COMMUNIQUE: Fiftieth Regular Meeting Of The Conference Of Heads Of Government Of Caricom |24 -27 February 2026

COMMUNIQUE

The Fiftieth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held in Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis, from 24 – 27 February, under the chairmanship of the Honourable Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Minister.

Members of the Conference in attendance were: Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister, Antigua and Barbuda; Honourable Philip Davis, Prime Minister, The Bahamas; Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister, Barbados;  Honourable John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize; Honourable Roosevelt Skeritt, Prime Minister, Dominica; Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister, Grenada; His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; His Excellency Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, Prime Minister, Haiti; Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister, Jamaica;  Hon Reuben T. Meade, Premier, Montserrat; Honourable Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Ministers, St Kitts and Nevis; Honourable Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister, Saint Lucia; Dr the Honourable Godwin Friday, Prime Minister, St Vincent and the Grenadines; Her Excellency Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, President, Suriname, and the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister,  Trinidad and Tobago.

Associate Members in attendance were: Honourable Cora Richardson-Hodge, Premier, Anguilla; Honourable E. David Burt, Premier, Bermuda; Dr the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, Premier, British Virgin Islands, Honourable Andre Ebanks, Premier, Cayman Islands; His Excellency Gilmar Pisas, Prime Minister, Curacao; and the Honourable Jamell R. Robinson, Deputy Premier, Turks and Caicos Islands.

OPENING CEREMONY

The Opening Ceremony was held at The Mariott Dome on Tuesday 24 February. Guests were warmly welcomed by the two CARICOM Youth Ambassadors from St Kitts and Nevis. The event featured cultural items and presentations from the Chair, the Outgoing Chair, new Heads of Government and the CARICOM Secretary-General.

In her remarks, the Secretary-General urged the Region to take advantage of thetangible opportunities which the shifting global order presents. “As new markets emerge and strategic partnerships are recalibrated, CARICOM must engage extra-regionally, with intention and with coherence. By articulating shared priorities in areas such as energy transition, digital infrastructure, building resilience to climate change, and technology, we can attract investments, and forge business opportunities that are aligned with our development objectives,” she said.

Outgoing Chairman, Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica said, “We meet at a time when the speed of global change is outpacing the speed of regional coordination. Climate shocks arrive faster than our financing mechanisms. Criminal networks adapt faster than our institutions. Technological disruption is reshaping economies faster than our regulatory and skills frameworks. These challenges do not wait for us to be comfortable aligning policy, resources and action. The question before us, therefore, is not whether CARICOM can endure – for we have and we will – but whether it can deliver for our people with urgency and relevance in a rapidly changing world.”

The new Heads of Government all urged unity of purpose in the rapidly evolving global landscape.

Dr the Honourable Godwin Friday, Prime Minister, St. Vincent and the Grenadines:“If we do not continue to strive together and pool our limited power and resources, we cannot hope to withstand the increasing political and economic headwinds and deliver better living standards for our people.”

Her Excellency Dr Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, President, Suriname: “Economic volatility, climate insecurity, geopolitical changes, and social pressures continue to test the resilience of small states like ours.  And these are not distant threats.  They shape our daily governance, our economic decisions, and the future of our peoples. In this environment, regional unity is not optional.  It’s a necessity.”

The Honourable Kamla Persad- Bissessar, SC, Prime Minister, Trinidad and Tobago: “We all have different pathways to walk, but our destination, our goal, our aim is the same.  It’s for a better quality of life, for the people in our country and for the whole of the Region.”

Presenting the feature address, the Chairman outlined examples of CARICOM’s achievements, which he said, would not have been possible for Member States to realise alone. He urged the Region to modernise, innovate and work together to achieve the desired advancements.

”Our security demands vigilance and innovation. Transnational criminal networks exploit our geography and vulnerabilities. Illicit firearms, narcotics trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering undermine public safety and economic confidence. Our response must therefore be intelligence-driven and regionally coordinated.”

In the spirit of the theme of the Meeting, the Chair underscored the critical importance of unified action in building resilience to the shifting world order.

“CARICOM stands at a decisive hour. The global order is shifting. Supply chains remain uncertain, energy markets fluctuate and climate shocks intensify.  In such a world, fragmentation breeds vulnerability. Let this Meeting be remembered not merely for eloquence, but for action. Let us commit to measurable outcomes, disciplined coordination and faithful adherence to the principles that founded our Community. None is coming to save us, we must save ourselves,” he cautioned.

View the opening ceremony at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHzpquQ6o_M

ENGAGEMENTS WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

H.E. Adel bin Ahmed al Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Member of the Council of Ministers and Climate Envoy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Minister of State outlined current partnerships with individual CARICOM Member States and reiterated his nation’s commitment to regional development. He noted that the objective of his government was to advance collaborative frameworks to achieve sustained development.

Heads of Government underscored their deep appreciation for Saudia Arabia’s commitment and ongoing support to the development of the Region, including discussions facilitated with the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other Gulf States to increase access to funding.

They agreed to establish a mechanism to coordinate the collaboration between CARICOM and Saudi Arabia, and to explore avenues for CARICOM nationals to benefit from capacity building opportunities.

