Can't read it? Listen now!
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is entering 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose, reaffirming its commitment to Haiti’s recovery and regional integration. In his New Year message, Dickon Mitchell, outgoing CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of Grenada, highlighted Haiti’s central role in shaping a unified and resilient Caribbean.
Throughout 2024, CARICOM facilitated critical engagements with Haiti’s political, religious, and civil society stakeholders, achieving milestones like the formation of a Transitional Presidential Council and the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission. While these developments signal progress, Mitchell stressed that Haiti’s path to stability remains delicate.
“Consensus among Haitian stakeholders is fragile,” Mitchell said. “We must work tirelessly in 2025 to consolidate these gains and ensure Haiti’s recovery is led by its people.”
Mitchell also outlined CARICOM’s broader achievements in 2024, emphasizing the importance of collaboration during crises. Member States demonstrated solidarity during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, providing coordinated support to communities affected by natural disasters.
Efforts to address climate change, food security, and digital transformation also gained momentum. The launch of CARICOM BOOST, a $1.6 million initiative supporting women and youth in agriculture, and the Strategic Digital Resilience Framework 2030 are among the region’s key advancements.
“These initiatives are critical to building a Caribbean that is prepared for the challenges of tomorrow,” Mitchell stated.
CARICOM made strides in improving regional air and maritime connectivity, including implementing the Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA) and announcing a new ferry service connecting Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago. These measures aim to reduce food import costs, enhance trade, and bolster economic ties.
“Regional transportation is essential to our vision of a unified Caribbean,” Mitchell said. “These efforts lay the groundwork for a more interconnected and prosperous future.”
As CARICOM transitions to new leadership under Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Haiti’s recovery remains a top priority. Mitchell expressed confidence in Mottley’s ability to build on the progress made in 2024, ensuring Haiti’s stabilization efforts align with CARICOM’s broader goals.
“The vision of a Caribbean Community, truly ‘A Community for All,’ depends on our collective actions,” Mitchell said. “Haiti’s resilience and leadership will play a vital role in shaping our shared future.”
Mitchell concluded his remarks with a hopeful message for the New Year, calling for continued unity and decisive action across the region. “As we welcome 2025, let us recommit to the principles of solidarity and integration that define CARICOM. Together, we can achieve peace, prosperity, and progress for all.”
