President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday, in a congratulatory message to Prime Minister (PM) Dr Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis on his assumption of the Chairmanship of CARICOM, expressed his confidence that under his chairmanship, CARICOM will continue to advance regional integration, strengthen economic resilience, and deepen cooperation in pursuit of sustainable development for the people of our community.
He added that Guyana is looking forward to working closely with the new Chair while collectively addressing shared challenges and seizing new opportunities for the advancement of the region. On January 1, 2026, Dr Terrance Drew officially assumed duty as Chair of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM for a six-month term, after Dr Andrew Holness, PM of Jamaica, ended his chairmanship term on December 31. Holness, on July 1, 2025, had officially assumed the Chairmanship of CARICOM.
In his New Year message, Dr Drew urged that the region recommit to principles that underpin the community, adding that recent international events that have affected the Caribbean call for solidarity, not isolation.
According to the PM, current events call for reflection, calm leadership and renewed commitment to the Caribbean ideal. The need for regional unity, cooperation and integration, he said, is essential in today’s increasingly uncertain world.
Outgoing Chair Holness had highlighted CARICOM’s 2025 achievements and optimism in his December 31 message, saying that despite the challenges of the year, CARICOM – one of the world’s most enduring integration movements – achieved significant milestones. He reaffirmed the Community’s commitment to dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to principles underpinning regional and international cooperation.
The 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM is scheduled to be hosted in Saint Kitts and Nevis, February 24 to 27, 2026.
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