Heads of Government welcomed the commitment to provide support for CARICOM’s participation in World Expo 2030 in Riyadh.

Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank

Heads of Government congratulated the newly installed President on his appointment. They noted the strong relationship already built with Afreximbank and welcomed his commitment to its continuity. They underscored the heightened imperative to strengthen alliances with the African continent, including in digital, air and financial connectivity, and skills mobility, and noted that the next AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment forum will be held in St Kitts and Nevis in July 2026.

Dr Elombi underscored his commitment to executing and accelerating agreed programmes within the Region and announced the increase of Afreximbank’s global limit for CARICOM initiatives from US$3 billion to US$5 billion.

Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State – Foreign Affairs, United Arab Emirates

The Minister of State expressed her nation’s commitment to partnerships, supported by structured mechanisms, which will unleash long-term opportunities, including in the digital economy, water security and climate resilience.

The UAE offered to negotiate and conclude a comprehensive economic partnership agreement that will offer concrete opportunities and market access for the CARICOM Member States in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The UAE also offered active engagement of CARICOM in the  upcoming United Nations water conference that will be hosted in the UAE in November 2026.

Heads of Government reaffirmed the value placed on the continued partnership with the UAE. They acknowledged past support to the Region, including for post- hurricane Melissa recovery, and proposed deepened technical cooperation on strategic initiatives to advance housing development, air connectivity, e-governance and artificial intelligence.

His Excellency Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, United States of America

Secretary Rubio noted the US administration’s objective of reinvigorating traditional relationships in the Western Hemisphere, as both share common opportunities and challenges. He observed that there is already a longstanding partnership between the US and CARICOM States in responding to shared challenges.

The Secretary of State pinpointed the threat of transnational criminal organisations and economic advancement as priority issues for further engagement.

Heads of Government noted that the US remains a valued CARICOM partner and welcomed the commitment to engage with the Region on common issues including energy security, human security, and disaster-preparedness and response.

Honourable Shirley Botchwey, Commonwealth Secretary-General

The Secretary-General underscored the organisation’s commitment to supporting the current and emerging goals of its constituents. She commended the Region for its strong, principled and consistent advocacy, and applauded efforts to deepen the CSME, food and nutrition security, and citizen security.

Heads of Government expressed appreciation for the Commonwealth’s role in reinforcing partnerships, and support to amplify the voices of Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS).

They emphasised the importance of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026 as a pivotal opportunity to pursue shared priorities in economic growth, and bolster trade and investment.

CARICOM SINGLE MARKET AND ECONOMY (CSME) 

Free Movement of Skilled Nationals

Heads of Government approved recommendations for (i) the inclusion of additional professions in the approved category of aviation personnel and (ii) the definitions and qualification criteria for professions in this category.

Implementation of Free Movement (Enhanced Cooperation)

Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines reported that free movement among themselves successfully commenced on 1 October 2025, and that they continue to strengthen the necessary administrative, legislative and institutional frameworks identified.

Amendment of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas – CARICOM Rules of Origin

Heads of Government adopted and opened for signature the Protocol amending Article 84 of the Treaty.  The revised Article, when applied, will allow an amendment of Schedule 1 of the Revised Treaty to be implemented by a decision of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED).

Schedule 1 is the list of conditions to be complied with, as provided under Article 84 of the Treaty, and the Rules regarding Community Origin.

CARICOM INDUSTRIAL POLICY

Heads of Government approved the CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy Framework,which is intended to provide a framework for a coordinated approach to industrial development across the Region.

They reaffirmed the need to foster market-led, internationally competitive and sustainable industries that promote both economic and social development across Member States.

REPARATIONS

Heads of Government requested that the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee (PMSC) on Reparations review and advise on the revised “CARICOM Ten-Point Plan for Reparations: A Manifesto”, as well as on priority activities for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for Antigua and Barbuda in November, and other strategic Meetings in 2026.

UWI INDIGENISATION PROCESS

Heads of Government welcomed the Report on the progress of the indigenisation of The University of the West Indies and endorsed supplanting the Royal Charter with a Treaty signed and ratified by CARICOM Member States.

The proposed Treaty completes the indigenisation of The University of the West Indies by anchoring it within a CARICOM treaty framework, while preserving the autonomy, governance, and academic freedom that were characteristic features of the Royal Charter.

Heads of Government expressed their appreciation to Professor Hilary Beckles, Vice Chancellor, for leading the process.

THE SITUATION IN HAITI

Heads of Government welcomed the presence of Prime Minister Fils -Aimé of Haiti in his first engagement with the Conference. They noted his commitment to ensuring stability in Haiti and working towards free and fair elections.

They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Haiti to meet these objectives, including through strengthened collaboration with the UN and the OAS.

Heads of Government received an update from the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on the status of recent political developments in Haiti, and on the security and humanitarian situation.

They expressed their deep appreciation to the Government of Kenya for its unhesitating willingness to take on leadership of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which has now transitioned to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), authorized by Security Council Resolution 2793.

