PM Drew Holds Consultations with Jamaican PM Holness Ahead of CARICOM Summit

Regional Leaders Convene in Jamaica

Prime Minister Dr. Terrance M. Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis, in his capacity as the current Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held high-level regional consultations with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on February 19, 2026. The meeting took place in Jamaica, specifically in the capital, Kingston, as part of a series of diplomatic engagements ahead of the upcoming 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM.

Discussions on Regional Unity and Geopolitical Shifts

The consultations between the two Caribbean leaders focused on critical issues facing the region. Discussions centered on strengthening regional unity amidst evolving geopolitical shifts and their implications for small island developing states. Both Prime Ministers underscored the importance of CARICOM as a genuine community, bound by shared history, economic interdependence, security cooperation, and coordinated disaster response.

Prime Minister Drew emphasized the necessity of face-to-face engagements for building consensus among regional leaders. He stated, 'Our discussions were frank and forward-looking, focused on the pressing issues affecting our region. As Chairman, I believe these face-to-face engagements are critical. Consensus cannot be built from a distance. It requires dialogue, trust, and shared purpose.' He also met with other senior members of the Jamaican government, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson-Smith.

Preparation for the 50th CARICOM Summit

This meeting forms a crucial part of Prime Minister Drew's ongoing diplomatic outreach. As the incoming Chairman of CARICOM, succeeding Prime Minister Holness, Dr. Drew is undertaking these consultations to ensure alignment on key regional issues before leaders convene. The 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM is scheduled to be hosted in Saint Kitts and Nevis from February 24–27, 2026.

Matters expected to be discussed at the upcoming summit, and therefore likely touched upon during these consultations, include:

• Regional security
• Geopolitical tensions
• Economic resilience
• Climate adaptation
• Strengthening the collective voice of the Caribbean on the global stage

Prime Minister Drew's proactive strategy aims to position the 50th Regular Meeting as a defining moment for regional unity, strategic repositioning, and collective advancement.