BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – UNITED NATIONS Secretary-General António Guterres has highlighted the harsh realities facing the Caribbean, emphasizing that the region remains locked out of international decision-making—not by its own doing, but due to lingering colonial structures.
Speaking at the opening of the 48th Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Barbados on Monday (Feb 19), Guterres outlined the significant challenges confronting the region. These include:
- Geopolitical tensions fueling global uncertainty
- The lasting socio-economic scars of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Rising debt and interest rates, compounded by surging living costs
- A relentless wave of climate disasters that erode development gains and strain national budgets
Despite not being responsible for these crises, Caribbean nations are left to bear their impact, Guterres stressed.
“And all this while you remain locked out of many international institutions – one of the many legacies of colonialism today,” he stated.
For decades, regional leaders have advocated for greater representation in global decision-making, yet progress has been slow.
Guterres also addressed the ongoing crisis in Haiti, emphasizing the urgent need for unity to restore peace and security. He condemned the continued crime and violence, noting that gangs are inflicting "intolerable suffering" on Haiti’s desperate and fearful population.
“We must keep working for a political process – owned and led by the Haitians – that restores democratic institutions through elections,” he urged.
He further announced his intention to report to the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Haiti, including proposals for the UN’s role in stabilizing the country.
“I will present a proposal similar to the one for Somalia, where the UN assumes responsibility for the structural and logistical costs of deploying security forces, while salaries are covered through an existing trust fund,” he explained.
On climate change, Guterres described the situation as a "deplorable injustice," reiterating that while Caribbean nations contribute minimally to the crisis, they suffer disproportionately from its devastating effects.
“Together, you have fought tooth and nail for the global commitment to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. This year, countries must deliver new national climate action plans, ahead of COP30, that align with that goal, with the G20 – the big polluters – leading the way.”,” he declared.
Acknowledging the region’s relentless advocacy for climate action, he urged countries—particularly the world’s biggest polluters—to deliver on their commitments to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Guterres also expressed optimism that the international community will follow through on its $1.3 trillion pledge for Loss and Damage funding, agreed upon at COP29.
The CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting continues this week, with regional leaders expected to discuss strategies for greater economic resilience, security cooperation, and climate adaptation.