Heads of Government conveyed their appreciation to The Bahamas and Jamaica, both as personnel-contributing countries and as members of the Standing Group of Partners (SGP) established to support the military and civilian operationalisation of the GSF. They noted that The Bahamas is the Caribbean lead on fundraising for the GSF and that Jamaica has maintained command-level military personnel in Haiti throughout the transition process. 

In the context of the CARICOM’s Good Offices support to Haiti, they commended the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) for their wise and strategic facilitatory role noting its impact on the peaceful transition of leadership from the Transitional Presidential Council.

The Conference reiterated CARICOM’s firm commitment to the restoration of peace and stability in Haiti, and expressed support for the framework for improving security and holding of elections put forward by the Prime Minister of Haiti.

REGIONAL SECURITY

Heads of Government commended the High-Level Representative on Law and Criminal Justice on his fourth report on regional security. They noted the progress made on drafting model legislation and policy papers on criminal justice and legislative reform.

They welcomed the offer from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to work with CARICOM to expand and implement a Police Record Management Information System (PRMIS).

FINANCNG AND GOVERNANCE

Heads of Government agreed to establish a special committee comprising the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister Barbados; Honourable Roosevelt Skerritt, Prime Minister, Dominica; His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President, Guyana; and Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister, Jamaica, to review the governance and financing of Community institutions.

BORDER ISSUES

Guatemala-Belize and Belize-Honduras

Heads of Government received an update on the Belize-Guatemala and the Belize–Honduras cases before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). They commended the Parties for seeking a peaceful resolution to all legal claims against Belize’s land and insular territories and any maritime areas pertaining to those territories.  They called on all Parties to abide by and implement the ICJ decisions when delivered. 

Heads of Government expressed concern about the continued illegal activities by Guatemalans that result in the deforestation of Belize’s protected areas and biodiversity loss along the Belize-Guatemala border. The Conference also received a concerning report from Belize regarding the increased tensions in the Sarstoon River, the southern boundary.

They underscored the obligation of Belize and Guatemala to refrain from any action which could exacerbate the dispute while the case is before the ICJ and reiterated the call for both countries to urgently fulfil their commitment to design a mechanism of cooperation for the Sarstoon River and maritime spaces, with the assistance of the OAS.

They acknowledged the valuable role of the OAS in accompanying the process of confidence building measures and called on the international community to strengthen their support for the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone.

Heads of Government reaffirmed their steadfast support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Belize.

Guyana – Venezuela

Heads of Government received an update on the latest developments regarding the Guyana-Venezuela controversy pending before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).  They noted that Venezuela submitted its Rejoinder on August 11, 2025, bringing the written phase of the merits proceedings to a close.

Heads of Government were pleased to hear that the ICJ will fix a date later in the year for the commencement of the oral hearings on the merits of the case, where both parties will present their arguments before the Court.

Heads of Government reaffirmed their full support for the ongoing judicial process as the means for resolving the controversy peacefully, finally and in accordance with international law, and reiterated their unequivocal and unwavering support for the maintenance of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.

EXTERNAL TRADE

Heads of Government received a report on preparations for the fourteenth Ministerial Conference of the WTO (MC14), scheduled to take place in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from 26-29 March 2026.

The report outlined the key issues expected to drive discussions, and considerations to guide Member States’ engagement, during the conference.

BID TO HOST COP 35

Heads of Government agreed to support Guyana’s bid to host COP35 in 2030.

FORTHCOMING SUMMITS INVOLVING THE COMMUNITY

CARICOM will utilise upcoming Summits in 2026 to advance critical regional priorities, including the Twenty-eighth Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) – Antigua and Barbuda, 1- 4 November 2026.

APPRECIATION

Heads of Government expressed their gratitude to the Government and people of St Kitts and Nevis for the excellent arrangements made for the Meeting, and the warm hospitality they received.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Heads of Government accepted the invitation of the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia to the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference from 5 – 8 July 2026.

STATEMENT

Heads of Government issued the following Statement:

JOINT STATEMENT ON CARICOM’S ENGAGEMENT WITH SECRETARY RUBIO

The Heads of State and Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community met on 25 February with the Secretary of State of the United States of America, Marco Rubio. The engagement was a highly constructive one with a frank conversation regarding the essential interests of all parties.  

Given the strong historical, diplomatic, familial and economic ties and cooperation over the years in matters of security, there was a clear platform for all to continue to work together to build a stronger, safer, more secure and prosperous Caribbean and United States of America; in other words, a stronger, safer, more secure and prosperous neighbourhood. 

It was agreed that it was appropriate to conclude a Cooperation Framework appropriate to the 21st century to support the needs and interests of the Caribbean Community and the USA. This framework should address a structured Migration Programme, security cooperation, trade and investment, disaster recovery, human development and technical assistance. It was recognised that the last serious and coherent engagement between members of the Caribbean Community and the USA was almost 50 years ago under President Reagan.

The matter of the challenging situation in Cuba was also discussed.  All parties recognised that there should be efforts to address the growing humanitarian crisis. The Caribbean Community, cognisant of its very close relationship with both Cuba and the USA, and mindful of the extent to which the Region can be negatively affected, is willing to participate in any way that will redound to the benefit of the Cuban people, while maintaining regional stability.

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