COMMUNIQUE | Fifty-First Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM

COMMUNIQUE

 The Fifty-First Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, from 5 – 8 July, under the chairmanship of the Honourable Philip J. Pierre, 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 Roosevelt Skeritt, Prime Minister, Dominica; Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister, Grenada; His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Guyana; His Excellency Didier Fils-Aimé, Prime Minister, Haiti; Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister, Jamaica;  Honourable Reuben Meade, Premier, Montserrat; Honourable Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Minister, 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.

Mr. Anthony G. Sylvestre, Attorney- General represented Belize.

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 Isaac Rankine Cayman Islands;  His Excellency Gabriel Serville, President of the Territorial Collectivity,  French Guiana; His Excellency Serge Letchimy, President of the Territorial Collectivity, Martinique; and the Honourable Jamell R. Robinson, Deputy Premier, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Ms Melissa Vasquez, Chief of Cabinet,represented Curacao.

OPENING CEREMONY

The Opening Ceremony was held on Sunday 5 July at the Sandals Grande St Lucian Hotel and featured vibrant performances from Saint Lucian cultural groups. A common theme from the speakers was a call for unity and a renewed focus on ensuring that the people of the Region see value from regional integration.

The Honourable Alva Baptiste, Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs of Saint Lucia, warmly welcomed all Heads of Government, delegates and invited guests to the Ceremony and to the Meeting.

CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, the opening presenter, reflected on the Community’s progress, and pointed to strengthened operations of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, including the start of full Free Movement among four Member States in October 2025, and a steady increase in agricultural production under the 25 by 2025+5 strategy. She also highlighted CARICOM’s work with Haiti, expansion of associate membership and deepening partnerships with Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

“To move ‘from resilience to renewal’, as this Meeting’s theme urges, requires active recognition that as architects of this Region’s future, we should work, in unison, to shape our own destiny, on our own terms,” said Dr Barnett.

Featured youth speaker, Saint Lucian Rhodes Scholar Rahym Augustin-Joseph, underscored the need for active youth participation in crafting the Region’s future. He outlined pathways to progress – freedom of movement, food security, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and deepening international partnerships that place youth, innovation and shared responsibility at the centre of CARICOM’s journey forward.

“I worry that the politics of integration is not meeting the energy, the ambition, and vibrancy of the young people, and ordinary citizens who are already every day, writing the pages of Caribbean integration,” he said, urging, “If ever there was a time for us to integrate, it is now.”

The Honourable Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis and Outgoing Chairman, noted that modernised governance and improved implementation of decisions will make the Region safer, more prosperous and more relevant to the lives of its people.

“Unity is not simply our highest ideal; it is our greatest strategic advantage,” he observed.

Chair of the Conference, the Honourable Philip J. Pierre, emphasised that regional integration must connect with the lived experiences of the people of the Community. It must move from “conference rooms to communities; from rhetoric to reality; from communiqués to results.” Outlining his vision for a people-focused, implementation-driven CARICOM, he underscored the need for every major decision taken by the Community to be measured against its impact on the daily lives of CARICOM people.

“The world has often benefited from Caribbean disunity. Larger powers and larger markets can more easily engage a divided Caribbean than a united one. But when the Caribbean speaks with one voice, when we act together, when we negotiate as a bloc, our collective influence is far greater,” the Chair emphasised.

View online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWEHZwCj4CA

CARICOM SINGLE MARKET AND ECONOMY (CSME) 

Heads of Government discussed cost-of-living as a central issue. They noted that rising prices were dominant consumer concerns, and that inflation, driven by global shocks, including geopolitical events, was also affecting energy and supply chains.

They also addressed labour migration, mutual recognition of free movement of nationals within the Community, and arrangements to activate an intraregional ferry service. Heads of Government underscored the importance of an integrated regional capital market, efficient cross-border payments and the build-out of the regional financial ecosystem in realizing the objectives of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

They called for a strong regional AI framework to be urgently developed, and agreed to the establishment of a Blue‑Ribbon Commission, comprising top regional and international experts, to advise on an AI policy agenda, governance standards, and capacity‑building priorities.

Full Free Movement 

Heads of Government welcomed notification from Grenada and Saint Lucia that they are actively taking steps to participate in full free movement of CARICOM nationals.

They also welcomed Montserrat’s indication that it is preparing to take necessary actions to accede to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE CLIMATE FINANCE AGENDA

Heads of Government reaffirmed that limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, and the recognition and protection of the special circumstances of SIDS, remain the central objectives across all major negotiating streams for COP 31 to be held in Antalya, Turkey in November 2026.

They endorsed the CARICOM Climate Diplomacy and COP 35 Framework (2026–2030) as the strategic mechanism for advancing Member States’ interests within the international climate regime.

