-by Kristin Josiah

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, the new CARICOM Chair, says his leadership will focus on turning regional decisions into real results for Caribbean people.

Addressing the opening of the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Saint Lucia, he stressed that his role is one of service, responsibility and stewardship.
He said the region must respond with urgency to global challenges including rising living costs, climate change, crime and economic uncertainty.

“During this chairmanship, my commitment will be guided by a simple but important principle. CARICOM must move from conference rooms, communities, from rhetoric, from reality, from communiques to results. Our people must be able to see and feel the benefits of regional cooperation. It is not enough for us to agree in principle, we must implement in practice. It is not enough forus to speak of integration. We must make integration work for the ordinary citizen. It is not enough for our decisions to be recorded. They must be acted upon, measured and followed through,” he said.

He emphasised that unity remains central to the region’s strength, warning that division weakens Caribbean influence on the global stage.

The CARICOM Chair also highlighted crime and security as urgent regional concerns requiring coordinated action and stronger prevention efforts.

He further called for greater climate justice, insisting that the Caribbean must continue to demand fair financing and support from the international community.

Meanwhile, Dr. Terrance Drew who handed over the CARICOM Chairmanship on Sunday after his 6 month tenure ended said that while challenges remain, the focus has now shifted from survival to strengthening CARICOM for future generations.

“Today, as I prepare to hand that responsibility to my dear colleague and brother, Prime Minister J. Pierre of this beloved country, I do so with a deeper sense of appreciation of this community, a stronger conviction in its purpose and an even greater confidence in its future,” he said.

Prime Minister Drew also urged leaders to fully participate in retreats and caucuses to resolve key matters.