49th caricom Heads of Govt Meeting: Caricom Secretary-General urges bold, realistic action to navigate global uncertainty, economic shocks, tech disruption

…says region must adapt swiftly to maintain resilience and relevance

Secretary-General of Caribbean Community (Caricom) Dr Carla Barnett has called on regional leaders to confront persistent implementation delays, economic shocks and global disruptions with realistic yet courageous collective action.
In her address at the opening of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Caricom Heads of Government in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Dr Barnett acknowledged the Caricom’s proud record of resilience in the face of military invasions, natural disasters, and economic crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain breakdowns. Yet, she stressed that “successes alone cannot shelter us from the pressing need to accelerate action.”
“Our victories are testament to our strength in unity and provide a useful road map as we chart our path forward…On precedented global uncertainty, economic pressures, technological innovations and our challenge, that challenge our capacity to keep pace, climate vulnerability and the needs of our young people, our women and future generations compel us to act collectively with courage and with conviction. As much as we remain committed to the aims and objectives set out in the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, we must also remain cognisant that moving forward is more difficult for some of us. In the spirit of family, we should seek to address the concerns of all if we are to be a community that benefits everyone in the region,” Caricom Secretary-General said.

From the growing impacts of climate change to technological disruption and youth disenfranchisement, Dr Barnett laid out the high-stakes reality for Caribbean nations, saying the region must adapt swiftly or risk losing its relevance and resilience.
Against this backdrop, the Caricom Secretary-General emphasised the importance of inclusive development, ensuring that all member states—regardless of size or resources—benefit equally from integration. She urged leaders to treat each other as family, balancing national needs with collective regional progress.
“As we begin our deliberations for this 49th meeting of the conference, I encourage all of us to retain our focus on the purpose of our partnership, which is the prosperity, security and well-being of all the people of our region. Let this 49th meeting be a defining moment in the history of our integration movement, where we stand resolutely together, supporting the hopes and aspirations of all our citizens. Here in Montego Bay, we can and we will have clear and frank conversations. We will set realistic and bold objectives that can propel us even further towards a Caribbean community that will be stronger, safer and more prosperous for generations to come. Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen,” she said.
The 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom convenes at a pivotal time for the region, bringing together leaders from the 15 member states and five associate members.
Held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister (PM) of Jamaica Dr Andrew Holness, the high-level summit serves as the premier decision-making body of Caricom, where leaders assess regional progress and collectively respond to pressing global and regional challenges.
Set against the backdrop of mounting climate threats, global economic instability and rapid technological change, this year’s meeting places strong emphasis on resilience, innovation and regional integration. Discussions are expected to centre on food and nutrition security, the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), energy security, climate financing, the situation in Haiti and youth and digital transformation.
Caricom has made significant strides in recent years in pushing for climate justice on the international stage, advancing regional food production goals under the “25 by 2025” initiative, and mobilising support for vulnerable member states. The Heads of Government Meeting provides a forum to review these efforts and craft coordinated strategies moving forward.
The meeting also marks continued efforts to deepen collaboration with international partners, bolster intra-regional trade and strengthen mechanisms for disaster preparedness and security cooperation. With global uncertainty on the rise, Caricom’s ability to speak with one voice and act with unity remains critical.
The 49th meeting comes just ahead of Caricom’s historic 52th anniversary celebrations, offering leaders an opportunity to reflect on the Community’s past achievements while charting a bold, inclusive and sustainable path for the future of the Caribbean.