CARICOM Must Be Strengthened to Better Serve the People of the Region: Says CARICOM Chair Prime Minister Drew

Roseau, Dominica, February 11, 2026 (PMO) – Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening and invigorating CARICOM to ensure it remains responsive and relevant to the needs of the Caribbean people.

Speaking to members of the media following a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit in the Commonwealth of Dominica, Prime Minister Drew emphasized that the primary objective of his ongoing regional visits is to engage leaders directly ahead of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, which will be held in St. Kitts and Nevis from February 24–27.

“The major part of my visit is to engage each leader face to face, eyeball to eyeball, so that we can really invigorate CARICOM with what is needed at this particular time,” Prime Minister Drew stated.

Conversations between both Prime Minister’s, according to Chairman Drew, centered on advancing regional integration, strengthening key regional institutions, enhancing trade and cooperation, and ensuring that CARICOM continues to deliver tangible benefits to its citizens.

Prime Minister Drew also used the opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing the region, noting,  “We have been through tough times before, and any organization that is worth its salt is proven when things get tough,” he said. “We are not daunted by the difficulties and the challenges. In fact, when times get tough, we step up to the plate so that CARICOM can respond in a way that will benefit our people and the region.”

He further emphasized that the founding principles of CARICOM are more relevant now than ever, particularly in light of the evolving global landscape. “The principles on which CARICOM was built are needed now more than ever,” Prime Minister Drew stated. “This is a challenging time, but we will work through it and make CARICOM stronger than it was before. I see challenges as opportunities for greater things.”

The upcoming 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government is expected to address key issues including regional security, economic resilience, trade, the functioning of CARICOM institutions, and strengthening the Community’s collective voice on international matters.