By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 26th February 2026)- “Let us strengthen CARICOM. Strengthen CARICOM…for none is coming to save us. We must save ourselves. As we depart from this gathering, may we do so confident in our shared strength and unwavering in our collective purpose.”

So declared CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, in delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM on Tuesday, 24th February 2026, at the St. Kitts Marriott Dome in Frigate Bay, Basseterre.

In his address, Dr. Drew outlined critical areas for regional focus, including humanitarian assistance to Haiti and Cuba, intraregional trade and travel, energy security, climate resilience, digital transformation, regional crime prevention, and public health coordination.

Highlighting the historic significance of the gathering, he said: “…in our presence, are all the leaders of the full members of CARICOM. Almost all the leaders of the associated states. And the last time when we had all the leaders in the same space for a meeting was over 10 years ago. So in adversity, there’s opportunity.”

Reflecting on his recent travels across the region, Dr. Drew shared: “I traveled across the Caribbean, my Caribbean, your Caribbean. My intention was to visit as many heads of government, as many leaders as time would permit. But as I traveled from state to state, country to country, and in many cases, island to island… there was one undeniable fact: this Caribbean of ours is the most beautiful place on earth.”

Meeting each leader, he said, “stirred a sense of pride, a sense of dignity, that though we varied sometimes in our outlook, politics, and geopolitical position, these leaders in the Caribbean, who are a reflection of all people, are surely people to be proud of.”

On the necessity of regional cohesion, Dr. Drew emphasized: “If ever there was a time to recommit ourselves to togetherness, it is now. Respecting our sovereignty-as very eloquently put by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago-our sovereignties must be respected. But while we do that, and that cannot be compromised, I am hoping that this conference be remembered not merely for eloquence and speeches, not merely for the beautiful venues or the excellent entertainment, but for action, for execution that would advance our Caribbean community and civilization.”

He urged measurable outcomes and shared responsibility: “We must commit to disciplined coordination, faithful adherence to the principles that founded our community, and strengthen CARICOM because none is coming to save us. We must save ourselves.”

On energy security, he remarked: “We want better for our people. I am willing to set aside political differences so that we can treat geothermal and energy independence as a national matter. Without CARICOM, our progress on geothermal energy in Nevis would not have been possible. I thank our partners, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for their support.”

Addressing regional trade, Dr. Drew said: “Trade is not merely an economic transaction; it is a circulation of opportunity. We owe it to all our people to ensure opportunity moves freely within our community.”

On regional security, he highlighted: “Transnational criminal networks exploit our geography. Illicit firearms, narcotics trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering undermine safety and economic confidence. Our response must be intelligence-driven and regionally coordinated. Here in St. Kitts and Nevis, we have approached crime and violence through a public health lens, integrating enforcement, social services, and community engagement. As a result, homicides have dropped to the lowest levels in decades. Trauma that could have been caused has been replaced by hope.”

Speaking on humanitarian assistance, he said: “A stable Haiti is a stable Caribbean. We have welcomed members of the Haitian community and extended social services and support. Similarly, the humanitarian situation in Cuba demands serious attention. CARICOM must serve as a conduit for dialogue and ensure the best outcome. Even as a small state, our collective effort can stabilize the region.”

Dr. Drew stressed climate action: “Rising sea levels, stronger hurricanes, and unpredictable rainfall threaten our infrastructure and economies. Climate action rooted in togetherness safeguards our shared future. The Caribbean is disproportionately affected by climate change. We must advocate for ourselves internationally while strengthening resilience at home.”

On technological advancement, he observed: “Digital infrastructure strengthens governance, commerce, education, and security. Initiatives like expanded digital education illustrate how innovation can widen access and empower our youth. Technological progress pursued together expands possibility for all of our people.”

Giving a rallying call to his regional colleagues, he told: “History will not measure us by our communiques, but by our courage. If we act together, as we have done in confronting COVID through CARPHA, and if we harness our collective ingenuity, we shall rise again-together-for the benefit of all our people.”