CARICOM Summit Opens with Calls for Reform and Action

CARICOM leaders officially opened their 48th Regular Summit on Wednesday evening, setting the stage for crucial deliberations in the days ahead. Among the key voices was Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade, who returned to office in November after a decade-long hiatus and wasted no time in calling for action on long-standing regional issues.

Addressing a full house at the opening ceremony, Meade urged leaders to reconsider the effectiveness of some CARICOM institutions, stating that they were no longer providing value for money. “We do need to make decisions and implement them within the agreed timelines; however, in order for us to be in a position to do so, it is time for us to examine and review the institutions and organs of CARICOM.”

His sentiments found an ally in Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who, in an unscripted response, acknowledged the need to reform regional institutions. She stressed that CARICOM leaders have a responsibility to ensure these institutions remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. She said, “We have a responsibility to reform this institution. We have spoken for too long as to the need for an independent funding mechanism…The time is upon for settling the independent funding of this Caribbean community.”

The summit also saw an admission from Grenada’s Prime Minister and outgoing CARICOM Chair, Dickon Mitchell, who confessed that he did not initially enter office as a strong believer in CARICOM. His reflection underscored a broader discussion on the need for commitment and follow-through among member states.

Adding a global perspective to the discussions, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the gathering, highlighting the need for international support in securing stability in Haiti. “It is my intention to present to the Security Council a proposal that is very similar to the one we have presented to Somalia in which the UN assumes the responsibility of the structural and logistical expenditures that are necessary that are to put the force in place and the salaries of the force as paid through the trust funds that already exist,” he said.

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke about the evolving global landscape and the shared values between CARICOM and Europe. She said, “We are not in a race against each other. We are in a race against time. So even in the moment of harsh competition, we need to join forces and this is what brings me here today.”

The leaders are meeting amidst shifting policies in the United States, one of CARICOM’s largest trading partners and source market for its visitors. The changes in Washington come as leaders are due to discuss expanding the categories of people who can move freely among CARICOM nations.

Belize is participating virtually.