Heads of Government expressed their support for continued regional efforts to advance Guyana’s candidature to host COP 35 under the UNFCCC in 2030, and urged high level representation at the Second Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit to be held in Guyana on 26-28 October 2026.

Regional Insurance and Reinsurance Strategy

Heads of Government noted the rapidly growing incidence of un-insurance and under insurance in Member States in the context of increased hurricanes and other disasters. They agreed to explore the expansion of catastrophic risk insurance coverage to tourism infrastructure, including hotels and critical economic and social infrastructure such as hospitals and pandemic events. They also agreed to establish a CARICOM Reinsurance Task Force to advance the concept, with a view to establishing a coordinated Regional Insurance and Reinsurance Strategy for CARICOM.

REGIONAL FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY

Heads of Government acknowledged the continued commitment and work of the Special Ministerial Taskforce on Food Production and Food Security. They noted the persistent food and nutrition security challenges facing the Region and the world, and welcomed the efforts of individual Member States towards achieving the targets established under the Vision 25 by 2025+5 initiative. 

They also noted the regional food security response matrix outlining regional strategic implications and coping strategies due to the war in the Middle East.

Heads of Government expressed their support for the Twentieth Caribbean Week of Agriculture to be held in Jamaica in September 2026.

REPARATIONS

Heads of Government approved the “CARICOM Ten Point Plan for Reparations: A Manifesto for the Coming Enlightenment”. They agreed to several initiatives to advance the Region’s Reparations agenda, including strong visibility at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to be held in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026; ongoing collaboration with the African Union; staging of the Third Regional Conference on Reparations  in Barbados from 18 -19 September 2026; and the unveiling of theNewton Enslaved Burial Ground Memorial in Barbados in November 2026, as well as to support  the filing by Jamaica of a Reparations Petition  to  His Majesty King Charles III, scheduled to take place in London  on  7th September 2026.

APPLICATIONS FOR FULL MEMBERSHIP

Bermuda and Turks and Caicos Islands

Heads of Government noted the considerable work that has been done in reviewing Bermuda’s application, and substantial progress achieved, reflecting the mutual commitment of the Secretariat and the Government of Bermuda.

They agreed that CARICOM would work with both governments to advance the application processes, and within the framework of the broader discussions on the Community’s enlargement policy.

NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

French Guiana became the eighth Associate Member of CARICOM, following signature of the Agreement by the Chair of CARICOM and the President of the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana on 7 July 2026.

This follows Martinique’s accession to Associate Membership effective 16 June 2026.

Heads of Government warmly welcomed Martinique and French Guiana to their first Meeting of the Conference.

REPORT ON OVERSEAS TERRITORIES

Heads of Government received a report from the Government of The Bahamas on consultations with Associate Members of the Community on critical sociopolitical developments across the territories.

They expressed support for ongoing constitutional negotiations and governance reforms within Associate Members and underscored the importance of outcomes that safeguard and advance the right to self-determination of the peoples of these Non-Self-Governing Territories.

REGIONAL HEALTH SECURITY AND PREPAREDNESS FOR EMERGING PUBLIC HEALTH THREATS

Heads of Government received a report from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). They endorsed CARPHA’s recommendations to facilitate implementation of risk-based measures at points of entry, and for Member States to strengthen national readiness for case detection and management. They acknowledged that even though the risk of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) importation into the Caribbean is low, international spread remains a concern and requires a regional coordinated response, including harmonised decision-making and information sharing.

They expressed appreciation to CARPHA for their work in regional health security.

REGIONAL SECURITY

Heads of Government received a report from the Regional Security Agencies, the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS); and the Regional Security System (RSS).

They affirmed the importance of preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and effectiveness of regional security operations to preserve the national security of Member States, while safeguarding the operations of national and regional operations and preserving the safety of all officials.

SITUATION IN HAITI

Heads of Government expressed solidarity andsupport for the efforts of the Haitian Government in response to the complex security challenges and its preparation for elections. They notedthat ongoing consultation between the Prime Minister and political stakeholders remains critical, and that the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG) provides a vital bridge between the Haitian Government and a broad range of political and civil society stakeholders.

They agreed to provide all necessary support for the renewal of the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and agreed to consider the offer from The Bahamas to support a permanent CARICOM presence in Port-au-Prince.

Given the incremental improvement in the security situation that now allows for improved distribution of supplies, they agreed to provide Haiti with humanitarian support, beginning with a commitment from Guyana to provide 500 tons of rice.

Heads of Government issued a statement on Haiti.

SITUATION IN CUBA

Heads of Government noted the recent developments in Cuba and expressed deep concern regarding the unfolding humanitarian crisis affecting the Cuban people.  They agreed that CARICOM will continue its coordinated efforts to provide humanitarian support to the people of Cuba.

