Prime Minister Pierre Pledges People Centred Leadership as He Assumes CARICOM Chairmanship

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has pledged to bring the Caribbean Community closer to its citizens as he prepares to assume the chairmanship of CARICOM, promising a people-centred approach focused on unity, resilience and regional development.

In a statement marking the start of his tenure as incoming Chairman of CARICOM, Pierre said he accepted the responsibility with “humility, determination, and a deep sense of service to the people of our region.”

The Saint Lucian leader underscored the founding principle of the regional bloc, that Caribbean nations can achieve more together than individually, and said that philosophy remains just as relevant in today’s rapidly changing global environment.

“Across our region, we are navigating a rapidly changing world,” Pierre said. “Our people are working hard to build better lives, our economies are adapting to new realities, and our societies continue to face challenges that require cooperation, innovation and unity.”

Acknowledging growing public expectations of regional integration, Pierre said CARICOM must ensure its work has a tangible impact on the lives of Caribbean citizens.

“Many citizens are asking an important question: how can CARICOM make a greater difference in our everyday lives? That is the question that must guide our work.”

During his chairmanship, Pierre said his priority will be ensuring that CARICOM’s work extends beyond policy discussions and official declarations to deliver meaningful benefits in communities across the region.

“My commitment is clear: CARICOM must continue to move closer to the people. It must be seen and felt not only in meetings and declarations but also in communities, schools, businesses, homes, and in the opportunities available to every Caribbean citizen.”

Pierre also emphasized the importance of strengthening regional unity, describing the Caribbean’s diversity of cultures, languages and traditions as one of its greatest assets.

He outlined several priorities for the Community, including advancing climate action, strengthening food and nutrition security, promoting economic growth, accelerating digital transformation, expanding trade and investment, and improving the movement of people, skills, services and ideas throughout the region.

The Prime Minister stressed that regional development must remain centred on the needs of Caribbean citizens.

“Every Caribbean citizen, regardless of age, gender, ability, background, occupation or circumstance, must be able to see themselves reflected in the regional agenda and feel that CARICOM is working to improve their lives, expand their opportunities and strengthen their future.”

Pierre also identified citizen security as a key pillar of the regional agenda, noting that development and security are closely linked.

“We must work together to build safer, more secure and more hopeful communities. Development and security go hand in hand, and every citizen deserves the opportunity to live, work, learn and thrive in peace and dignity.”

As he prepares to lead the fifteen-member regional organization, Pierre said the true measure of CARICOM’s success will be whether ordinary people experience the benefits of regional integration.

“The success of CARICOM must ultimately be measured by whether our people feel the benefits of integration in their daily lives, because integration that our people cannot feel will not last.”

He concluded by calling on Caribbean citizens to embrace a shared vision for the future.

“Together, we can build a Caribbean Community that is more united, more inclusive, more resilient and more prepared for the future. Let us move forward together, from resilience to renewal and revival.”

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