{"id":356769,"date":"2026-02-11T17:00:43","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T21:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=356769"},"modified":"2026-02-11T17:00:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T21:00:43","slug":"caricom-chairman-pm-terrance-drew-speaks-on-visit-to-pm-skerrit-ahead-of-50th-caricom-h-o-g-gathering-with-audio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/homepage-carousel\/caricom-chairman-pm-terrance-drew-speaks-on-visit-to-pm-skerrit-ahead-of-50th-caricom-h-o-g-gathering-with-audio\/","title":{"rendered":"CARICOM Chairman PM Terrance Drew speaks on visit to PM Skerrit, ahead of 50th CARICOM H.O.G gathering (with audio)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerri (L), Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew. Photo: OPM Dominica<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In a high-level meeting earlier today, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica and Prime Minister Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis engaged in discussion emphasizing the vital importance of regional unity and cooperation within CARICOM.<\/p>\n

According to the Office of the Prime Minister, the leaders highlighted the significant role that the Caribbean Community plays in fostering coordinated responses to shared challenges faced by member states, especially amid evolving regional and global issues.<\/p>\n

They also discussed the preparations for the upcoming 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Conference, scheduled for February 24-27, in St. Kitts and Nevis.<\/p>\n

During a follow-up media interview, PM Drew detailed the main points of the upcoming\u00a0 landmark CARICOM meeting,\u00a0 as “issues<\/span><\/span>\u00a0that really are to advance integration,<\/span><\/span>\u00a0issues of trade,<\/span><\/span>\u00a0issues of all relations<\/span><\/span> within the CARICOM as an entity.”<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

When probed on more controversial topics affecting the region within recent times, such as U.S.-Venezuelan tension, and visa issuance under the current administration, the prime minister emphasized that his approach will be one of Caribbean leaders coming to consensus about the new geopolitical reality.<\/p>\n

“I’ve always said,<\/span><\/span>\u00a0no chairman is the president or prime minister of CARICOM,” he asserted.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Touching on CBI programs in the region, which have come under heavy scrutiny, the St Kitts leader is of the view that they are beneficial and equal access across the board, as well as addressing challenges as a unit, will contribute to the continued viability of the programs.<\/p>\n

Drew also conveyed admiration for Prime Minister Skerrit’s insights, particularly his assertion that the principles of CARICOM are more relevant now than at its founding, stressing that collective effort and solidarity are essential in navigating contemporary challenges facing the region.<\/p>\n

When asked about his visit to the Nature Isle, he responded, \u00a0“I love the naturalness of Dominica.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0I mean, you just can’t take that away.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0It’s beautiful.”<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Skerrit commended PM Drew on his in-person visits to CARICOM heads of State prior to the general meeting, characterizing it as a “noble decision.”<\/p>\n

Skerrit confirmed that Dominica’s first Parliamentary session of 2026 will convene on February 23.<\/p>\n

Listen to the full audio below:<\/p>\n