Posted: Saturday, April 5, 2025. 7:48 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: In a powerful address, Mia Amor Mottley, Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Prime Minister of Barbados, delivered a sobering message to the Caribbean region about the mounting global crises threatening the stability of the world and the region.
Mottley’s remarks painted a stark picture of the challenges facing the Caribbean.
“The reality is, our world is in crisis. These are among the most challenging times our region has faced since the majority of our members gained independence,”
Mottley stated in her address. “In fact, it is the most difficult period the world has faced since the end of World War II.”
Mottley highlighted the convergence of several global crises, including the intensifying climate catastrophe, a rising cost-of-living crisis exacerbated by disruptions to global supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rising wave of misinformation and disinformation plaguing societies worldwide. She also pointed to the mental health crisis affecting the youth in the Caribbean and the global rise in crime and fear.
“We are fighting wars in the Holy Land, in Europe, and in Africa. Countries are distrustful of each other, and neighbors are distrustful of neighbors. The international order, my friends, is in great danger of collapse,” Mottley warned. “Now, we are on the precipice of a global trade war.”
Mottley drew attention to the Caribbean’s vulnerability in the global economy, pointing out the region’s heavy reliance on imports. She emphasized that the ongoing global trade tensions, particularly between the United States and China, would directly affect prices in the Caribbean. “A US $1 million to $1.5 million levy on all Chinese-made ships entering US harbors will mean higher prices for all of us. Whether it’s at the corner shop, the supermarket, the electronics store, or the restaurant, it will impact each and every one of us,” she said.
Addressing Caribbean citizens directly, Mottley emphasized that no one, regardless of their occupation or location, would remain unaffected by these global shifts. “A lot of Caribbean people think these problems are far away and do not impact them. But the reality is, if you buy food, if you buy electronics, if you buy clothes, it will impact you.”
The CARICOM Chair acknowledged the region’s small economies, which are at the mercy of global price fluctuations, and warned of the cascading effects of the ongoing trade tensions. “This crisis will impact not only goods but may also have a large spillover effect on tourism. We need to act now to safeguard our tourism industry,” Mottley urged, calling for the private sector and governments to collaborate on a strategy to protect the region’s tourism market share.
Mottley expressed concern over the possibility of a continued lack of global cooperation, stating, “I pray that I’m wrong, and I pray that cooler heads prevail across the world, but I truly do not have confidence that this will happen.”
To navigate these turbulent times, Mottley laid out several key actions for the Caribbean to take:
Engage with the United States: “We must re-engage urgently, directly, and at the highest possible level with our friends in the United States,” she urged, reminding the U.S. that the Caribbean has historically been a loyal partner, particularly through initiatives like the Caribbean Basin Initiative.
Unity within the Region: “We must not fight among each other for political gain,” Mottley said, stressing the importance of solidarity. “United, we stand and divided, we fall.”
Invest in Local Production: Mottley called for the region to intensify efforts to boost local agricultural production and light manufacturing. She highlighted the “25 by 2025” initiative and emphasized the importance of producing more locally. “We must grow our own and produce our own as much as possible,” she stated.
Diversify Trade Partners: The Caribbean should expand its trade relationships beyond traditional markets, particularly focusing on Africa, Latin America, and Europe, Mottley suggested. “We must not rely solely on one or two markets.”
Despite the challenges, Mottley expressed optimism, urging the region to come together. “In every global political and economic crisis, there is always an opportunity. If we come together, put divisions aside, and support our small businesses and producers, we will emerge stronger,” she declared.
Her message to the people of the Caribbean was clear: buy local and regional, support each other, and harness the collective strength of the Caribbean spirit. “Buy local, buy regional. The products are better, fresher, and more competitive. If we work together, we can ride through this crisis,” Mottley concluded.
In a final appeal to the United States, Mottley reminded the U.S. government that the Caribbean is not a threat but a long-standing partner. “We are not your enemy. We are your friends,” she said, urging leaders to consider the deep family and cultural ties that link the Caribbean and the United States.
Concluding her address, Mottley offered words of hope for the region. “Our forefathers faced tribulations far worse than we will ever do, and yes, they came through it. My friends, we can make it. We shall make it. God bless our Caribbean civilization.”
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
The post CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley calls for Regional unity and action amidst global crises appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Saturday, April 5, 2025. 7:48 am CST. By Zoila Palma: In a powerful address, Mia Amor Mottley, Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Prime
The post CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley calls for Regional unity and action amidst global crises appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
