BASSETERRE: Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr. Carla Barnett, has commended Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister and Chairman of CARICOM for his exemplary leadership and hospitality as the Federation hosts the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM.
Delivering remarks at the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, February 24, at the Marriott Dome in Frigate Bay, Saint Kitts, Secretary-General Barnett underscored that since assuming the Chairmanship on January 01, Prime Minister Drew has demonstrated decisive and forward-looking leadership.
“Since assuming the chairmanship of CARICOM on January 01 this year, Prime Minister Drew has set the tone for a very active and productive tenure. His chairmanship started with emergency meetings of the community on the very first weekend of the year, and his in-person visits with heads of government in the region have clearly indicated his capacity for action and desire for unity and results,” said Secretary-General Barnett.
She praised the Federation’s stewardship of the regional body and the arrangements for the landmark meeting.
“The smallest sovereign state among us is punching above its weight, and no effort has been spared to ensure excellent arrangements for our meeting. I, on behalf of the Community, thank our host, the Honourable Doctor Terrance Drew, Prime Minister, and the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis for their gracious hospitality to our delegations since assuming the Chairmanship of CARICOM,” she stated.
Secretary-General Barnet expressed confidence that the Federation’s leadership will continue to advance the regional agenda in tangible ways.
“Chair, I am confident that under your guidance and with the support of your colleague Heads of Government, the Secretariat and our regional institutions, the interests of our region will see accelerated advancement under your leadership,” she said.
The 50th Regular Meeting, held under the theme “Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable CARICOM,” runs from February 24–27, 2026, in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The milestone gathering brings together regional leaders, international partners, and key stakeholders to address priority issues including economic resilience, climate action, food and energy security, and regional integration.
As Saint Kitts and Nevis continues to chair the Community, the Federation has reaffirmed its commitment to unity, decisive action, and measurable outcomes for the people of the Federation and the Caribbean.