By Caribbean News Global 
BASSETERRE, St Kitts – At the closing of the 50th regular meeting of the Conference of CARICOM heads of government, chair of CARICOM and prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance M. Drew, reaffirmed the region’s commitment to reparatory justice and CARICOM’s collective commitment to advancing security cooperation and institutional strengthening across the region; endorsed the draft Community Industrial Policy Strategy and Framework (CIPSF); and advised of CARICOM’s intention to provide humanitarian support to Cuba.
Reparatory Justice
Prime Minister Drew announced that heads of government have tasked the prime ministerial subcommittee on reparations with reviewing the revised CARICOM Ten Point Plan for Reparations, a landmark manifesto, and advising on priority actions for upcoming global engagements, including the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Antigua and Barbuda this November and other strategic forums in 2026.
The Ten Point Plan, endorsed by heads of government in July 2014, continues to serve as the guiding framework for negotiations with European nations. Developed by the CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC) under the leadership of Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, the plan outlines a comprehensive path toward justice and healing for the Caribbean.
In November 2025, the CRC made history with a groundbreaking mission to the United Kingdom, strengthening partnerships and launching a joint programme of public education and engagement. This milestone visit underscored CARICOM’s unwavering determination to keep reparations at the forefront of international dialogue.
With renewed energy and strategic focus, CARICOM is amplifying its voice on the global stage and ensuring that the call for reparatory justice resonates across countries and generations.
Regional Security
“On regional security, heads of government commended the high-level representative on law and criminal justice on his fourth report on regional security.”
Leaders also emphasised the importance of legislative and policy reform across the Community. Prime Minister Drew stated:
“They noted the progress made on drafting model legislation and policy papers on criminal justice and legislative reform.”
In addition, CARICOM welcomed international collaboration to enhance policing systems:
“They welcome the offer from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to work with CARICOM to expand and implement a Police Record Management Information System,” stated the CARICOM chair.
Community Industrial Policy Strategy and Framework (CIPSF)
Chair of CARICOM, Dr Drew, announced that the heads of government reaffirmed the need to foster market-led, internationally competitive and sustainable industries that promote both economic and social development across member states.
Suriname, which has responsibility for industrial development in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, spearheaded the development of the CIPSF. The Policy is grounded in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and is intended to promote the development of entities ranging from large to micro businesses.
The document proposes a collaborative model between regional governments and the private sector, targeting 12 industrial ecosystems alongside five cross-cutting enablers.
The 12 eco-systems at the foundation of the Policy are: Agri-Food, Fisheries and Processing; Construction; Culture and Creative Industries; Digitalisation; Education and Human Capital Development; Energy; Health and Wellbeing; Mobility and Transportation; Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises; Non-Food Manufacturing; Research, Development and Innovation; and Tourism.
The CIPSF is well-positioned to make a substantive contribution to renewed economic diversification and cultivating indigenous growth and prosperity by addressing both established industrial sectors and emerging innovative fields and technologies.
CARICOM’s intention to provide humanitarian support to Cuba
Dr Drew, on Friday 27 February, signalled CARICOM’s intention to provide humanitarian support to Cuba in light of the crisis in the Spanish‑speaking country, advised that heads of government discussed the situation in Cuba and agreed that CARICOM will take steps to support humanitarian efforts; explained that the Community is preparing a coordinated response, with a detailed plan to be finalised shortly.
The chairman also addressed developments in Haiti, noting that the political, humanitarian and security situation remains a priority concern for the Community. He said that heads of government received an update from the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on political developments and the security environment in the French‑speaking CARICOM member state.
The EPG will continue its good offices role in Haiti as the country advances toward the holding of democratic elections later this year, prime minister Drew said, highlighting the value of the EPG’s engagement with stakeholder groups. This role, he noted, remains central as Haiti works to restore security and political stability.
CARICOM also reiterated its appreciation to Kenya for assuming leadership of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which has now transitioned into the Gang Suppression Force through United Nations Security Council Resolution 2793.
The Caribbean Community, cognisant of its very close relationship with both Cuba – USA
