CARICOM Summit: Calls for Reform and Urgent Action
Barbados’ Prime Minister Warns of “Business as Usual” in the Face of Serious Challenges
Barbados’ Prime Minister and CARICOM Chairman, Mia Amor Mottley, has warned that Barbados and other CARICOM nations cannot continue with "business as usual" when they are still facing serious challenges. Speaking at the opening of the 48th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Mottley emphasized the need for reform within CARICOM.
She pointed out several urgent issues, including the climate crisis, full freedom of movement within the region, high living costs, an education system that is "a shambles", food security, gun violence, and overall crime.
Call for Independent Funding and Governance Structures
Mottley emphasized the importance of independent funding and changes in governance structures. She stated, "What is clear is that it cannot be business as usual. We have come to Bridgetown in this year of 2025 at a time when the world is reeling… from the climate crisis… from wars and divisions… and where small states like ours are often ignored."
Regional Leaders Urged to Work Together
She urged regional leaders to work together on a shared vision, even if no country gets exactly what it wants. "We must all work for what the people of the Caribbean need," she said.
UN Secretary-General’s Proposal for Haiti
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced plans to propose that the UN assume greater responsibility for the multinational force supporting Haiti, covering structural and logistical costs.
BARBADOS’ PRIME MINISTER’S WARNING ON HAITI ELECTIONS
Barbados’ Prime Minister and current Caricom president, Mia Mottley, confirmed that elections are scheduled for November 15 but warned that conditions are deteriorating. Other CARICOM leaders made statements hoping that things would improve in Haiti, but offered no solutions from CARICOM.
CARICOM Summit Timeline
The CARICOM business session started behind closed doors on Thursday, February 20. The summit, themed "Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth, and Sustainable Development", ends on Friday, February 21.
Conclusion
The CARICOM summit has highlighted the urgent need for reform and action in the face of serious challenges. The region’s leaders must work together to address the pressing issues affecting their countries and peoples.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main theme of the CARICOM summit?
- "Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth, and Sustainable Development"
- Who is the current Chair of the CARICOM?
- Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados
- When do the elections in Haiti take place?
- November 15
- What is the UN’s plan for Haiti?
- To assume greater responsibility for the multinational force supporting Haiti, covering structural and logistical costs
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