“A World Without CARICOM Would Be Culturally Poorer” Prime Minister Drew

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, February 25, 2026 (PMO) – Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis and Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, delivered a powerful affirmation of regional integration during his feature address at the Opening Ceremony of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, February 24th. 

Speaking before regional leaders, international partners, and distinguished guests, Prime Minister Drew reflected on the historical journey of the Caribbean people and the transformative impact of collective action through CARICOM.

Highlighting the region’s enduring global contributions, the Chairman declared, “Accordingly, a world without CARICOM would be culturally poorer, intellectually diminished and spiritually less vibrant.” He continued with emphasis, “Just imagine a world without CARICOM. It definitely would not be the same.”

In his address, Prime Minister Drew reminded the audience that the Caribbean’s story is one of resilience forged through adversity, from the crucible of slavery and colonization to the building of independent democratic nations. He pointed to the region’s cultural, intellectual, and political contributions to the world, including its music, spiritual movements, revolutionary struggles for freedom, and internationally recognized scholars and leaders.

“Our integration was neither accidental or causal,” the Prime Minister stated, noting that the Treaty of Chaguaramas was not merely a legal framework, but “a declaration of Caribbean confidence.”

The Chairman underscored that CARICOM’s value extends far beyond symbolism. He outlined the practical and measurable benefits delivered through regional institutions and mechanisms that continue to safeguard and advance the lives of Caribbean citizens.

Referencing institutions such as the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Regional Security System (RSS), the Caribbean Examinations Council (CSEC), and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Prime Minister Drew emphasized that regional progress would have been severely constrained without collective coordination.

“By ourselves, many of our states could not have achieved what togetherness has made possible,” he affirmed.

The Prime Minister stressed that in a rapidly shifting global order, marked by supply chain instability, climate shocks, energy volatility, and geopolitical uncertainty, fragmentation breeds vulnerability, while togetherness generates resilience.

CARICOM remains indispensable, the Prime Minister expressed,  to safeguarding sovereignty, strengthening regional resilience, expanding economic coordination, and advancing sustainable development for present and future generations across the Caribbean Community.

As CARICOM marks its 50th Regular Meeting, Prime Minister Drew’s address served as a renewed call to honor the founding principles of cooperation, functional integration, economic coordination, and collective self-reliance that continue to define the regional enterprise.

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