The Mission was deployed in response to an invitation extended by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in a letter dated 2 October 2025. The CARICOM Election Observation Mission will be in the country for the period 20-29 November 2025.

The Mission comprises senior electoral and other officials from seven CARICOM Member States, as well as three members of the CARICOM Secretariat, who will provide administrative and logistical support.

The CEOM is headed by the Chief of Mission, Mr. Sase R. Gunraj, Commissioner, Guyana Elections Commission. The other members of the CEOM are as follows:

1. Mr. Clovis St. Romain, Member, Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (Antigua and Barbuda);
2. His Honour Arthur Eugene Holder, SC. MP, Speaker of the House of Assembly (Barbados);
3. Ms. Anthea Joseph, Chief Elections Officer, Electoral Commission (Dominica);
4. Ms. Karina Nicola Thomas, Systems Administrator, Parliamentary Elections Office (Grenada);
5. Mrs. Dorinnie Irma, Member of the Independent Electoral Council (Suriname); and
6. Ms. Gillian Macintyre, Chair of the Human Resource Sub Committee, Elections and Boundaries Commission (Trinidad and Tobago).

The CEOM is supported by the following CARICOM Secretariat staff:

1. Ms. Shae-Alicia Lewis, Programme Manager, Community Relations;

2. Mr. Irvin Brown, Project Officer, Foreign and Community Relations; and

3. Ms. Serojnie Seetaram, Senior Secretary, Foreign and Community Relations.

The Chief of Mission and CARICOM Secretariat staff, who comprise the Core Group, arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on 20 November 2025. The remaining members of the observation team are expected to arrive by 23 November 2025.

To date, the CEOM has met with the Honourable Daniel Cummings, Chairman of the New Democratic Party (NDP), representing Dr. Godwin Friday, Leader of the Opposition and of the NDP, and Dr. Doris Frederick, Leader of the National Liberation Movement (NLM). We have also met with representatives of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union, the Voice of the Disabled, and the media.

In the coming days, the CEOM is scheduled to meet with Dr. the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP); Ms. Dora James, Supervisor of Elections; and Mr. Enville Williams, Commissioner of Police. The team will also engage with other political actors and civil society institutions. These engagements are expected to provide the CEOM with a first-hand account of the pre-election atmosphere and assess the level of preparedness for the holding of the elections.

The role of the CEOM Observers on Election Day is to observe the electoral process, including preparations for the start of the poll, the casting of votes, the closure of the polling stations, the counting of the ballots, and the declaration of results. The CEOM will also assess the immediate post-election atmosphere.

Following the conclusion of the Election Day activities on 27 November 2025, and prior to the departure of the CEOM on 29 November 2025, a Preliminary Statement will be issued, outlining the Mission’s initial assessment of the electoral process.

A detailed Final Report providing a summary of the Mission’s comprehensive findings and recommendations will subsequently be prepared. This Report will be submitted to Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, and subsequently made public.

The CARICOM Election Observation Mission values this opportunity to support the democratic process in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Mission expresses its appreciation for the warm welcome and cooperation received since its arrival and extends its best wishes to the electorate as they prepare to go to the polls.

SASE R. GUNRAJ

CHIEF OF MISSION

21 November 2025

We stand firmly in solidarity with the people of Sudan and condemn in the strongest terms, the widespread atrocities, including mass killings and systematic sexual violence against civilians, including those perpetrated during the recent conflict in El-Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias in Darfur. These abuses, including rape and abduction, violate international law, directly oppose the 1993 UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, and exacerbate the humanitarian catastrophe. There can be no impunity for these crimes. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) supports the work of international investigative bodies, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), to ensure all perpetrators are held accountable.

CARICOM calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. All parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians, and ensure the safe, unhindered passage of humanitarian aid. The deliberate obstruction of relief, fuelling a man-made famine, constitutes a grave breach of international law and must cease immediately. We also urge all parties to respect the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Sudan.

We strongly urge the United Nations Security Council and the African Union to take concrete action. This must include the immediate enforcement of a comprehensive arms embargo and the redoubling of efforts to secure a sustainable, civilian-led political solution.

