Ali calls for unified action on climate, security and movement at CARICOM summit
Published:Tuesday | July 8, 2025 | 12:10 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, president of Guyana, says there is an urgent need for a coordinated regional action to tackle pressing challenges facing the Caribbean, including climate change, national security, and the full implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of the 49th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government, President Ali said that unity and integration are the only viable paths forward for the region.
“There are many different challenges that we as a region have to confront. There is the challenge of climate security, food security, and, of course, national security,” said Ali.
“What we are sure of is that the only way we can get ahead of these challenges is if we work together in an integrated way, ... where policies go beyond national borders and cross borders.”
On crime and security, Ali outlined a four-pronged approach centred around infrastructure, legislative reform, judicial efficiency, and stronger border protection through technology. He said tackling the flow of illegal firearms requires regional coordination and modern tools.
“We must ensure we have the right legal framework. The judicial system must work in an efficient and reliable way. And we must invest in our borders and the technology that will support internal security from the issues that we have at the border, that is illegal firearms and so on coming in ,” he stated.
Turning to free movement of people, Ali noted significant progress in recent months, largely driven by the efforts of Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley. However, he acknowledged that not all member states are moving at the same pace.
FREE MOVEMENT CRITICAL
“Free movement is a critical part of the Single Market and Economy. I have seen great progress in the last couple of months ... . I think there is the appetiser and the commitment,” he said. “Some countries will need more time to transition, I think we are finding the right language and framework to support that transition. Where we are now, we must move forward whilst the transition takes place.”
On the vexed issue of reparations, Ali said there were key discussions at this summit, however, he cautioned against fragmenting the regional position.
“This is an important issue for us as a people and as a region. It’s not an issue for us to have a separate position on. We must have a common agenda, a common purpose, and a common framework of action.”
Addressing the region’s role in climate change, Ali struck a balance between urgency and optimism.
“We are the region most affected by climate change, but also the region that has given the greatest leadership on the issue,” he declared, pointing to Barbados’ efforts to raise climate finance and Guyana’s pioneering work in forest preservation and carbon credits.
Guyana, he added, now co-chairs the global Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership and is launching a Global Biodiversity Alliance, placing the region at the forefront of environmental innovation.
“The region is punching above its weight on every aspect of climate and environment, but we are also the most vulnerable. So we need to keep punching above our weight if we are to survive and succeed,” he said.
Ali’s comments reflect a growing urgency at this year’s CARICOM summit, where leaders are expected to adopt several new regional mechanisms on climate resilience, justice, security, and economic integration.