By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett says the challenges faced by the 15-member regional integration body over the past year have exposed key vulnerabilities while reinforcing the importance of regional unity.
In her end-of-year message, Dr. Barnett noted that the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in 2024, followed by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, left widespread destruction across several Caribbean states, particularly Jamaica and Haiti. She said these disasters underscored the region’s shared exposure to climate-related shocks.
Despite these hardships, the Secretary-General said CARICOM’s characteristic resilience prevailed, as member states mobilised swiftly to address urgent humanitarian needs and worked collaboratively to safeguard businesses and livelihoods affected by the storms.
While Dr. Barnett made no direct reference to ongoing regional tensions surrounding the United States’ military engagement in counter-narcotics operations, which has divided opinion among CARICOM states, she expressed confidence that the Community would continue to confront future challenges with clarity, cooperation, and resolve as it enters the new year.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar has dismissed speculation that her country is considering withdrawing from CARICOM. Responding to public concern amid recent disagreements with regional counterparts, the Prime Minister said the issue has not been discussed by Cabinet.
Persad-Bissessar acknowledged that Trinidad and Tobago has been exploring trade opportunities outside of CARICOM but maintained that there is no intention, at this time, to formally exit the regional body. Her comments follow recent assertions that CARICOM has become an unreliable partner and accusations that it has shown support for Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro administration—claims she said do not warrant withdrawal.
According to CARICOM, Trinidad and Tobago is scheduled to assume the chairmanship of the regional bloc from July to December 2027.
On the international front, United States President Donald Trump intensified rhetoric against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, suggesting it would be “smart” for Maduro to step down from power. Trump also indicated that the United States could retain or sell Venezuelan oil seized off the country’s coast in recent weeks.
The U.S. administration has escalated pressure on the Maduro government through an increased military presence in the region, including dozens of strikes and vessel interceptions targeting alleged drug trafficking operations in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Reports indicate that at least 100 people have been killed during these operations.
Asked whether the objective was to remove Maduro from office, President Trump said the decision ultimately rests with the Venezuelan leader, but warned that continued resistance could result in severe consequences.
The developments continue to heighten regional and international concern over security, sovereignty, and stability in the Caribbean and Latin America.
