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Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called on Caribbean nations to act with clarity and cohesion amid a rapidly shifting international environment.
He made the statement as he passed the baton of Caricom Chairmanship over to St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr Terrance Drew.
Holness said Caricom’s credibility rests on managing differences through diplomacy rather than division, and cooperation rather than confrontation, especially during times of uncertainty. “In moments of uncertainty, those commitments will remain essential to safeguarding the peace, development, and independence of Member States,” Holness said.
In a year-end message on Caricom’s website yesterday, Holness noted that “At this moment in our history, the Caribbean must now navigate a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. The current international environment requires our region to act with clarity, cohesion, and strategic discipline. As global tensions intensify and external geopolitical developments increasingly intersect with our interests—affecting our economies, our security, and our diplomatic relationships—we must ensure, as best as possible, that our responses are guided by our shared principles: respect for sovereignty, adherence to international law, peaceful engagement, and the resolution of differences through dialogue and mutual respect.”
His remarks come as regional tensions have been highlighted by disagreements over Caricom’s position on Venezuela and relations with the United States, including statements by T&T Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar criticising the bloc for its stance on the Maduro government, calling Caricom an “unreliable partner.”
However, Holness never mentioned Venezuela or Persad-Bissessar in his statement.
— Kejan Haynes
English (US) ·