REAPPOINTMENT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

Heads of Government, in Retreat,noted that the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago maintained its objection to the process used in the reappointment of the CARICOM Secretary-General, and desires to have the issues related to the reappointment referred to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

They agreed that the Chair of Conference would issue a statement on the matter and would referthe issues related to the reappointment of the Secretary-General to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for an advisory opinion.

 They also agreed that the Community would immediately commence proceedings to secure the advisory opinion by way of an application to the CCJ by the Community, in accordance with Article 212 of the Revised Treaty.

Heads of Government issued a statement on the reappointment of the Secretary-General.

SITUATION IN GAZA

Heads of Government took note of recent United Nations reports and briefings on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank and expressed deep concern at the reports of continuing acts of aggression against the Palestinian people and of a persisting humanitarian crisis. They reiterated their call for full respect for international law, including international humanitarian law, protection of civilians, and renewed efforts towards a just, lasting and peaceful solution based on the two-State solution.

Heads of Government also expressed concern about recent military incursions into Lebanon and deplored the negative impact on the Lebanese people.

HEALTH COOPERATION

Heads of Government welcomed the offer from the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, for the Community to utilize the services of the National Prosthetics Centre and the Couva Children’s Hospital for the children of CARICOM, and potential placement of Trinidad and Tobago trained House Officers interested in CARICOM Member States.

PARTICIPATION IN THE VULNERABILITY TO VIABILITY COMPACT

Heads of Government expressed supportfor the Vulnerability to Viability Compact, a partnership between Climate Vulnerable Forum – Vulnerable 20 Group (CVF-V20), member countries and a coalition of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), led by the OPEC Fund for International Development, to fundamentally change how finance is structured, priced, and delivered to climate-vulnerable economies.

They noted the interest of several Member States in being part of the CVF-V20.

BORDER ISSUES

Guyana-Venezuela

Heads of Government received an update on the latest developments in the Guyana-Venezuela controversy currently being adjudicated by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).  They noted that the public hearings on the merits in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 were held on 4-11 May 2026 and comprised two rounds of oral argument by Guyana and Venezuela.

Heads of Government further noted that the Court will in due course deliver its judgment on the matter which will be final and binding on both parties, bringing the longstanding search for a resolution of the controversy to an end. 

The Heads expressed concern over the fact that Venezuela’s territory was being used to attack Guyanese security personnel who are operating within Guyana’s sovereign territory and expressed their expectation that the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will apprehend the perpetrators and place them before the judicial authorities in Venezuela.

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.

Belize – Guatemala 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 welcomed the Joint Declaration signed by Belize and Guatemala on 24 June 2026 in Panama City wherein the parties declared their commitment to abide by and implement the ICJ decision with the continued support of the OAS.

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 expressed concern about the tensions in the Sarstoon River. 

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 their 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 instrumental role of the OAS in accompanying the process of confidence building measures and called on the international community to increase support for the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone.

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

NOMINATION FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL

Heads of Government reaffirmed the Community’s commitment to multilateralism undergirded by the United Nations Charter and International Law, especially in the face of the pressing global challenges confronting the international community. They noted that a new Secretary-General of the United Nations is to be appointed during a particularly critical time for the world community. They acknowledged with appreciation that several distinguished candidates have been nominated from Latin America and the Caribbean to fill the post.

Heads of Government strongly welcomed Guyana’s nomination of Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and expressed their full endorsement for her candidacy.

REPORT ON THE INDIGENISATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES

Heads of Government noted the recent work on the Indigenization of The University of the West Indies and the Transition from Royal Charter to an Intergovernmental Agreement of CARICOM States.

They agreed that CARICOM will continue its coordinated efforts to assist The University of the West Indies to expedite this process.

 ACCESS BY CHILDREN TO SOCIAL MEDIA

Heads of Government agreed to explore common legislation on social media access by children, under the leadership of the President of Guyana. They also agreed to the preparation of guidelines for a policy framework under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Grenada, Lead Head of Government on Science and Information Technology.

 CARIFESTA

Heads of Government accepted the offerfrom Guyana to host CARIFESTA 2027 and the offer from Antigua and Barbuda to host CARIFESTA 2029.

CARIFTA

Heads of Government accepted the offerfrom Guyana to host the CARIFTA Games in 2027 and the offer from Barbados to host the CARIFTA Games in 2028.

IN MEMORIAM

Heads of Government observed a moment of silence in memory of regional leaders and public servantswho had recently passed away.

• His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, former President (Suriname)
• Honourable Roderick Rainford OJ, former CARICOM Secretary-General (Jamaica)
• Ambassador Elizabeth Harper, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Guyana)
• Ambassador Elma Gene Isaac, Ambassador to CARICOM and the OECS (Saint Lucia)

TRIBUTE

Following notification by the Honourable E. David Burt that the 51^st Regular Meeting would be his last as Premier of Bermuda, Heads of Government commended his commitment to his territory’s full Membership of CARICOM and expressed support for his continued efforts in this regard prior to his departure from office.

