Statement by Hon. Philip J. Pierre, Incoming Chairman of CARICOM
Today, I speak to you as Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and as the Incoming Chairman of CARICOM. I accept this responsibility with humility, determination, and a deep sense of service to the people of our Region.
CARICOM has always been built on a simple but powerful belief: that our countries can achieve more together than we ever could alone. That belief remains as important today as it was at the founding of our Community.
Across our Region, we are navigating a rapidly changing world. Our people are working hard to build better lives, our economies are adapting to new realities, and our societies continue to face challenges that require cooperation, innovation, and unity.
At this moment, many citizens are asking an important question: how can CARICOM make a greater difference in our everyday lives?
That is the question that must guide our work.
During my tenure as Chairman, my commitment is clear: CARICOM must continue to move closer to the people. It must be seen and felt not only in meetings and declarations but also in communities, schools, businesses, homes, and in the opportunities available to every Caribbean citizen.
We must strengthen our unity. The Caribbean is strongest when we work together, speak with purpose, and respect the voices and contributions of every Member State. Our diversity of cultures, languages, traditions, and experiences is one of our greatest strengths.
We must also continue to build a more resilient and sustainable Region. This means advancing climate action, strengthening food and nutrition security, supporting economic growth, embracing digital transformation, expanding opportunities for trade and investment, and improving the movement of people, skills, services, and ideas across our Community.
At the heart of this work must be our people. Every Caribbean citizen, regardless of age, gender, ability, background, occupation, or circumstance, must be able to see themselves reflected in the regional agenda and feel that CARICOM is working to improve their lives, expand their opportunities, and strengthen their future.
We must also work together to build safer, more secure, and more hopeful communities. Development and security go hand in hand, and every citizen deserves the opportunity to live, work, learn, and thrive in peace and dignity.
The success of CARICOM must ultimately be measured by whether our people feel the benefits of integration in their daily lives.
Because integration that our people cannot feel will not last.
Together, we can build a Caribbean Community that is more united, more inclusive, more resilient, and more prepared for the future.
Let us move forward together, from resilience to renewal and revival.
In solidarity with the people of the Caribbean, I thank you.