Unity Without Uniformity: Holness Highlights CARICOM’s Strength in Diversity

Dr The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Outgoing Chair of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Jamaica, reflected on the significance of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, which commenced on Tuesday in St Kitts and Nevis. He emphasized that anniversaries require honest reflection, noting: “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.” He underscored that CARICOM’s diversity of perspectives should be seen as a strength, not a weakness, and as a resource for regional problem‑solving.

The Prime Minister highlighted security as a shared challenge, pointing to the rise of organized criminal networks and the importance of collective action. He referenced Jamaica’s leadership in advancing the Montego Bay Declaration on Transnational Organised Crime and Gangs, stressing the need for intelligence sharing and joint operations. He also addressed humanitarian concerns in Cuba, affirming: “Humanitarian suffering serves no one… it must be clear that a prolonged crisis in Cuba will not remain confined to Cuba. It will affect migration, security, and economic stability across the Caribbean basin.”

Turning to resilience and future priorities, the Prime Minister recalled the devastation of Hurricane Melissa and the solidarity shown by CARICOM partners in Jamaica’s recovery. He urged a shift from reactive disaster response to systemic preparedness, while also calling for a renewed vision of CARICOM built on competitiveness, institutional readiness, and strategic diplomacy. He closed with a call to action:

Please listen to the Prime Minister’s complete remarks below.

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