CARICOM Reaffirms Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace” Amid Security Concerns

The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have expressed growing concern over what they describe as an “increased security build up in the Caribbean,” warning that such developments could have serious implications for regional stability.

Meeting this week to discuss a wide range of issues on the regional agenda, the leaders, with the exception of Trinidad and Tobago, which reserved its position, reaffirmed their shared vision of maintaining the Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace.”

In a statement issued, CARICOM emphasized “the importance of dialogue and engagement towards the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflict,” and reiterated the Community’s readiness to “assist towards that objective.”

The regional body also reaffirmed its “continued commitment to fighting narcotrafficking and the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons which adversely affect the Region.” The Heads underscored that such efforts “should be through ongoing international cooperation and within international law.”

CARICOM leaders further stated their “unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the Region and the safety and livelihoods of the people of the Region.”

While the statement did not name any specific country or external actor, the comments come amid heightened military and security activity in parts of the Caribbean, including U.S.-led operations and renewed regional debates about foreign intervention and border disputes.

CARICOM’s reaffirmation of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace echoes long-standing regional principles first articulated in the 1979 Havana Declaration, which called for the Caribbean to remain free of military confrontation and external interference.