St. Kitts and Nevis assumes CARICOM chairmanship

St. Kitts and Nevis has formally assumed the chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), with Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew pledging steady leadership, deeper regional solidarity and renewed momentum for integration as the Caribbean navigates an increasingly uncertain global landscape.

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In a message to the Community, Drew said he takes on the role “with optimism and a deep dedication to the ideals of our regional integration movement,” while paying tribute to outgoing CARICOM Chairman Dr. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica. Drew praised Holness for his “sterling leadership” during a period marked by geopolitical tension and economic challenges.

Underscoring the urgency of unity, Drew said regional integration is no longer a choice but a necessity, particularly as Caribbean states confront external pressures and shifting international policies. “Recent international developments, including geopolitical tensions in our region and external policy decisions affecting Caribbean nationals, remind us of a fundamental truth: None will come to save us. We must save ourselves,” he said.

Drew reaffirmed CARICOM’s founding principles of collective strength, cooperation and shared destiny, calling for stronger coordination, clearer priorities and deeper solidarity among member states. He also announced that St. Kitts and Nevis will host the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government from February 24 to 27, 2026, where regional leaders are expected to advance key policy priorities and address issues affecting the welfare of Caribbean citizens.

The change in chairmanship comes as CARICOM leaders remain engaged in consultations over developments in Venezuela. Over the weekend, the Community called for peaceful dialogue through diplomatic channels, emphasizing the need for stability, good governance, democracy and prosperity for the Venezuelan people.

In a statement, the CARICOM Bureau of Heads of Government said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation, with particular attention to the safety and security of regional citizens and potential implications for economic activity within the Community, including air travel.

St. Kitts and Nevis’ tenure at the helm of CARICOM is expected to focus on reinforcing regional resilience amid global uncertainty while advancing the long-standing goal of deeper Caribbean integration.