Mia Mottley pushes for regional sea, air cargo revolution at CARICOM summit

WESTERN BUREAU

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has declared that the Caribbean is on the cusp of a long-overdue transportation breakthrough, urging regional leaders to demonstrate the political will needed to finally democratise movement across the region.

Speaking with conviction at Sunday’s opening ceremony of the 49th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government, hosted at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Mottley revealed that member states are now taking concrete steps to solve the chronic challenges of intra-regional transport.

The Heads of Government meeting, which is being chaired by Jamaica, under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness is taking place under the theme 'People, Partnerships, Prosperity- Promoting a Secure, and Sustainable Future'.

“I am happy to report that there are at least two Caribbean member states that are now in the process of looking to acquire cargo planes to help us overcome the very difficult prospect of the movement of goods within this region,” Mottley announced to rousing applause from delegates.

For decades, Caribbean nations have grappled with the high costs and logistical inefficiencies associated with transporting both goods and people between islands. Mottley’s comments signalled a renewed effort to address those concerns with solutions driven by both governments and the private sector.

“Equally, I anticipate that at this meeting at Montego Bay, we are going to have the presentation of the entire island regional ferry from the private sector,” she added. “And at this point it is up to us to determine whether we have the political will to finally ensure that we democratise travel through ships, yet again in this region.”

With her characteristic blend of historical insight and forward-looking vision, Mottley, who has led CARICOM as chairman over the last six months, reminded her colleagues of the region’s legacy of maritime connection, one that has been neglected in favour of costly air travel.

“Knowing full well that the Federal Maple and the Federal Palm, these were examples of it many decades ago, and that we have allowed ourselves to become purely at the mercy of air travel — without recognising that as islands in the Caribbean Sea, we have the ability to reach each other in good time and cheaper fares than if we only use air to connect our region.”

Her remarks struck a chord with regional stakeholders long frustrated by the collapse of air carriers such as LIAT, the limited affordability of commercial flights, and the impact of disrupted trade routes on food security.

Mottley’s call was not just a logistical plea but a pointed challenge to the region’s political leadership.

“At the heart of it all,” she urged, “is the question of political will. The capacity to change our fortunes lies in our hands.”

The 49th CARICOM Summit comes at a critical time, as the region seeks to deepen integration, strengthen economic resilience, and craft joint responses to global shocks, all of which hinge on improved connectivity.

The bold initiatives hinted at by Prime Minister Mottley now shift the spotlight onto the region’s collective resolve: will Caribbean leaders rise to meet the moment?

Ashley Anguin