End of Year Message from Dr Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
As we approach this festive season, we reflect on the challenges the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has faced during the year that have thrown our vulnerabilities into sharp relief, and more than ever, underscored the purpose and value of a united Region.
On the heels of the devastation caused in several Member States by Hurricane Beryl in 2024, in 2025, Hurricane Melissa left death and destruction in its wake in Jamaica and in Haiti. Recovery will take considerable resources and time. In addition, unprecedented geopolitical headwinds threatened export earnings, regional peace, and sovereignty.
Amid these and other challenges, the Community’s characteristic resilience shone through. We pulled together urgently to help address critical needs in the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes, and pivoted creatively to safeguard businesses and livelihoods.
We also made commendable progress in the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) as Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines made the decision to commence full free movement of persons among themselves, paving the way for increased economic activity and people-to-people contacts.
The framework for a comprehensive CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy is also well advanced, laying the foundation for stronger and more integrated productive capacity, innovation and economic diversification. In agriculture, the continued implementation of the 25 by 2025+ strategy yielded growth in production, although the hurricane and other climate related events caused significant setbacks for farmers and agricultural communities.
The rich talent of our artisans and artistes filled us with pride as we celebrated our diverse and vibrant culture during CARIFESTA XV in Barbados in August. And, our tradition of democracy was honoured as seven Member States and five Associate Members held peaceful general elections during the year.
Importantly, we have been actively focusing on human capital development and inclusivity, and especially, supporting young people and women to participate more fully in economic activity, decision-making and in regional affairs.
As we seek to equip the Region for the future, we will continue to explore the implications of Artificial Intelligence on how we do business, while striving to expand physical and digital connectivity to drive economic development. Building resilience against disasters and continuing our programmes to enhance the food and nutrition security of families, will also be paramount.
I salute the people of the Region, whose contributions continue to affirm that our greatest asset is an engaged and empowered citizenry. My appreciation also goes to the staff of the CARICOM Secretariat, and of CARICOM Institutions, whose work on behalf of the Community makes a tangible contribution to the welfare and wellbeing of our people.
Thanks are also extended to our international partners, civil society organisations, the Region’s private sector, labour movement and the CARICOM diaspora, for their advocacy and engagement.
As we prepare to embrace a New Year, I have every confidence that the Community will continue to respond with clarity and resolve to our challenges. The outcomes on trade, regional security, community and foreign policy coordination, reparations, governance, human development issues and climate change from this year’s Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, including those held in Barbados in February, and in Jamaica in July, are clear indications of the strategic focus and commitment to action.
I invite all CARICOM stakeholders, in the Region and beyond, to move forward together as we work to achieve our vision of a “Community for All”, that is resilient, prosperous and united.
May the festive season and the coming year bring lasting peace and progress to all!
