CARICOM: Not Fragmented, Despite Differences
CARICOM Chair and St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew says the regional bloc remains united despite divergent national stances on geopolitical tensions. The remarks come as Trinidad & Tobago signalled a different approach on security and Venezuela, and as the British Virgin Islands pursues full CARICOM membership.
CARICOM Chair and St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew insisted the regional grouping remains intact after a recent Heads of Government meeting, despite sharp differences among member states over foreign policy and security issues. "CARICOM is not experiencing any levels of fragmentation," Dr Drew said, acknowledging that member states do not share a single, monolithic foreign policy and that sovereign governments have latitude to pursue their own diplomatic positions.
He said that diversity of views "can actually enrich CARICOM, but it does not fracture CARICOM." Dr Drew also rejected the idea that regional decisions on major geopolitical matters should override national interests. "I don’t think anything will override anybody’s national interests," he said, arguing that debates about matters such as foreign military presence offer opportunities for the Community to strengthen itself rather than divide it.
The meeting took place against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the hemisphere — involving the United States, Venezuela and Cuba — and reports earlier this year of U.S. military actions against Venezuelan territory that prompted widespread diplomatic reactions. Most CARICOM governments have publicly urged dialogue and de-escalation in response to the wider crisis.
But Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar broke with many neighbours, saying the region had remained silent while Venezuela made repeated territorial claims against her country. She argued that CARICOM’s "zone of peace" posture had not adequately protected smaller states from security threats and said her government favoured stronger cooperation with the United States on issues such as trafficking and violence.
Other CARICOM leaders have pushed for a strictly multilateral and peaceful regional approach, underscoring the differences in strategy. For the British Virgin Islands, these dynamics matter. The territory is taking steps to become a full CARICOM member, and the course CARICOM takes on security cooperation, diplomatic engagement and regional defence will shape the BVI’s options for partnership and protection.
BVI officials and residents will be watching whether the bloc’s flexibility accommodates the territory’s small size and unique governance arrangements while upholding collective principles. Caricom’s leadership emphasised unity through diversity rather than forced consensus, with Dr Drew describing "fracturing" as "a very, very strong word at this particular time." As the BVI advances its bid for membership, the coming months of CARICOM activity and debate will be closely observed by territorial leaders and the public alike.
Primary source: BVI News