Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC says while Trinidad and Tobago believes that CARICOM is in urgent need of transformation, this country remains committed to Caribbean unity.
Her statement came on Friday afternoon, as she officially welcomed the Prime Minister of St Kitts & Nevis and current Chair of CARICOM, Dr. Terrance Drew, to the Parliament.
Mrs. Persad-Bissessar stated that Government is set to hold discussions with the CARICOM Chair on several issues facing the bloc.
“And those words I quote – “Our collective strength is greater than any single issue before us.” While Trinidad and Tobago believes that CARICOM is in urgent need of transformation, we remain committed to Caribbean unity. My Government looks forward to engaging with Prime Minister Drew and his delegation in productive discussions on issues facing the region. We will both ensure that the work of CARICOM remains relevant to the people of CARICOM.”
She noted that Government was set to hold discussions with the CARICOM Chair on several issues facing the bloc.
“My Government looks forward to engaging with Prime Minister Drew and his delegation in productive discussions on issues facing the region. We will both ensure that the work of CARICOM remains relevant to the People of CARICOM.”
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar reaffirmed Government’s support for the regional bloc, noting its importance to Trinidad and Tobago.
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago attaches great importance to this country’s longstanding relationship with CARICOM, and indeed my own personal relationship with St Kitts and Nevis. I’ve had the pleasure to work with others in St Kitts and Nevis. So CARICOM, Trinidad and Tobago, we stand one of the largest contributors and we remain highly invested in the region’s success and our commitment to collective regional growth and development.”
St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr Terrance Drew, underscored his commitment to strengthening collaboration across CARICOM.
“I want to thank you for receiving me, and to thank you for your hospitality, and by extension to your government and the people, the great people of Trinidad and Tobago. As you know, I’m the Chair, as you would have mentioned, and I’m seeking to reach out to all of our members so that we can continue to build CARICOM to stronger and more stable and secure heights that will benefit all of us and the principles of respect and understanding that each of us is sovereign within the framework.”
Prime Minister Drew assumed the Chairmanship of CARICOM on January 1st 2026, and will host the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in St Kitts and Nevis in late February.