June 29, 2026

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has reaffirmed Jamaica’s commitment to regional integration, describing CARICOM as a critical pillar of the country’s national development strategy and an essential mechanism for advancing shared interests across the Caribbean.

Speaking during a visit to the CARICOM Secretariat headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana, as part of his official trip to the country, Holness emphasised the importance of the regional bloc in helping member states navigate an increasingly complex global environment. He noted that amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and the emergence of what many describe as a new world order, CARICOM remains a vital instrument of multilateral engagement and foreign policy cooperation.

According to the Prime Minister, Jamaica views the regional integration movement as fundamental to its own development objectives. While acknowledging that member states do not always maintain identical foreign policies, he stressed that CARICOM provides an effective platform through which countries can pursue common interests and strengthen their collective voice on international issues.

Holness also highlighted the significant opportunities that exist for deeper economic collaboration within the Caribbean. Referring to his visit to Guyana as an example of the growing potential for regional partnerships, he stated that the opportunities for economic cooperation are both broad and substantial. However, he noted that maximising these opportunities requires more than bilateral arrangements and depends on common rules, standards and institutions that facilitate regional development.

The Prime Minister argued that CARICOM is uniquely positioned to address the shared challenges facing member states, including economic development, trade integration and external vulnerabilities. He emphasised that the standardisation of regulations and the pursuit of common opportunities are critical to ensuring that the region can compete effectively within an evolving global economy.

During his address to staff at the Secretariat, Holness underscored the important role played by regional administrators and technocrats in supporting political leaders. He noted that governments rely on the expertise of the Secretariat to interpret global developments, assess emerging risks and identify opportunities that can benefit member countries. In an increasingly interconnected world, he said, this guidance has become more valuable than ever.

The Prime Minister also pointed to the significance of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, describing it as the legal foundation that underpins regional cooperation. He stressed that strong legal and operational frameworks are essential for maintaining effective bilateral and multilateral relationships and ensuring that integration initiatives deliver tangible benefits to citizens across the region.

Holness further emphasised that ordinary Caribbean people must see the practical value of regional integration through initiatives such as the free movement of labour, improved access to education and training, greater mobility of capital and other mechanisms designed to enhance economic opportunity and quality of life.

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in the leadership of CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett and her team, commending their efforts to guide member states through global challenges while identifying opportunities for sustainable regional growth. He reiterated that stronger cooperation and effective regional institutions will remain central to the Caribbean’s ability to prosper in an increasingly uncertain international environment.

Source: (Caribbean News Global)