President Venetiaan was a strong advocate for Caribbean regional integration. Under his leadership, Suriname took steps towards full membership in CARICOM, motivated by a deep belief in the Community’s ideals and objectives. This vision was realised in 1995 when he deposited Suriname’s Instrument of Accession to CARICOM. Suriname’s ongoing active and committed membership of CARICOM remains a proud and enduring testament to the legacy of President Venetiaan.

The Caribbean Community conveys its deepest condolences to his family, the Government and people of Suriname, and to all who knew and worked with this remarkable leader.

In a message to launch CARICOM Energy Month which begins 1 November 2025, under the theme ‘Invest, Innovate, Sustain: Leading the Charge in Renewable Energy Frontiers’, the Secretary-General said:

“In the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), it is imperative that we focus on energy security through the renewable energy potential that exists in all our Member States. Energy security is no longer a distant goal; it is a regional priority that requires bold, forward-thinking deliberations and decisions. We must invest in energy systems that empower our people, and embrace the technologies that will shape our future. Access to affordable finance for critical climate-resilient infrastructure is therefore essential,” Dr. Barnett said.

Please read her message below:

Message from CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett on the launch of CARICOM Energy Month – November 2025

“Invest, Innovate, Sustain: Leading the Charge in Renewable Energy Frontiers”

The theme for CARICOM Energy Month 2025, “Invest, Innovate, Sustain: Leading the Charge in Renewable Energy Frontiers”,conveys our collective ambition, shared commitment and readiness to embrace a future where energy is clean, sustainable, and a catalyst for economic resilience, social equity, and regional solidarity.

In the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), it is imperative that we focus on energy security through the renewable energy potential that exists in all our Member States.  Energy security is no longer a distant goal; it is a regional priority that requires bold, forward-thinking deliberations and decisions. We must invest in energy systems that empower our people, and embrace the technologies that will shape our future. Access to affordable finance for critical climate-resilient infrastructure is therefore essential. Concessional financing, along with innovative mechanisms such as green bonds are vital to attracting long-term investment in renewable energy technologies. Public–private partnerships are important to reduce dependence on public finances. These approaches promote long-term resilience and prosperity.

Beyond adopting new technologies, we must also craft innovative solutions that are scalable and tailored to our unique context.  From battery storage and microgrids, to electric vehicles and smart energy management, CARICOM Member States can leverage natural resource assets and intellectual capital to pioneer forward-looking solutions. Regional collaboration, knowledge exchange, cross-sector partnerships and community engagement can amplify these efforts and help to position our Community as a leader in climate-smart energy innovation.

True sustainability means achieving energy security while simultaneously advancing economic growth, social equity, and climate resilience.  Energy systems should minimise environmental impact, foster social inclusion, and deliver equitable economic benefits.

Let us strengthen partnerships across governments, Regional Institutions, development agencies, and with the private sector and civil society. Together, we can build a Caribbean Community that is energy-secure, climate-resilient, economically dynamic, and a leader in renewable energy.

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We commend the efforts of national disaster management agencies and emergency responders who have been working to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.

We urge everyone to heed the official advice and information shared to secure lives against the wrath of this devastating system.

CARICOM reaffirms its commitment to a collective effort to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of the hurricane, including through the coordinated efforts of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

They reaffirmed the principle of maintaining the Caribbean Region as a Zone of Peace and the importance of dialogue and engagement towards the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflict.  CARICOM remains willing to assist towards that objective. 

CARICOM Heads of Government reiterated their continued commitment to fighting narcotrafficking and the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons which adversely affect the Region.  They underscored that efforts to overcome these challenges should be through ongoing international cooperation and within international law.  

They reaffirmed unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the Region and the safety and livelihoods of the people of the Region.

18 October 2025

The strike occurred at a time when Qatar has been working as a key mediator in negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza. With this reckless action, Israel has directly undermined these critical diplomatic efforts demonstrating a profound disregard for international norms. CARICOM urges all parties to exercise restraint and redouble their efforts to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue and negotiation.

CARICOM has repeatedly called for an immediate, unconditional, sustained ceasefire, the unimpeded provision of humanitarian assistance in Gaza, and the return of all hostages. We have consistently condemned all violence against civilians and have repeatedly reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to a two-state solution as the only viable path to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.

