CARICOM seeks deeper regional integration to combat global uncertainty

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett has called for strengthened regional integration to address growing economic, geopolitical, and environmental challenges. Speaking at the 41st session of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Barnett emphasized that integration must evolve beyond traditional market expansion and trade liberalization.

She proposed that the Caribbean Community utilize integration as a strategic platform to drive economic transformation and enhance resilience against climate change, technological shifts, and increased competition for investment. Key priority areas for this cooperation include food and energy security, transportation, connectivity, and digital transformation.

Barnett also advocated for stronger partnerships between CARICOM and Latin America to help small Caribbean economies overcome limited domestic markets and heavy reliance on imports. The CARICOM Single Market and Economy remains a central component of this strategy, aiming to facilitate the movement of goods, services, capital, and qualified workers across the region.