The Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CariCham) of which the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture is a founding and active member, has reaffirmed its commitment to regional resilience and private sector leadership following a series of high-level meetings held in Barbados from 24–26 March 2026. Hosted in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the engagements brought together Chambers of Commerce from across the Caribbean, regional institutions, and development partners to strengthen collaboration in the interest of the communities they serve.
The programme began with a two-day Regional Private Sector Workshop on Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) and business resilience at the United Nations House in Bridgetown. The workshop explored how early warning, resilient supply chains, and business continuity planning can protect lives, safeguard investments, and support more competitive Caribbean economies, while advancing the global Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative.
Building on the momentum of the workshop, CariCham then hosted a strategic retreat at the Hilton Barbados Resort focused on defining its collective agenda for the 2026–2027 period. During this hybrid session, member Chambers reviewed CariCham’s strategic direction, reflected on common priorities emerging from recent consultations, and agreed on concrete next steps to enhance joint action across the network.
A key outcome of the strategic retreat was the establishment of dedicated committees designed to drive implementation of CariCham’s vision and strengthen delivery on shared priorities (Pillars). These committees – covering areas such as advocacy, business opportunities, resilience, and governance and communication – will coordinate work programmes, mobilise expertise across Chambers, and ensure that regional initiatives translate into tangible benefits for businesses and communities.
Leaders underscored that the creation of these committees signals a renewed and strengthened commitment to cooperation among CariCham members. By pooling knowledge, aligning advocacy, and coordinating action, the network aims to foster deeper collaboration, support risk-informed investment, and help address key regional issues including disaster risk reduction, supply chain resilience, and sustainable growth.
Through its partnership with UNDRR and regional organisations, CariCham will continue to champion the role of the private sector as a critical partner in resilience-building and early warning systems across the Caribbean. The outcomes of the Barbados workshop and strategic retreat will feed into CariCham’s workplan and regional guidelines currently being developed to enhance private sector engagement in disaster risk reduction and Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems.