BASSETERRE — Prime Minister The Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew officially assumed the Chairmanship of the Caribbean Community on January 1, taking the helm of the region’s supreme decision-making body for a six-month term that began amid significant regional challenges.
In his New Year message as Incoming Chairman, Drew declared that recent international developments have reinforced a fundamental truth: “None will come to save us. We must save ourselves.”
Drew acknowledged “geopolitical tensions in our Region and external policy decisions affecting Caribbean nationals” while calling for stronger coordination and deeper solidarity among member states. He emphasized that CARICOM “was created as a forum where differences could be addressed constructively, internally, and with the shared understanding that our collective strength is greater than any single issue before us.”
The Prime Minister succeeds Jamaica’s Dr. Andrew Holness, whom he praised for navigating “a period of significant turbulence in our Region.”
Drew’s message comes as public discussions among member states have “attracted regional and international attention,” though he stressed such differences are not unusual in a diverse community. “This reality does not call for isolation, but for stronger coordination, clearer purpose, and deeper solidarity,” he stated.
St. Kitts and Nevis will host the Fiftieth Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government from February 24-27, 2026.
As Chairman, Drew leads the Conference of Heads of Government, which sets overall policy direction for the 21-country grouping and serves as final authority for concluding treaties and establishing relationships with international organizations.
Drew’s chairmanship began just days before US military action in Venezuela, immediately testing his leadership as the region responds to the evolving crisis.