, sport, and cultural innovation, Caribbean excellence has consistently defied the limits of geography and size. He reaffirmed the Region’s commitment to reparatory justice through the work of the CARICOM Reparations Commission and the Ten Point Plan for Reparatory Justice.

The Prime Minister also addressed pressing regional concerns, including the ongoing crisis in Haiti. He reiterated CARICOM’s commitment to sustained engagement and support for Haiti’s stabilisation and rebuilding efforts, including through the Eminent Persons Group and in anticipation of general elections in 2026.

In a candid acknowledgment of current geopolitical tensions and external policy decisions affecting Caribbean nationals, Prime Minister Drew reminded the Region of a fundamental truth: “None will come to save us. We must save ourselves.” He noted that while differing national perspectives are natural within a diverse Community, such differences must be managed with care, respect, and a deep sense of regional responsibility.

CARICOM, he stressed, was never intended to be free of disagreement. Rather, it was designed as a forum where differences could be addressed constructively, internally, and with the understanding that collective strength outweighs individual divergence. This moment, he argued, calls not for fragmentation but for stronger coordination, clearer purpose, and a unified Caribbean voice on the global stage.

As Chairman, Prime Minister Drew called on leaders and citizens alike to recommit to strengthening regional institutions, deepening consultation, and honouring the responsibility entrusted to them by Caribbean people. Despite challenges, he affirmed, the Region remains one Caribbean people—heirs to a civilization that transformed suffering into strength and adversity into achievement.

Looking ahead, Prime Minister Drew announced that St. Kitts and Nevis has begun preparations to host the Fiftieth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM from 24 to 27 February 2026. He invited his fellow Heads of Government to engage actively as the Region advances priority issues and charts a course toward greater resilience and shared prosperity.

“CARICOM is and will continue to be a declaration of who we are and who we choose to be,” Prime Minister Drew affirmed. “Together, we will strengthen it. Together, we will protect it. Together, we will secure the future of our Caribbean civilization.”