Despite facing challenges such as food and climate insecurity, as well as trade constraints, the Caribbean Community remains strong and resilient, continuing to progress through robust policies.
Acknowledging that these are not achievements to be overlooked, President Dr Irfaan Ali emphasised that challenges often lead to greater focus than successes.
Through policy, particularly those directed at vulnerable groups, the region continues on a significant developmental trajectory, underpinned by solutions that are globally oriented.
“In a world where we are addressing the perfect storm, if you thought the pandemic was brutal, there is the perfect storm that we are addressing now: climate insecurity, food insecurity, and energy insecurity.
“The highest transport and logistics costs in the history of the report, the highest import inflation in food prices… There is an individual role that leads to collective results,” President Ali said.
Dr Ali was the guest speaker at the Barbados Labour Party’s 85th Conference and Awards ceremony, held in Christ Church, Barbados, on Friday night.
Reflecting on the challenges the region has faced, President Ali highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this, several countries encountered further setbacks, including the devastating hurricane Beryl, which caused millions of dollars in losses.
In response, he noted that leaders implemented a range of measures aimed at rebuilding stronger and more resilient communities.
“A bold mandate stimulates creativity and innovation. We must become accustomed to doing things differently, and at a different pace, if we are to be successful in this region,” President Ali remarked.
Looking towards the future, Dr Ali stressed the need for a winning formula, with the integration of technology being key to achieving this.
“The future is a digital future. For too long, as a region, we have taken an individual approach to development. If by policy we haven’t done what we were supposed to do by now, trust me, the digital world will force us to do it digitally,” he concluded.
