As the curtain falls on 2024, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, delivered an end-of-year address that encapsulated a year of achievements, challenges, and aspirations for the region. The address highlighted CARICOM’s agenda of deepening regional integration and enhancing the welfare of its citizens, set against a backdrop of global uncertainties and local challenges.
According to Dr Barnett, in 2024, significant strides were made toward the advancement of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), under the guidance of the Conference of Heads of Government. This initiative sought to enhance economic integration among CARICOM member states, fostering collaboration, and enabling smoother trade relations. The concerted efforts aimed to streamline processes that would ultimately lead to a more unified economic landscape in the region.
The year also saw a focused commitment to improving food and nutrition security through the “25 by 2025” initiative. This program targeted the critical vulnerability of food imports by emphasizing the enhancement of local agricultural production. By increasing self-sufficiency, member states aimed to bolster food security and improve nutritional outcomes for their populations, demonstrating a proactive approach to one of the region’s most pressing challenges.
Additionally, CARICOM leaders reportedly prioritized improvements in transportation networks, enhancing both air and maritime systems to facilitate the movement of goods and people across member states. This infrastructure enhancement aimed to increase regional connectivity, further driving economic growth and cooperation. In tandem with these initiatives, efforts to combat crime and violence were intensified, focusing on collaborative strategies to bolster regional security. Collectively, said the Secretary-General, these accomplishments reflect a commitment to fostering a more integrated and secure CARICOM community while addressing the pressing needs of its member states.
Dr. Barnett expressed optimism for the future, calling for continued collaboration with various stakeholders, including government leaders, the private sector, and civil society, to solidify integration efforts. As the Bureau of the Conference transitions to Barbados, Grenada, and Jamaica effective January 1, 2025, she emphasized the importance of unity and shared commitment in facing the challenges ahead.
In closing, Dr. Barnett extended heartfelt thanks to the staff of the CARICOM Secretariat for their dedication and hard work. She conveyed her wishes for peace, success, and prosperity in the coming year, underscoring the spirit of resilience and cooperation that defines the Caribbean community.
“I wish for all peace, success, and prosperity in 2025, and safety during the Season’s festivities,” stated Dr Barnett, in closing.
CARICOM is one of the worst natural disaster to hit Dominica. It has turned Dominica into a den of thieves and prostitution.
Braying like a jack DON KEY for 24 years with many more braying days to come from those blue jacks.
CARICOM is a replica of the United Nations -lame duck/paper tiger/toothless dog. Both over-promise and under-deliver.
There is absolutely nothing to crow about what CARICOM has done during this present year. Its scorecard is an abysmal failure.
*Haiti has descended into total madness/anarchy
*Poverty has quadrupled. More people have been forced below the poverty line
*NCDs have multiplied
*The crime rate is mind-bogglingly unacceptable
*The national debt for most member countries is astronomical
*Partisan/Tribal politics has caused eternal division between citizens
This embellished assessment of Caricom’s performance should be brushed aside. It’s spurious!