Because the Caribbean Group (CARICOM) marks its 52nd anniversary, Secretary-Basic Dr. Carla Barnett issued a robust message of reflection, resolve, and renewed goal in celebration of CARICOM Day 2025.
“In the present day, on CARICOM Day 2025, we pause to mirror on our journey as a Area united by a shared historical past, tradition, and imaginative and prescient for the long run,” the assertion begins. “On this our 52nd yr, we applaud our achievement because the oldest surviving integration motion on this planet. We mirror on the legacy and accomplishments of previous leaders of our Group, on whose basis we proceed to forge our path to progress and peace.”
This yr’s message arrives at a time of profound challenges for the Area. The Secretary-Basic acknowledged the toll of Hurricane Beryl, ongoing local weather change impacts, and geopolitical instability, noting that “restoration and growth has been made tougher by quickly altering commerce and tariff insurance policies, in addition to army incursions in a number of arenas.”
She additionally highlighted the continued disaster in Haiti as a urgent concern for regional management: “Right here in CARICOM, the extended and horrifying state of affairs in Haiti, have been entrance of thoughts on nationwide and regional agendas.”
Regardless of these trials, the Secretary-Basic emphasised CARICOM’s enduring dedication to collective motion rooted in democracy, the rule of legislation, and human rights. She pointed to tangible progress via joint well being initiatives, expanded agricultural funding, and the Group’s united stance on local weather advocacy and finance.
“As we mark this Anniversary,” she continued, “CARICOM Heads of Authorities are getting ready to satisfy in Montego Bay, Jamaica, for the forty ninth Common Assembly of the Convention. Discussions on crucial issues, reminiscent of citizen safety, deepened financial integration via the CSME, and exterior commerce negotiations, are anticipated to be on the forefront of concerns of the best way to develop insurance policies and programmes that can enhance the standard of lifetime of the folks of our Area.”
The Secretary-Basic additionally prolonged because of CARICOM residents at house and within the diaspora, with particular recognition of the contributions of the Area’s youth.
“Our younger persons are an important a part of our efforts to construct a ‘Group for all’ – one that’s inclusive, that protects the susceptible, and the place each citizen in each territory within the Group, no matter race, faith or language, is taken under consideration.”
She closed the message with an optimistic name to motion:
“CARICOM’s document of previous achievements is a transparent indication of our potential for sustained development, safety and resilience. We should seize each alternative to make this a actuality. Comfortable CARICOM Day to all!”
