New CARICOM chair says differences ‘not unusual’ to bloc

GEORGETOWN (CMC):

St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew says recent international developments, including geopolitical tensions in the region and external policy decisions affecting Caribbean nationals, “remind us of a fundamental truth: None will come to save us. We must save ourselves.

”Recent public discussions among member states, reflecting differing national perspectives, have unfolded in a way that has attracted regional and international attention,” said Drew, who on January 1, replaced Jamaica’s Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness as the chairman of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for the next six months.

“While such differences are not unusual in a diverse Community such as ours, they remind us of the importance of managing our dialogue with care, mutual respect, and a resolute sense of regional responsibility,” said Drew, who said he is assuming the CARICOM chairmanship with “optimism and a deep dedication” to the ideals of the regional integration movement.

Drew was no doubt making reference to the current tensions within CARICOM sparked by recent comments from Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar that CARICOM “is not a reliable partner” and “has lost its way”.

But he reminded the region that “CARICOM was never conceived as a space free of disagreement.

“It was created as a forum where differences could be addressed constructively, internally, and with the shared understanding that our collective strength is greater than any single issue before us.

”This reality does not call for isolation, but for stronger coordination, clearer purpose, and deeper solidarity. It requires us to speak louder, speak with conviction, speak with one voice; where our shared interests are concerned, and to act with strategic maturity on the global stage.”

Drew said that as Caribbean leaders, and as citizens of this region, “we must recommit to the principles that underpin this Community. We must strengthen our institutions, enhance consultation, and ensure that our engagement reflects the seriousness of the responsibilities entrusted to us by our people.

”Differences and all, we are one Caribbean people, heirs to a civilization that transformed suffering into strength and adversity into achievement. We have contributed to the world in profound and undeniable ways that continue to shape global culture, sport, intellect, and conscience.”