The opening ceremony of the 48th CARICOM Heads of Government saw more than just a display of regional unity and the pomp of a bi-annual regional conference, but the shift of geo-political dynamics saw Caribbean leaders calling for a renewed assessment of the regional institution that must be fit for the 21st century.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, CARICOM’s new Chair, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, called for decisive action on long-delayed reforms, declaring that an “institution of regional unity” must be “fit for purpose in the 21st century”.
Her push for transformation included specific proposals to make CARICOM financially self-sufficient where current ideas include placing a small tax on regional imports, introducing modest fees for travellers crossing Caribbean borders, and generating revenue by having CARICOM manage renewable energy licensing across member states.
“We have spoken for too long as to the need for independent funding mechanisms,” Mottley emphasized, arguing that financial autonomy is crucial for the organization’s effectiveness.
Currently, CARICOM depends on direct payments from member countries to fund operations, but Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade noted that these payments are becoming harder for countries to make.
He further questioned if CARICOM in its current structure can be said to truly serve the interests of ordinary Caribbean citizens.
“Can we truly say that CARICOM works for us or is even understood by the person on the bus from Bridgetown to Oistins or from Roseau to Grand Bay?” he asked, urging a comprehensive review of CARICOM’s institutions and organs.
The calls for internal reform come as basic regional integration measures remain unimplemented. Meade highlighted how a past decision to enable CARICOM nationals to use driver’s licences to travel across member states as part of simplifying regional travel still hasn’t been fully enacted.
“We must, and we need to make meaningful changes,” he emphasized.
Prime Minister Mottley, meanwhile, pushed for greater political oversight alongside CARICOM’s administrative structures, suggesting the need for “a greater political voice” in the organization.
She emphasized that freedom of movement of Caribbean people must be central to any reforms, stating she hoped leaders could “leave Bridgetown with clarity on this objective”.
CARICOM reform discussions will also follow broader engagement with international partners such as the European Commission (EU) whose President Ursula von der Leyen said the European bloc will offer support for regional transformation, announcing new partnerships for clean energy transition and pharmaceutical production.
“In this world of giants, small island states can find a new place at the heart of global value chains with the right investments,” she stated.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reinforced regional calls for systemic change, particularly in international financial institutions.
