A pivotal moment for regional integration and action

This evening, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government opened another of their regular meetings on a high note with strong messages.

The 48th Regular Meeting, themed Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development, takes place against a backdrop of pressing issues that demand more than just closed-door talks.

From the ongoing crisis in Haiti to the pervasive scourge of crime, the existential threat of climate change, and the still-unrealised potential of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the agenda is heavy and the stakes are high. Caribbean citizens are weary of pronouncements and yearn for tangible action that addresses the daily realities of their lives. Will this summit be different?

Incoming CARICOM Chairman and host Prime Minister Mia Mottley from the outset rightly signalled that it cannot be business as usual.

“The only way we will make it through these difficult times is if we are prepared to be more unified and bolder than ever,” she said. “This is not a moment, for me, for a lotta long talk, or a lot of long speeches. What is required of me as chairman is to ask each and every one of us to make that commitment to expose our hearts and minds to find common ground and purpose, so as to ensure that as the world starts to fall… we can hold centre, recognising that we will always, always, always be  stronger together.”

This media house wholeheartedly agrees.

Regional integration offers the Caribbean a chance to use its collective voice and leverage its combined strengths on the global stage.

But for too long, CARICOM has suffered from an implementation deficit, with lofty pronouncements failing to translate into concrete action. This must change given all that is at stake. Several critical issues demand urgent attention.

The full realisation of the CSME, particularly the free movement of people, is essential to unlocking the region’s true potential. It is time to move beyond rhetoric and dismantle the remaining barriers that hinder this fundamental freedom.

Transparency and communication remain significant weaknesses within CARICOM. The community must do a better job of engaging with its citizens, explaining its decisions, and demonstrating real progress.

Caribbean residents, facing a rising cost of living, need to know the status of the ambitious CARICOM plan to cut the region’s food import bill by 25 per cent by the end of this year. This goal was to be achieved through the CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Strategy, focusing on key imported products like poultry, corn, soy, meat (goat, sheep, and beef), rice, and niche vegetables. We need an update on the progress made and how close we are to reaching this important target.

The scourge of crime is another issue that cannot be ignored. The region’s leaders have acknowledged the need for a comprehensive, public health approach to crime, but concrete plans and measurable progress are still lacking. The sharing of forensic expertise and the overhaul of criminal justice systems are all worthy ideas, but they must be implemented swiftly and effectively. The people of the Caribbean deserve to live in safe and secure communities.

The situation in Haiti must be high on the agenda of this two-day meeting. The unchecked violence and instability are not just a humanitarian disaster; they pose a threat to the entire region. CARICOM must continue to provide all necessary assistance to support Haiti’s recovery and stability.

Beyond these immediate concerns, CARICOM must also address the broader geopolitical landscape. Recent developments in the United States and further afield have profound implications for the region. The potential shift in US foreign policy under a new administration requires a united and strategic response from CARICOM. The region must articulate its interests clearly and engage with Washington in a way that benefits all parties.

Climate change, an existential threat to the low-lying island nations of the Caribbean, must remain at the forefront of the agenda. Securing climate finance, building resilience, and promoting sustainable development are not just environmental imperatives; they are crucial for the region’s economic survival.

This summit presents an opportunity for CARICOM leaders to demonstrate genuine commitment to regional integration and address the pressing challenges facing the Caribbean. The people of the region are looking for action, not just words. They want to see tangible progress on the CSME, a coordinated response to the crisis in Haiti, a comprehensive strategy to combat crime and a united approach to the geopolitical landscape. The time for talk is over. The future of the Caribbean depends on it.