APPRECIATION

Heads of Government expressed their gratitude to the Government and people of Saint Lucia 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 President of Suriname to the 52^nd Regular Meeting of the Conference in February 2027.

STATEMENTS

Heads of Government issued the following Statement (s):

I. Statement on the Reappointment of the CARICOM Secretary-General

STATEMENT OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) ON THE REAPPOINTMENT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

Issued on 7 July 2026

During the Retreat of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) held on 06 July 2026, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago maintained its objection to the process used in the reappointment of the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

CARICOM acknowledged that the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago desires to have the issue of the reappointment of the Secretary-General referred to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to render an Advisory Opinion thereon. To facilitate this request, the Community agrees to commence proceedings to secure such advisory opinion in accordance with Article 212 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

The Community acknowledged that this is the very purpose for which the CCJ was created – to be a treaty interpretation body.

The Community further agreed that the status quo with respect to the re-appointment of the Secretary General shall remain unless and until the Community considers the said Advisory Opinion from the CCJ.

The Community agreed that this way forward allows for this matter to be resolved in an amicable manner, without prejudice to the ability of the Community to conduct its affairs.

In this context, the Community reaffirmed that the ongoing review of its governance architecture is part of the broader mandate, agreed at the previous Conference in St. Kitts and Nevis, to strengthen the governance of the Community and enhance its effectiveness.

The Heads of Government further underscored that this process does not impugn the integrity of any Member State or individual; rather it reflects the Community’s collective commitment to continuous institutional improvement with the highest standards of good governance.

The Heads of Government have reaffirmed their commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Community and will continue to move forward in unity to advance the interests of the Region during these difficult times, recognizing the myriad of challenges the Community faces currently.

END

II. Statement on Haiti

STATEMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) IN SUPPORT OF THE REPUBLIC OF HAITI

Issued on 7 July 2026

The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), meeting at their Fifty-First Regular Meeting in Castries, Saint Lucia, reaffirm their unwavering solidarity with the people of Haiti and their continued commitment to supporting Haiti’s efforts to restore security, strengthen democratic institutions, and return to constitutional governance.

The Conference welcomes the efforts undertaken by the Government of the Republic of Haiti, under the leadership of Prime Minister, His Excellency Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, to strengthen national security, advance the electoral process, and lay the foundations for free, credible, inclusive and peaceful elections. CARICOM commends the progress achieved and encourages the continued implementation of these efforts.

Heads of Government underscore that the successful completion of the current transition remains essential to enabling the Haitian people to freely choose their leaders through a democratic electoral process. They welcome the Government’s continued focus on Haiti’s immediate priorities: restoring security, ensuring stability, and advancing the electoral process.

CARICOM reaffirms its support for strengthening Haiti’s national security institutions and calls for the full deployment and renewal of the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), recognizing that Haiti’s security is inseparable from the security and stability of the wider Caribbean.

CARICOM reiterates its commitment to continue working closely with the Haitian authorities, the United Nations, the Organization of American States and other international partners to help Haiti overcome the current crisis and create the conditions for security, free and credible elections, and lasting stability.

The Caribbean Community encourages all partners to support constructive engagement with Haiti’s current authorities and all key stakeholders to contribute to a coordinated and unified approach that places the interests, security and future of the Haitian people at the centre of collective efforts.

The Community remains confident that, through sustained national commitment and continued regional and international support, Haiti will achieve a secure, stable and democratic future for the benefit of its people and the Caribbean Community as a whole.

END

III. Statement on Third Country Nationals

STATEMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) ON THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS (TCNs)

Issued on 9 July 2026

The Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community met in caucus to discuss wide ranging matters of critical concern to the Community.  Discussions included MOUs on transit arrangements of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) proposed to individual Member States by the government of the United States of America.

Heads of Government considered common concerns across the region regarding the capacity of small countries to manage the transit of TCNs. The regional leaders stressed, however, that every effort would be made to ensure that TCN arrangements do not disrupt the security of countries in the Region or divert resources and services from the citizens of respective countries.

Heads of Government highlighted the fact that the proposed MOUs were intended to provide for the transit of individuals without criminal antecedents to their home countries rather than settlement in Member States and emphasized the need for citizens of the region to understand the distinction. They further agreed that every effort should be made to engage CARICOM citizens on these issues. They also affirmed their commitment to the principles of safe, orderly and regular migration, and to the dignity of migrants.  

Heads of Government noted the longstanding cooperation and close partnership with the United States of America and acknowledged the importance attached to the proposed MOUs by the United States of America.  They noted that some CARICOM countries had already signed, while others were in discussions with the government of the United States of America.  They also noted that 30 countries globally had already signed TCN MOUs.

END  

10 July 2026

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