Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre addressed attendees at the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, highlighting the significance of this gathering as the region prepares to address the complex challenges stemming from global changes.
As the host nation for the upcoming event scheduled from July 5 to 8, 2026, in Saint Lucia, PM Pierre emphasized the crucial themes of regional integration, climate resilience, and sustainable development. He noted the necessity of transitioning from resilience to renewal in this journey.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of collective action in tackling shared challenges, including economic diversification and disaster preparedness. The meeting will bring together leaders from across the Caribbean, aimed at strengthening cooperation and advancing the CARICOM agenda.
As Chair-in-Office, PM Pierre will lead discussions on key issues such as regional integration, economic resilience, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development. The event marks a pivotal moment for Caribbean cooperation, focusing on bolstering regional institutions and addressing common obstacles.
“This meeting carries special significance for our country and represents an important milestone for Saint Lucia and the Caribbean Community,” he declared, noting that Saint Lucia will formally assume the Chairmanship of CARICOM on July 1, 2026, succeeding Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Saint Lucia will serve a six-month term from July 1 to December 31, 2026, underscoring the orderly rotation of leadership as a testament to the shared responsibility and commitment of Member States to advance the regional agenda for the benefit of Caribbean people.
“As Incoming Chairman, Saint Lucia recognizes the importance of this moment, preparing to take on this responsibility during a time when the Caribbean—and indeed, the wider world—is navigating profound changes,” PM Pierre stated. “Our theme for this meeting, ‘CARICOM: From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World,’ encapsulates both the realities we face and our aspirations for the future.”
He remarked, “The Caribbean people have a history of resilience—our journey has been one of overcoming colonialism, economic hardships, and striving to build independent nations founded on hope, determination, and unity.”
However, he cautioned, “Resilience alone is insufficient. We must focus on renewal — renewing our economies, regional cooperation, institutions, opportunities, and confidence in our ability to shape our future.”
PM Pierre emphasized that CARICOM was established on the belief that small states can achieve significantly more together than independently, a principle that remains as relevant today as it did at the Community’s inception.
“This spirit of cooperation is evident in the work of CARICOM’s institutions and agencies, which support Member States in vital areas such as public health, education, disaster preparedness, climate resilience, security cooperation, and sustainable development,” he noted, illustrating the tangible benefits of regional integration and collective action
During Saint Lucia’s Chairmanship, he expressed, “Our focus will adhere to a simple yet urgent principle: CARICOM must deliver results that our citizens can see and feel in their everyday lives.”
PM Pierre asserted, “Regional integration should not be confined to discussions in conference rooms or reflected only in communiqués. It must translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of Caribbean people.”
Over the next six months, Saint Lucia will collaborate with regional partners to strengthen unity, promote climate resilience and justice, improve security, deepen economic cooperation, enhance food and nutrition security, and create greater opportunities for all.
Additionally, on July 6, Heads of Government or their representatives will participate in the Heads Retreat, providing a valuable opportunity for candid discussions, reflection, and consensus-building among regional leaders. This year’s conference program has intentionally been designed to facilitate direct engagement among leaders, allowing for the exchange of perspectives on key regional issues in a spirit of Caribbean unity.
Formal business sessions of the Conference are scheduled for July 7 and 8.