Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s pointed remarks at the 50th Meeting of Caricom Heads of Government have exposed a widening and troubling rift between T&T and the Caribbean Community. While she reaffirmed that this country remains “vested” in Caricom, her declaration that this country will no longer bind itself to the region’s political ideologies, foreign policy positions, or security frameworks signals a profound shift in tone—and perhaps in trajectory.
No responsible government can be faulted for prioritising sovereignty or national security. T&T faces real and pressing threats, particularly from transnational crime, illegal trafficking and the destabilising spillover effects of Venezuela’s crisis. The Prime Minister’s argument that crime fuelled by narcotics and firearms smuggled across our borders has cost hundreds of lives cannot be dismissed lightly. Nor can the immense social and economic burden posed by illegal migration be ignored.
However, Caricom was never built on the illusion that its members would surrender sovereignty. Rather, it was founded on the principle that small states, acting together, are stronger than when acting alone. For more than five decades, Caricom has provided a platform for collective diplomacy, economic integration and security cooperation—precisely because the region’s individual nations lack the size and influence to confront global powers or regional crises independently.
It is, therefore, deeply concerning that public recriminations are now overshadowing quiet diplomacy. The Prime Minister’s criticism of Caricom’s alleged “silence” during threats from Venezuela, her gratitude to the United States military for security support, and her accusations regarding the Brent Thomas affair have drawn sharp responses from fellow leaders.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s firm rejection of the “kidnapping” characterisation and Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s reminder of Caricom’s mediation efforts illustrate how quickly misunderstandings can harden into diplomatic fractures.
Such disputes, when aired on public stages, risk eroding trust among neighbours who have historically relied on mutual goodwill. Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s caution that disagreements are best resolved privately reflects a longstanding Caribbean tradition: debate vigorously behind closed doors, but present unity to the outside world. That tradition exists for good reason.
The Caribbean today faces one of the most uncertain geopolitical climates in modern history. In such an environment, fragmentation is a luxury the Caribbean cannot afford.
It is also important to recognise that Caricom is not a monolith. Member states have always pursued their own foreign policies while cooperating on shared interests.
T&T has been one of Caricom’s principal pillars. This country’s energy resources, financial strength and strategic location have been indispensable to regional development. Likewise, T&T has benefited from access to regional markets, skilled labour and collective advocacy on the international stage.
What is urgently required is calm, candid and constructive dialogue. Legitimate grievances must be addressed. Caricom, for its part, must demonstrate responsiveness, transparency and solidarity when member states face threats. T&T, meanwhile, must ensure that its frustrations do not translate into disengagement.
The Caribbean has endured because of its unity. At a time when the world is becoming more volatile and unpredictable, unity is not optional—it is essential. Regional leaders must move swiftly to repair strained relationships and affirm the cooperative spirit that has sustained Caricom for half a century. The alternative—a divided Caribbean navigating global turmoil alone—is too dangerous to contemplate.
