Prime Minister Holness Outlines Human Development, Strategic Partnerships, and Inclusive Growth Must Define CARICOM’s Future
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has urged his colleague members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to embrace a bold, people-centered approach to integration.
Dr. Holness who is now Chairman of the regional body says this people centred approach must be grounded in strategic partnerships and inclusive prosperity, in line with this year’s theme: “People, Partnerships, and Prosperity: Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future.”
Speaking on Sunday (July 6) at the Opening Ceremony for the 49th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, Prime Minister Holness emphasized that the governments of the Caribbean must take charge of the future through stronger institutions and partnerships.
“As we enter into a new order that seems to be emerging in the world, we must be strategic and strengthen our institutions. We must take responsibility for our own destiny.”
Dr. Holness emphasized that people must be at the heart of CARICOM’s development mission, particularly the youth, who make up the majority of the region’s population.
Underscoring that progress cannot be measured solely by economic output but by how well the region supports its people, Prime Minister Holness said access to opportunities and the protection of fundamental needs are crucial elements to embrace.
“Human development must be the center of the integration mission. It must be the center of the development mission, ensuring food security, access to decent work, climate protection, and, importantly, opportunities for our youth, who make up 60% of our population,” the Prime Minister stated.
Unlocking Untapped Potential and Inclusive Prosperity
Highlighting the need to build bridges beyond national borders, the Prime Minister urged stronger intra-regional ties and more deliberate engagement with global partners, particularly Africa and emerging economies.
“We must also focus on partnerships because global progress is built on networks of trust. We need stronger ties within Africa and with strategic global partners in North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East,” he said.
The Prime Minister challenged CARICOM leaders to unlock the untapped potential of the region by deepening internal cooperation, especially in trade, energy, land use, and human resources.
“The resources in CARICOM are not sufficient for us to provide for the needs of our people. Guyana has an abundance of energy and land, Suriname is rich in energy and land, and Jamaica possesses incredible human resources. The emerging global situation must now drive us to pool our resources, strengthen our cooperation, and take decisive action to secure the future we envision.
Prime Minister Holness also underscored that true prosperity must be inclusive and sustainable, touching every part of the region, including Haiti.
“Prosperity must be inclusive. It can’t be for some. It has to be for everyone, including our brothers and sisters in Haiti. It must be sustainable, and it must be resilient,” he stated.
The Prime Minister noted that the future policies of CARICOM, whether institutional, economic, or security-related, must be shaped by the principles of sustainability and resilience to withstand external shocks and promote long-term stability.
Prime Minister Holness made it clear that Jamaica stands ready to work with fellow member states to transform shared aspirations into tangible outcomes, ensuring that the vision of ‘People, Partnerships, and Prosperity’ becomes not just a theme, but a reality for every Caribbean citizen.