CARICOM stands in full solidarity with the State of Qatar and reaffirms its commitment to working with the international community to de-escalate tensions and forge a durable peace that meets the legitimate aspirations for security and stability of all peoples in the Middle East.

11 September 2025

This sentiment was expressed by the Incoming Chairman of CARICOM, Hon. Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis at the opening of the Second CARICOM-Africa Summit, held in the Nelson Mandela Hall at the African Union Commission (AUC) Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

This first in-person meeting between CARICOM Heads of State and Government and counterparts from Africa since the inaugural virtual Summit in 2021 comes at a pivotal moment to reinforce historical bonds and explore deeper strategic partnerships, the Incoming Chair told the meeting.

He said that this renewed engagement will strengthen South-South cooperation, foster shared prosperity, and amplify a unified voice on global platforms, particularly on issues such as peace, security, climate change, and multilateral reform.

This second summit, he said, provides a platform to advance the 2024 AU-CARICOM Memorandum of Understanding on Upscaling Engagement and Linkages with People of African Descent, with a focus on strengthening interregional economic partnerships and enhancing people-to-people ties.

Prime Minister Drew also stressed the urgency of deepening CARICOM-Africa collaboration across shared priorities, including reparations, global financial reform, climate action, education, health, trade, and cultural exchange.

Calling for action-oriented dialogue, he commended Afreximbank, particularly under the leadership of Professor Benedict Oramah, for driving economic and cultural cooperation.

“Commendations are due to Afreximbank and numerous African leaders who, through concrete initiatives, are encouraging trade, investment, cultural and sporting exchange, and other forms of collaboration between CARICOM and Africa. And I dare say, it has begun,” he stated.

He also underscored the need for improved transportation and investment linkages, affirming that stronger CARICOM-Africa cooperation is essential to achieving mutual progress and reshaping their development experiences.

Read the Incoming Chair’s full remarks here:

It is an absolute delight to greet you on behalf of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at this Second CARICOM-Africa Summit being held in the Nelson Mandela Hall here at the Headquarters of the African Union.

Ethiopia, the Land of Origins, reflects the family ties and bonds shared between the people of the Caribbean Community and the continent of Africa. While these linkages were forged from an exploitative and oppressive system that made a mockery of human rights, the Caribbean is proud of the strides made in strengthening these connections through Pan-African advocacy, the fight against apartheid, and closer social and cultural links between the People of Africa and the Caribbean, supported by the respective decisions of the African Union (AU) and the Caribbean Community.

Today’s first in-person meeting since we met virtually for the first time in 2021, is timely in reinforcing the bonds between Africa and the Caribbean, as well as in examining ways in which to deepen our partnership at the global and strategic levels.

This will allow us to deepen south-south cooperation, while fostering shared prosperity and affirming a common voice on global platforms, including on global peace, security, reform and multilateral issues, such as climate change.

As we meet, under the theme of “Transcontinental Partnership in Pursuit of Reparatory Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”, we are reminded of the important outcome from the first Africa-CARICOM Summit hosted by His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya, on 7September 2021.

The Caribbean Community expresses sincere thanks and its deep appreciation to His Excellency Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, not only for the excellent arrangements and hospitality to us here in Addis, but also for the commitment made with the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, to hold this Second Summit. This engagement will allow for broader discussion on the 2024 AU-CARICOM Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Upscaling Engagement and Linkages with People of African Descent, particularly the strengthening of interregional economic partnerships and enhanced people-to-people ties.

We also convey our thanks to His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union, for the support given to this engagement.

Excellencies, our discussions today should allow us to come to a common understanding and collaboration on a wide range of issues pertinent to our shared priorities. These include reparations, multilateral cooperation, reform of the international financial architecture, debt sustainability, finance, education, health, climate change, youth engagement, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, trade and investment, maritime and air transport, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

What is clear is that closer collaboration between Africa and CARICOM is impatient of urgent attention and action, in order to achieve positive outcomes for both our Regions. Action must be the underpinning sentiment of all that we do.

Current global events demonstrate clearly that it is in the best interests of both Africa and CARICOM to work together, as developing Regions, to achieve increased levels of economic and social progress. And I heard the word of the President that we are to drop the word ‘developing’ and convert that into something that represents what we are seeking to achieve.

