Former Dominica Ambassador to the United Nations, Crispin Gregoire, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), suggesting that the regional body has lost much of its original strength and purpose.
Speaking on the current state of regional affairs, Gregoire argued that CARICOM is no longer the strong advocate it once was for key principles such as non-alignment, regional cooperation, and maintaining the Caribbean as a zone of peace.
“I think that CARICOM has been sort of reduced to a shell of what it used to be… all of these things seem to me to be in crisis,” Gregoire stated.
He expressed concern that the region is increasingly vulnerable to external influence, particularly in relation to international military and geopolitical developments. According to Gregoire, the weakening of CARICOM’s collective stance has limited its ability to respond effectively to global pressures.
“The zone of peace is already in shambles because the U.S. is in the region with warships… poised to do further military interventions,” he said.
Gregoire also pointed to what he described as a lack of unity among CARICOM member states, noting that differing positions on international issues have made it difficult for the bloc to present a cohesive voice on the global stage.
He suggested that this fragmentation undermines the region’s ability to defend its interests and maintain independence in foreign policy matters. The former ambassador’s comments come at a time when CARICOM continues to face a range of challenges, including economic pressures, climate vulnerability, and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
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