By Earl Bousquet

WHILE sharing global attention that’s shifted from the uncertain search for Peace in the Middle East to the frantic search, rescue and recovery efforts in Venezuela after its twin June 24, 2026 earthquakes, Guyana’s President and fellow Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders are also readying for their 51st Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia next week.
For obvious reasons, the age-old Guyana-Venezuela border controversy is not likely to be on the cards at the July 5-8 Saint Lucia summit.
But contentious issues like Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s insistence that CARICOM Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett’s reappointment last February in St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN) was either irregular or illegal, will be inescapable.
The CARICOM conference in Saint Lucia comes ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held November 1-4 in Antigua & Barbuda.
An international reparations conference in Ghana (June 17-19) launched a joint ‘Manifesto for Enlightenment of Humanity’ – an upgraded version of an original CARICOM 10-Point Plan (TPP) outlining their common goal of having Britain, France and other European nations that profited from the trans-Atlantic Slave Trade atone, in cash and kind, for their roles in centuries of commission of the Gravest Crime Against Humanity.
The African Union (AU) and CARICOM are closely watching the political situation unfolding in the UK ahead of the CHOGM, now that a general election may be closer-than-ever in Britain, which heads the Commonwealth of mainly former British colonies worldwide – especially Africa and The Caribbean.
Next week’s CARICOM summit is likely to focus on regional issues of immediate urgency, including a common response to Venezuela’s latest plight, Guyana’s insistence that regional partners treat its businesses equally and continuing efforts by the US and European union (EU) to impose immigration policies that don’t seem to treat CARICOM nations fairly.
Incoming CARICOM Chair, Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, is as concerned about global developments — near and far — as his regional peers, but has often signalled that his emphasis during his six-month stint in the chair will be “to do all I can to bring CARICOM closer to the people.”
Pierre told local journalists he simply wants to see CARICOM leaders “communicate more” — like their predecessors did in the 1980s and 1990s.
In his latest such appeal last week, the incoming Chairman said: “I simply wish we [Heads of Government] would pick-up the phone and call each other more regularly, like it used to be in the old days…”
The theme for the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting is: “From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World.”
But, while not under-playing the import of regional issues highlighted by and in the regional press, Pierre is also interested in ensuring his colleagues pay more attention to “urgent matters that affect the region’s people – like Climate Change, Environmental and Sustainable Development issues…”
The incoming Chairman holds lead responsibility for Sustainable Development (including Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Water) within the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet.
In this regard, with the region’s water resources facing increasing challenges, he’s developed a passion for advocating “water harvesting” – simply collecting water from rooftops, “instead of allowing it to be sucked into the ground.”
He’s also guided and coordinated regional action on climate resilience, ocean governance, disaster risk management and water security, while advancing the Community’s advocacy in global environmental decision-making.
Other achievements include adoption of the CARICOM Environment and Natural Resources Policy Framework in 2025.
The Framework forms part of the Caribbean Community Single Market and Economy (CSME) architecture and provides a regional basis for co-operation among member-states in the protection, conservation and sustainable use of natural resources to support economic development.
Demonstrating his ability to link the dimensions of development to target the pressing needs of the Region, in the Foreword to the Policy Framework, Prime Minister Pierre notes: “I believe that our youth play a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability.
“I also believe that the environmental sector offers many opportunities which, when coupled with relevant skills and training, can allow young people to secure sustainable livelihoods in sectors that are linked to nature and the environment, including Environmental Sciences, Agriculture and Tourism.”
The incoming chair may also have some notes to exchange with colleagues on fiscal prudence in difficult economic times, from how his administration has consistently protected citizens from the ongoing effects of the constantly-rising costs of fuel and cooking gas.
For example (at a calculation rate of US $1 = EC $2.71):
• One imperial gallon of gasoline remains at EC $16.75
• A 20lb. cylinder costs $34.00 — instead of $69.40 (Government absorbing $35.46 of the costs);
• A 22lb. cylinder costs $38.00 — instead of $76.41 (Government absorbing $38.41 per cylinder); and
• A 100lb. cylinder costs $288.50 — instead of $347.32 (Government absorbing $58.82 per tank)
Monthly sittings of the nation’s parliament (House of Assembly and Senate) also normally feature legislation lowering taxes or removing Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential food items and building supplies — even cutting taxes on outstanding payments to government by 50%.
On the international stage, Prime Minister Pierre advocates for climate justice, economic fairness and stronger regional co-operation within forums such as CARICOM.
According to the CARICOM Secretariat’s website: “His diplomatic approach emphasises partnership, mutual respect, and the advancement of shared interests among small island states.”
The Conference kicks-off at 06:30hrs on Sunday July 5, with the 19th CARICOM Road Run/Walk in Gros Islet, when and where professional and amateur athletes from Member -states and Associate Members will compete.
The opening ceremony at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Resort in Gros Islet is also on Sunday — and the conference starts Monday, July 6 at the same venue.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.