AS we bid farewell to 2023, it is a moment of reflection and celebration for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which has navigated a year of significant progress in advancing its integration movement.

The pinnacle of this journey was the jubilant celebration of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the signing of the original Treaty of Chaguaramas, a historic moment that laid the foundation for our united path forward.

Under the resonant theme, “50 Years Strong: A Solid Foundation to Build On,” we paused to reflect on the monumental achievements since 1973. This introspective pause served as a reaffirmation of our commitment to the visionary ideals of our Founding Fathers for a prosperous and unified community.

A momentous decision was made at the 45th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Trinidad and Tobago in July. The commitment to work towards the free movement of all CARICOM nationals within the Community and the advancement of measures to establish a regional capital market demonstrated a collective determination to deepen integration.

The “25 by 2025” food security initiative gained momentum, with several Member States implementing crucial measures to reduce our food-import bill and enhance food and nutrition security for our people. The Caribbean Week of Agriculture, held in The Bahamas in April, facilitated focused engagement with the private sector, and a crucial Memorandum of Understanding with the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture promises further strides in combating food and nutrition insecurity.

The challenges of regional security were met head-on as we faced escalating threats to our borders. Intensive efforts, including interventions by the CARICOM-appointed Eminent Persons Group (EPG), demonstrated our commitment to finding solutions to the multi-dimensional crisis in Haiti and restoring peace and stability.

The Framework Agreement, arising from five consultations with stakeholders, provides a transitional governance arrangement for Haiti, with consensus on several draft aspects.

The transition to renewable energy and increased energy efficiency received a boost with a $20 million funding injection from USAID through the Caribbean Climate Investment Program. A Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Climate Change and the Climate Finance Agenda now coordinates and oversees preparations for international climate change and finance negotiations.

CARICOM’s pursuit of targeted regional and international partnerships yielded a significant outcome with the opening of the CARICOM headquarters of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in Barbados. This development aims to expand Africa-Caribbean trade and investment relations in critical economic sectors.

The challenges and triumphs of the past year underscore the importance of acting collectively to make the impactful strides needed for CARICOM’s integration movement. Gratitude is extended to Heads of Government, leaders throughout the Community, and the CARICOM Secretariat staff for their invaluable contributions to our mandate.

Fellow CARICOM citizens, our collective will and action will pave the way for a prosperous, healthy, and safe “Community for All.” As we usher in the New Year, let us renew the commitment to this goal.