CASTRIES, Saint Lucia (CMC) — Caribbean Community (Caricom) Chairman and St Lucia Prime Minister Philip J Pierre says the region must move beyond discussion and strengthen collective action to ensure the integration movement continues to deliver tangible benefits for Caribbean people.

In a message marking Caricom Day, Pierre said the community faces a critical period as member states confront climate change, economic uncertainty, food and energy security challenges, crime and security concerns, and the need to create more opportunities for young people.

He said these challenges require a renewed commitment to regional cooperation and integration.

“We must deepen regional integration, improve transportation and connectivity, strengthen food and nutrition security, advance the Caricom Single Market and Economy, embrace digital transformation, support innovation, and ensure that every citizen can feel the benefits of belonging to Caricom in their everyday lives,” Pierre said.

The Caricom chairman said the regional grouping was founded on the belief that Caribbean countries achieve greater success when they work together.

“Caricom has always been more than an institution. It is a promise: a promise that our small states can achieve far more together than we ever could alone; a promise that our people, our cultures, our economies, and our aspirations are strengthened when we work in unity,” he said.

Pierre acknowledged that the Caribbean continues to operate in an increasingly uncertain global environment but said the region has consistently demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity.

“Yet, even in the face of these realities, the Caribbean continues to demonstrate its strength, creativity and resilience. Time and again, our people have shown that we can meet adversity with courage, adapt with determination and move forward with confidence,” he said.

Calling for what he described as a period of renewal, Pierre said Caricom must focus on building “a stronger, fairer, safer, and more prosperous community” capable of delivering meaningful opportunities for its citizens.

He also appealed directly to the region’s youth, urging them to take an active role in shaping Caricom’s future.

“On this Caricom Day, I especially call on our young people to see themselves as leaders, innovators and builders of this Caribbean Community. Our future will be shaped by your ideas, your creativity, your energy, and your belief in what we can achieve together,” he said.

Pierre ended his message by urging Caribbean people to recommit themselves to the founding principles of regional integration.

“Let us recommit ourselves to the founding ideals of Caricom: cooperation, solidarity, shared development, and respect for the dignity of every Caribbean person,” he said.

Caricom was established on July 4, 1973, with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas by Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The regional integration movement now comprises 15 member states and five associate members.