Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) wrapped up their 49th Regular Meeting in Montego Bay, Jamaica, with a renewed commitment to tackle crime, support Haiti, boost regional integration, and promote sustainable development.
The high-level summit was chaired by Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, and attended by regional leaders including Prime Ministers Mia Mottley (Barbados), Philip Davis (Bahamas), Gaston Browne (Antigua and Barbuda), John Briceño (Belize), Terrance Drew (St Kitts and Nevis), and President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali (Guyana), among others. Saint Lucia was represented by Minister for External Affairs, Honourable Alva Baptiste.
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett emphasized the need for unity in the face of rising global [challenges. “Unprecedented global uncertainty, economic pressures, and climate vulnerability compel us to act collectively, with courage and with conviction,” she said.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, in her final address as Chair, encouraged leaders to remain steadfast in their efforts to integrate the region. Quoting Jamaican icon Jimmy Cliff, she reminded, “We can get it if we really want, but we must try and try and try.”
Mottley also stressed the importance of continued support for Haiti, combating disinformation, and maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace. “We must reaffirm our commitment to working with the international community to promote de-escalation and pursue lasting solutions grounded in dialogue,” she stated.
Taking up the mantle as the new Chair, Prime Minister Holness outlined key priorities under the meeting’s theme: “People, Partnerships and Prosperity – Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future.” His focus included addressing transnational organised crime, tackling gang violence, and strengthening regional security mechanisms.
“Security and resilience are not optional—they are foundations for prosperity,” Holness said. He called for a global war on gangs akin to the war on terror and emphasized the need to dismantle criminal networks that threaten the Caribbean’s peace and stability.
He also underscored the urgency of climate justice, improved access to climate financing, and greater inclusion of young people in decision-making processes.
The meeting reaffirmed CARICOM’s strategic direction on key regional issues, including economic integration, foreign policy coordination, and the promotion of citizen security. Leaders also reiterated their shared vision for a united and resilient Caribbean, where the voices of youth, the needs of vulnerable populations, and the goals of sustainable development are front and center.
KEY OUTCOMES FROM THE 49TH CARICOM HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING
CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)
- Full Free Movement to begin October 1, 2025 among Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent & the Grenadines.
- Citizens of these states can live, work, access education and emergency health care in each other’s countries without work/residency permits.
- Aviation personnel (e.g., pilots, aircraft engineers) added to skilled workers list under Article 46.
External Trade Negotiations
- CARICOM to advocate with the US to preserve trade preferences under the Caribbean Basin Initiative.
- Welcomed US request for WTO waiver extension of CBI through 2030.
- Plans to deepen engagement with existing partners and pursue new markets (e.g., African Union, Brazil, India).
Climate Change & Climate Finance
- Celebrated 20 years of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre.
- CARICOM to push for stronger global climate commitments and climate justice for SIDS.
- Support reaffirmed for the Bridgetown Initiative and reform of the global financial system.
- Noted urgent need to address rising insurance costs in the region.
- Supported hosting of Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit in Guyana (July 2025).
- Approved Revised Regional Climate Framework and recognised the IACHR Advisory Opinion on Climate and Human Rights.
Food and Nutrition Security
- Approved “Vision 25 by 2025+5” expansion plan to boost agriculture and food self-sufficiency.
- Commended President Dr Irfaan Ali of Guyana for leading regional food security efforts.
- Pledged support for Dr Muhammad Ibrahim’s candidacy for IICA Director General (2025–2030).
Security and Crime
- Adopted the Montego Bay Declaration against transnational crime and gangs.
- Supported establishment of a Regional Centre of Excellence for Policing.
- Welcomed continued partnership with INTERPOL and hosting of INTERPOL Conference in Guyana in 2026.
Haiti
- Expressed grave concern over worsening humanitarian crisis.
- Reaffirmed commitment to support Transitional Presidential Council and Kenya-led MSS mission.
- Called on international partners for immediate security and humanitarian assistance.
Digital Safety & Social Media
- Agreed to develop a Regional Digital Safety Framework.
- Plan to establish a Regional Digital Safety Commission to protect vulnerable groups online.
Reparations
- Supported Jamaica’s petition to UK’s Privy Council seeking reparatory justice for slavery.
- Reiterated commitment to CARICOM’s 10-Point Reparations Plan.
Financial Regulation
- Reaffirmed commitment to AML/CFT measures and welcomed FATF delisting of Barbados and Jamaica.
- Supported EU delisting recommendations of compliant Member States.
Regional Transportation
- Sub-Committees formed to advance regional ferry service with support from the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation.
- Action underway to streamline intra-regional customs, licensing and insurance procedures.
Associate Members & Membership
- Commended British Virgin Islands on governance reforms.
- Agreed to expedite Bermuda’s full membership application.
Industrial & Population Policy
- Progress made on CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy.
- Work continues on establishing a Regional Population Commission.
Youth & Education
- Noted completion of a youth-led report calling for greater youth inclusion in CARICOM development.
- Report received on forming a CARICOM Education Transformation Commission.
Border Issues
- Expressed concern over Guatemalan incursions into Belize’s territory and reaffirmed Belize’s sovereignty.
- Reaffirmed full support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and peaceful resolution of its dispute with Venezuela through the ICJ.
CARIFESTA XV
- Heads expressed full support for Barbados’ hosting of CARIFESTA XV from 22–31 August 2025, under the theme “Caribbean Roots – Global Excellence.”
CARICOM–Africa Relations
- Second CARICOM–African Union Summit scheduled for September 7, 2025, in Ethiopia.
- Coordinating committee established to lead preparations and encourage diaspora engagement.
Suriname
- Noted upcoming inauguration of Suriname’s first female President, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons.
- Expressed appreciation to outgoing President Chandrikapersad Santokhi for his service to CARICOM.