T&T – PM Remarks CARICOM Needs ‘Some Transformation’

2026-01-31 - 14:28

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is in urgent need of transformation, even as Trinidad and Tobago remains firmly committed to the regional integration movement. Recently speaking in Parliament, Persad-Bissessar emphasized that the twin-island republic continues to place significant value on its long-standing relationship with the 15-member bloc. Her remarks were delivered in the presence of CARICOM Chairman and St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew, along with members of his delegation, including CARICOM Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett. “We remain highly invested in the region’s success and our commitment to regional growth and development,” Persad-Bissessar said. She added that her government shares the sentiments expressed by Prime Minister Drew in his New Year’s message to the Community upon assuming the CARICOM chairmanship. Referencing Drew’s assertion that the region’s collective strength outweighs any single challenge, Persad-Bissessar acknowledged that while Trinidad and Tobago believes CARICOM requires significant reform, it remains committed to Caribbean unity. The statement was met with desk-thumping approval from government legislators as she reiterated her administration’s dedication to regional cooperation. “My government looks forward to engaging with the Prime Minister and his delegation in productive discussions on issues facing the region,” she said, adding that both sides would work to ensure CARICOM remains relevant to the people it serves. She also extended an invitation for Prime Minister Drew to return to Trinidad and Tobago to enjoy the remainder of the Carnival season. Speaking later at the Diplomatic Centre, Prime Minister Drew said his goal is to engage directly with all member states to strengthen CARICOM and build a more stable and secure regional framework, grounded in mutual respect and recognition of each country’s sovereignty. Persad-Bissessar described her discussions with the CARICOM delegation as encouraging, noting that she was impressed by Drew’s approach since assuming the chairmanship. Earlier this week, the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat said the visit formed part of the chairman’s focus on face-to-face engagement with regional leaders. The Secretariat noted that Drew also met recently with St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday in Kingstown. CARICOM leaders are scheduled to meet in St Kitts and Nevis from February 24 to 27. In recent months, Persad-Bissessar has been openly critical of the integration movement, particularly following Trinidad and Tobago’s support for United States-led anti-drug operations in the Caribbean. Last December, she described CARICOM as “not a reliable partner at this time,” arguing that sovereign states must be prepared to accept the consequences of their foreign and domestic policy decisions. Her comments came as she defended the United States’ decision to impose partial entry restrictions on nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica. “CARICOM cannot continue to operate in this dysfunctional and self-destructive manner,” Persad-Bissessar said at the time, citing what she described as poor management, weak accountability, factional divisions, destabilizing policies, and inappropriate interference in the domestic affairs of member states. She also criticized the organization’s support for Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, whose administration has faced accusations of human rights abuses and threats toward CARICOM member states, arguing that such positions further erode the bloc’s credibility.