“None Is Coming to Save Us” CARICOM Chairman Calls for Caribbean Self-Reliance and Collective Rise

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, February 25, 2026 (PMO) —During his feature address at the Opening Ceremony of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, February 24th, against the backdrop of global economic uncertainty, geopolitical shifts, supply chain instability, climate shocks, and security challenges,  Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis and Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew emphasized that the Caribbean must anchor its future not in dependency, but in collective strength.

Chairman Drew  stressed that while sovereignty must always be respected and preserved, cooperation among Caribbean states must be deepened, strengthened, and translated into measurable outcomes. He urged leaders to ensure that the 50th Meeting would not be remembered merely for ceremonial observances, eloquent speeches, or historic attendance, but for tangible progress.

“None is coming to save us, we must save ourselves. ..Let this be a conference that must be remembered for action, for execution that would have advanced our Caribbean Community and civilization,” Dr. Drew declared, in one of the most emphatic moments of his address.

Throughout his address, Prime Minister Drew framed togetherness as the region’s most powerful instrument, the principle that enabled Caribbean states to withstand past adversities and one that must now guide future progress.

Despite mounting global pressures, the Chairman expressed steadfast confidence in the regional enterprise. “I believe so deeply in the ideals of our Caribbean Community and the principles of CARICOM that despite the adversities… the Caribbean… shall rise again.”

Drawing on the Caribbean’s historical resilience,  having overcome slavery, indentureship, and colonization, Dr. Drew asserted that the region is not unfamiliar with hardship and is better equipped today, with stronger institutions and greater experience, to navigate contemporary challenges.

He concluded with a unifying declaration that captured the spirit of the 50th Meeting, noting, “We shall rise again together… not for the benefit of individual leaders… but we shall rise again for the benefit of all of our people.”

The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis reaffirms its commitment, under Chairman Drew’s leadership, to advancing CARICOM through measurable targets, disciplined coordination, strengthened regional institutions, and faithful adherence to the founding principles of cooperation, economic integration, and collective self-reliance.

The post “None Is Coming to Save Us” CARICOM Chairman Calls for Caribbean Self-Reliance and Collective Rise appeared first on SKNIS.