Pierre takes helm of CARICOM, pledges to bring Regional integration closer to the people

Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for a six-month term.

Pierre now leads CARICOM’s supreme decision-making body, which comprises the Heads of Government of the Community’s Member States.

In accepting the role, Pierre said he was taking on the responsibility with a commitment to serving the people of the region.

“I accept this responsibility with humility, determination and a deep sense of service to the people of our region,” Pierre said.

The Saint Lucian Prime Minister said CARICOM was founded on the belief that member states can achieve more by working together, adding that this principle remains relevant as the region faces new challenges.

“CARICOM has always been built on a simple but powerful belief that our countries can achieve more together than we ever could alone. That belief remains as important today as it was at the founding of our community,” he said.

Pierre said the Caribbean is currently navigating a rapidly changing world, with citizens, economies and societies facing challenges that require greater cooperation and innovation.

“At this moment, many citizens are asking an important question: how can CARICOM make a greater difference in our everyday lives? This is the question that must guide our work,” he said.

During his tenure, Pierre said his focus will be on ensuring that CARICOM has a stronger connection with citizens across the region.

“CARICOM must continue to move closer to the people. It must be seen and felt not only in meetings and declarations but also in communities, schools, businesses, homes,” he said.

Pierre also highlighted the importance of regional unity, saying the Caribbean’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths.

“We must strengthen our unity. The Caribbean is strongest when we work together,” he said, adding that the region must respect “the voices and contributions of every member state.”

The CARICOM chairman also outlined several priority areas, including climate action, food and nutrition security, economic growth, digital transformation, trade and investment, and improving the movement of people, skills, services and ideas throughout the region.

He stressed that the success of regional integration must be measured by the impact it has on citizens’ daily lives.

“The success of CARICOM must ultimately be measured by whether our people feel the benefits of integration, in their daily lives because integration that our people cannot feel will not last,” Pierre said.

He said his goal is to help build a Caribbean Community that is “more inclusive, resilient and prepared for the future.”