Basseterre, Saint Kitts, February 23, 2026 — The stage is set for one of the most significant gatherings in Caribbean history as the Fiftieth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) officially commences with a grand Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Marriott Dome, Frigate Bay, Saint Kitts.

The ceremony will bring together the region’s most distinguished leaders, marking the formal start of three days of high-level deliberations under the theme “Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable CARICOM.” This golden jubilee meeting represents over five decades of regional integration and collective progress, with Saint Kitts and Nevis proudly at the helm as CARICOM Chair.

A distinguished slate of regional leaders will address the Opening Ceremony, reflecting the solidarity and shared purpose of the Caribbean Community:

Dr. Carla Barnett – Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
The Honourable Dr. Terrance M. Drew – Chair of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP – Outgoing Chair of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Jamaica
The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC – Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago
Her Excellency Dr. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, SC – President of the Republic of Suriname
Dr. The Honourable Godwin Friday – Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The Opening Ceremony will feature the cultural performances celebrating local and Caribbean heritage, and addresses that will set the tone for the pivotal discussions ahead. The event will be attended by Heads of Government from CARICOM Member States and Associate Members, specially invited international dignitaries and representatives from regional institutions.

Saint Kitts and Nevis assumed the Chairmanship of CARICOM on January 01, 2026, with Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance M. Drew, at the helm. The Federation’s tenure will guide the Community’s agenda through the first half of the year.

“This Opening Ceremony is more than a formal start to our deliberations—it is a celebration of Caribbean oneness and a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to action,” said Prime Minister Drew. “As we gather under the theme ‘Beyond Words,’ we signal to our people and to the world that CARICOM is entering a new era of implementation, resilience and sustainable prosperity.”

-30-