Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has pledged to restart the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), a plan to boost trade, movement, and cooperation among Caribbean countries. This effort had been paused for five years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking as the new Chair of CARICOM, Mottley stressed that resuming the CSME is not just about economics but about creating opportunities and unity for everyone in the region.”Five years on from the pandemic, we must resume this noble mission,” she declared. “Our collective prosperity depends on it.”

She reminded leaders and citizens that the Caribbean can only thrive if everyone works together. “Our home in this region will only be as good as we collectively make it,” she said, reiterating her belief in CARICOM’s potential to drive growth and resilience.

However, some concerns remain. For example, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to CARICOM, Dr. Clarence Henry, last year, raised concerns that allowing unrestricted movement of people across the region could put too much pressure on public services. While Antigua has supported the movement of skilled workers, broader mobility has been a challenge.

Mottley also talked about the importance of producing more food locally through the “Vision 25 by 2025” program, which aims to reduce food imports by 25% by 2025. She encouraged leaders to invest wisely and work together to build a stronger regional economy.

On the issue of crime, Mottley pointed to the Georgetown Declaration on citizen safety as an important step. She announced that CARICOM will hold meetings in St. Kitts and Nevis soon to strengthen policing and justice systems across the region. “The Caribbean must remain a zone of peace,” she affirmed. “This is our collective responsibility.”

The Prime Minister also promised to take on global financial challenges, like unfair practices that hurt small countries and make it harder for them to get loans.

Looking ahead, Mottley called for more focus on renewable energy, technology, and innovation. She emphasized the need to prepare young people to lead the way in creating a better future. “Building a resilient, prosperous, and united Caribbean is not just the job of governments—it is the responsibility of every citizen,” she concluded. “Together, we can create a brighter future for our region.”