Confidence in our community is crucial – among our citizens, member states and international partners – particularly at this juncture where we are seeking to diversify our partnership and development support.

I reaffirm, at the outset, that Jamaica is not by this letter seeking to overturn the decision taken in February 2026 to reappoint Dr Carla Barnett as Secretary General of CARICOM.

Jamaica looks forward to continued and renewed engagement…in the hope that our community will advance in a spirit of unity, transparency and solidarity – principles which are the cornerstone of our regional integration project.

It has become clear that we were not all on the same page. Therefore, it is important that any concerns be addressed in a meaningful manner to restore cohesion, if not unity, which is indispensable to the effective functioning of CARICOM.

This is a project that we consider to be in the national interest.

The project required specialised equipment – piling equipment that had to drive piles a hundred and odd feet into the ground to make sure that the foundation of the bridge is stable.

His election signifies a new chapter for the Vincentian people.