The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce has reiterated that CARICOM remains a “critical economic partner.”
The T&T Chamber chimed in with comments of its own on the recent debate regarding CARICOM’s position and Trinidad and Tobago, on the escalating US-Venezuela tensions.
In a statement, the Chamber dismissed speculation that recent remarks by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar signal any retreat from CARICOM. It said her comments should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from CARICOM but rather as a call to balance regional integration with national sovereignty and security concerns.
President of the T&T Chamber, Sonji Pierre Chase, assured that its members not only view CARICOM as a “critical economic partner” but also maintain deep commercial ties across the regional bloc.
“For many of our members operating in the manufacturing, services and non-energy export sectors, the CARICOM market remains an essential source of growth, market diversification and foreign exchange earnings. The CARICOM single market and economy is the boldest and most consequential regional integration effort of the Caribbean community.”
She reminded that local companies have deep roots across the Caribbean, with established customers, supply chains, employees, and investments that cannot be replaced overnight.
“CARICOM therefore remains Trinidad and Tobago’s second-largest trading partner outside of the United States, and our country has consistently played a constructive and influential role in advancing regional trade and economic cooperation.”
The Chamber reiterated that businesses need certainty, stating that disruptions to trade, transport, or logistics could undermine competitiveness in an already challenging global economy.
“The Chamber remains committed to supporting a stable, rules-based and predictable regional framework that enables our private sector to operate, invest and grow. We therefore reaffirm our support for CARICOM and for continued efforts to strengthen regional integration.”
Several CARICOM nations and Trinidad and Tobago have been divided on issues regarding the escalating US-Venezuelan tensions, especially in recent days.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, though, has stood firm on T&T’s stance that this country wants no part of any regional alignment that supports dictatorship or undermines national security.