BASSETERRE, St Kitts and Nevis — At least two CARICOM leaders on Tuesday defended the right of member states to independently determine their foreign and security policies, arguing that varied national responses to global tensions do not reflect a fractured regional bloc.
Andrew Holness, Jamaica’s prime minister, said sovereign democracies within CARICOM will naturally assess geopolitical risks and opportunities differently.
“In an increasingly complex global environment, we will at times sequence priorities differently and interpret opportunities differently,” Holness told delegates at the opening of the 50th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government. “The measure of our integration should not be uniformity of position, but effectiveness of cooperation.”
His remarks were endorsed by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, who welcomed what she described as a pragmatic and balanced approach to regional diplomacy.
“We respect the sovereign right of CARICOM members with respect to your choice for national security and foreign policy,” Persad-Bissessar said, adding that different pathways do not undermine the shared regional objective of improving citizens’ quality of life.
Geopolitical Challenges in Focus
The leaders spoke against the backdrop of instability in Haiti, tensions surrounding Venezuela, and ongoing political and economic challenges in Cuba. The summit also precedes scheduled discussions between CARICOM leaders and Marco Rubio.
Holness cautioned against narratives that portray differences in national positions as threats to regional unity.
“Variations in national perspective are not a liability to be feared. They are a resource to be harnessed,” he said, highlighting the Caribbean’s diversity in governance systems, economic models and development strategies as strengths.
Security and Cuba
Persad-Bissessar thanked Donald Trump and U.S. security forces for what she described as decisive action against narcotics trafficking and arms smuggling affecting Trinidad and Tobago. She maintained that national security considerations must remain paramount.
On Cuba, Persad-Bissessar acknowledged humanitarian hardships linked to sanctions but called for democratic reform, saying her government would not support authoritarian rule “in Cuba or anywhere else.”
Holness, meanwhile, urged constructive dialogue between Havana and Washington aimed at de-escalation, reform and long-term stability.
“We do not believe long-term stability can exist where economic freedom is constrained and political participation is limited,” he said, while noting Jamaica’s sensitivity to the struggles of the Cuban people.
Regional Governance and Free Movement
Persad-Bissessar also criticized the involvement of governing political parties in election campaigns across CARICOM territories, saying such actions risk creating unnecessary divisions.
Regarding free movement, she reiterated Trinidad and Tobago’s support in principle but said domestic migration challenges prevent immediate full implementation.
Over the next three days, CARICOM leaders are expected to engage in discussions on regional security cooperation, the crisis in Haiti, economic integration under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), climate resilience and disaster risk financing, food and energy security, digital transformation, external trade negotiations, and relations with key international partners.