Today, Barbados rose as one to say farewell to our Sir Garry.
As his casket passed beneath a salute of raised bats and entered Kensington one final time, the nation gave him its standing ovation. I laid a wreath as Prime Minister, but my heart said goodbye without office, title or protocol. Just Mia, saying farewell to my hero, my mentor and my friend.
The world called you the greatest. We were blessed to call you ours.
Go well, Sir Garry. Well played. Well lived. Well loved.
@CARICOMorg This statement does not say anything. The heads of governments are trying to please the US. Transit is a cover to keep citizens calm. The TNCs not going anywhere, they are staying right here. You are beginning to give us make up stories like Trump.
STATEMENT OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) ON THE REAPPOINTMENT OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL
During the Retreat of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) held on 06 July 2026, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago maintained its objection to the process used in the reappointment of the Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
CARICOM acknowledged that the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago desires to have the issue of the reappointment of the SG referred to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to render an Advisory Opinion thereon. To facilitate this request, the Community agrees to commence proceedings to secure such advisory opinion in accordance with Article 212 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
The Community acknowledged that this is the very purpose for which the CCJ was created – to be a treaty interpretation body.
The Community further agreed that the status quo with respect to the re-appointment of the Secretary General shall remain unless and until the Community considers the said Advisory Opinion from the CCJ.
The Community agreed that this way forward allows for this matter to be resolved in an amicable manner, without prejudice to the ability of the Community to conduct its affairs.
In this context, the Community reaffirmed that the ongoing review of its governance architecture is part of the broader mandate, agreed at the previous Conference in St. Kitts and Nevis, to strengthen the governance of the Community and enhance its effectiveness.
The Heads of Government further underscored that this process does not impugn the integrity of any Member State or individual; rather it reflects the Community’s collective commitment to continuous institutional improvement with the highest standards of good governance.
The Heads of Government have reaffirmed their commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Community and will continue to move forward in unity to advance the interests of the Region during these difficult times, recognizing the myriad of challenges the Community faces currently.
Message from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on the Devastating Earthquakes in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) expresses deep condolences over the tragic loss of life, the growing number of injuries, and the extensive damage to infrastructure and homes as a result of the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday, 24 June, 2026.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela during this time of immense grief and offer prayers for a swift recovery to the injured and displaced.
CARICOM commends the tireless efforts of the emergency personnel, first responders, and citizens working under challenging conditions to rescue survivors and provide vital assistance.
CARICOM wishes the people of Venezuela strength and resilience as they navigate this tragedy and begin the difficult process of recovery and reconstruction.
25 June 2026
My friends, today Barbados helped to launch something truly important for our country, for the Caribbean and for all climate vulnerable nations.
Here in Vienna, together with the OPEC Fund and our CVF V20 family, we launched the Vulnerability to Viability Compact. That may sound technical, so let me bring it home.
This Compact is about making sure countries like Barbados can access finance that is fairer, more affordable and better suited to the future we are trying to build. It means longer repayment terms, stronger partnerships and investment that follows the priorities of our people.
Every Bajan knows what resilience looks like. It is the school that must remain safe through storms. It is the clinic that must keep serving families when pressure comes. It is the water system that must hold strong through drought, flooding and rising costs. These are not luxuries. These are the foundations of dignity.
For too long, climate vulnerable countries have carried burdens we did not create, while trying to build modern, confident societies with financial tools that were never designed for our reality. Today, we are helping to change that.
Barbados is showing that small size does not mean small ambition. We are standing with 74 climate vulnerable economies, representing 1.7 billion people, to say that our development must be planned by us, led by us and supported in ways that make sense.
This is about hope, yes, but it is also about delivery. It is about giving our children stronger systems, safer communities and a country that can face the future with confidence.
I am proud to say that Barbados came to the table with purpose. Barbados came with solutions. Today, Barbados helped move the world forward.
Once again, Hayley stands at the very top of world cricket as the No. 1 ranked women's T201 all-rounder in the world.
She does so not only as a Barbadian, but as captain of the West Indies.
From the little girl who dared to play with and captain the boys, to the woman now leading on the world stage, Hayley has always shown that Barbadian hunger, discipline and belief in excellence.
In a country that gave cricket Sir Garfield Sobers and so many greats, Hayley is writing her own powerful chapter for our women, our girls, our cricketers, and our Caribbean people.
Hayley, continue to lead. Continue to inspire. Continue to show the world what Barbados can produce.
We are so proud of you @MyNameIs_Hayley