New CARICOM Chair urges unity, security and strategic action amid global and regional crises

Highlighting that the development of its people must be at the heart of regional priorities, newly appointed CARICOM Chair and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged Caribbean leaders to act urgently and strategically in the face of growing global instability and escalating internal challenges.

Holness warned that the region can no longer afford to delay action on issues such as security, climate change, trade and economic co-operation.

“The theme of this meeting captures the truth, that security and resilience are not optional but are the foundation for prosperity. People-centred development and strategic partnerships are not merely aspirational, they are essential,” he said.

Holness made this call as he was speaking at the opening of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, which is being held in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

The meeting is being held under the theme “People, Partnerships, Prosperity. Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future.”

Regional leaders at 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM (Photo: CARICOM/July 6, 2025)

Warning that small states remain highly vulnerable to global economic shocks, natural disasters, and political marginalisation, Holness said, “that is why we must think strategically, act collaboratively, and remain focused on the values and interests that unite us.”

He called for stronger regional institutions and a commitment to self-determination. “As we enter a new order which seems to be emerging in the world, we must be strategic, strengthen institutions, and take responsibility for our own destiny—because that is the only way we are going to really get it if we really want it.”

Holness underscored that human development must be placed at the heart of regional priorities. “Ensuring food security, access to decent work, climate protection and, importantly, opportunities for our youth—we must focus on our people. We must also focus on partnerships, because global progress is built on networks of trust.”

He stressed that the emerging global shifts offer new opportunities for the region to deepen ties, particularly with Africa, and to enhance intra-CARICOM trade and co-operation.

Pointing to the region’s resource capacity, Holness said, “Guyana with energy and land, Suriname with energy and land, Trinidad, Jamaica with incredible human resources—what has stopped us for these many years? We have been saying we really have to get it. Did we really want it?”

Holness identified security and sustainability as the two most urgent policy priorities for CARICOM, especially given the dual threats of climate change and gang violence. He described the climate crisis as a “non-avoidable reality” and said upcoming discussions will give special attention to climate finance and the region’s preparedness for COP30.

He also sounded the alarm on the rise of gang violence across the region, calling it an immediate threat to CARICOM’s social and economic stability. “We need to launch a war on gangs of a similar nature to the war on terror,” he said. He pointed to Haiti as a critical example and said the region must treat this issue with the urgency it demands. “The scale and magnitude of the problem which is being faced by almost all member countries of CARICOM cannot be addressed overnight. It will require significant investment and unified public support.”

Holness reaffirmed CARICOM’s support for Haiti, saying the conference will offer a critical platform for dialogue on its ongoing crisis. “We remain committed to advancing solutions that provide peace, stability and development for our sister nation and, by extension, the wider community.”

He added, “We cannot be true to our principles in CARICOM if we do not redouble our efforts with the international community to garner support for the mission in Haiti. We cannot leave our brothers and sisters in Haiti at the mercy of gangs.”

In his capacity as CARICOM lead, Holness committed to promoting “a free, transparent, rules-based, inclusive and equitable multilateral trading system.”

The conference will also address a wide range of human and social development matters, including telecommunications, transportation, industrial growth and shifting demographics.

Holness concluded by noting the interconnectedness of global crises, from the humanitarian disaster in Gaza to the war in Ukraine, and reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to peace.

“In this moment, we must be resolute in preserving CARICOM as a zone of peace and reaffirm our commitment to working with the international community to promote de-escalation, uphold diplomacy, and lasting solutions grounded in mutual respect,” he urged.

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