Trinidad reserves position as CARICOM leaders reaffirm Caribbean as a ‘zone of peace’

The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have reaffirmed their collective commitment to maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, even as regional tensions rise amid an increased security build-up in parts of the hemisphere.

At their recent high-level discussions, regional leaders reviewed a number of pressing issues on the Caribbean agenda, including the growing militarisation in and around the region and its potential implications for Member States’ sovereignty, stability, and security.

While all Heads agreed to a common statement reinforcing CARICOM’s stance on peace, Trinidad and Tobago reserved its position, signalling its intention to withhold endorsement of the consensus at this time. No specific reason for Port of Spain’s reservation was immediately provided.

According to a communiqué issued following the meeting, CARICOM leaders reaffirmed the principle of maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and engagement in resolving disputes and conflicts.

“CARICOM remains willing to assist towards that objective,” the statement read, highlighting the region’s longstanding commitment to peaceful coexistence and non-intervention.

The Heads also reiterated their continued commitment to combating narcotrafficking and the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons, both of which continue to pose serious threats to regional security. They stressed that efforts to confront these challenges must be rooted in international cooperation and adherence to international law.

Further, CARICOM Heads reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states across the region and for the safety and livelihoods of their people.

The reaffirmation comes at a time when geopolitical tensions in the wider Caribbean basin—including concerns about external military presence and transnational criminal networks—have drawn renewed focus on the region’s collective security posture.

While Trinidad and Tobago’s reservation stood out, the overall consensus among CARICOM leaders reflects a strong commitment to regional unity, peace, and the rule of law as guiding principles for engagement in an increasingly complex global environment.