Commendations are due to Afreximbank, particularly Professor Benedict Oramah’s leadership as well as to numerous political and other leaders across Africa, who through concrete initiatives, are encouraging trade, investment, cultural and sporting exchange, and other collaboration between CARICOM and Africa. And I dare say, that it has begun.

We need increased transportation linkages to reinforce our bonds as our peoples should travel freely and unabated to Africa and CARICOM. We need increased trade and investment, building on the experience, potential, and amplification of the cultural, historical and economic linkages between our Regions.

What was once a devastating tragedy for our people – the Atlantic Slave Trade – should now be translated into the Atlantic Bridge, a bridge of hope, a bridge of advancement, a bridge that will ensure that our people take their rightful place in this world. It therefore calls for more cooperation and more advancement.

Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Brothers and sisters of this great continent, we are happy to be home again. We have the opportunity to rewrite historical outcomes and to be champions of our own destiny. CARICOM remains committed to the CARICOM-AU partnership on this fifth anniversary of Africa-CARICOM Day, as we celebrate the enduring kinship and deepening partnership between our people, between the Caribbean Community and Africa.

Let this celebration be a demonstration of this new relationship that we are forging

Thank you.

The Draft Resolution welcomes the contribution made by the Multilateral Security Support Mission (MSS) to peace and stability in Haiti and expresses appreciation for its Kenyan leadership and the support of other member states that have provided personnel to the MSS, and of its donors.

The Draft Resolution endorses the recommendations made by the United Nations Secretary-General and approved by the government of Haiti for the deployment of an increased security force in Haiti and for the U.N. to provide logistical and operational support through a U.N. Support Office in Haiti. The draft also authorizes the transition of the MSS to what will be described as a “Gang Suppression Force (GSF)” with a ceiling of 5,500 personnel with a robust mandate, and the establishment of a UN Support Office in Haiti to provide support to the GSF. The funding of the GSF personnel will be from voluntary sources while that of the Support Office will be from UN member state assessments. The draft also takes note of the recent Organization of American States (OAS) Roadmap for Stability and Peace in Haiti in support of Haitian-led efforts, and the possibility of the organisation providing a logistical support package for the GSF.

Further to its continued international advocacy in support of Haiti, a CARICOM Member State, the Caribbean Community calls on the member states of the U.N. Security Council, in particular the permanent members, to take into account the dire and precarious straits in which the people and country of Haiti have found themselves. The people of Haiti have had to suffer  for far too long. Adoption of this Draft Resolution will bring a glimmer of hope and the promise of relief to a people who, as the UN Secretary-General observed at the recent Council consultations on Haiti, “are in a perfect storm of suffering “.

7 September 2025

In response to the invitation, the Caribbean Community mounted a ten-member CARICOM Election Observation Mission (CEOM) to observe the electoral processes for the General Parliamentary Elections from 27 August to 5 September 2025.

The CEOM is headed by the Chief of Mission, Ms. Fern Narcis, Chief Elections Officer of the Elections and Boundaries Commission of Trinidad and Tobago. The other Members of the Observation Mission are as follows:

1. Antigua and Barbuda – Mr. Clovis St. Romain, Commissioner, Electoral Commission;
2. Antigua and Barbuda – Ms. Elisa Graham, Public Relations Officer, Electoral Commission;
3. The Bahamas – Ms. Denise Pinder, Assistant Parliamentary Commissioner, Parliamentary Registration Department;
4. Grenada –  Mr. Arthur Pierre, Supervisor of Elections, Parliamentary Elections Office;
5. Saint Lucia – Ms. Alymphia Lionel, Assistant Chief Elections Officer, Electoral Department;
6. Saint Lucia – Mr. Peter Kervin Fedee, Systems/Network Administrator, Electoral Department;
7. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Ms. Danielle Williams, National Security Electoral Quality Assurance Clerk, Electoral Office;
8. Suriname – Ms. Anushka Ramesar-Gopalrai, Alternate Member, Independent Electoral Council;
9. Suriname – Mr. Ravin Jiawan, District Commissioner and Alternate Member, Independent Electoral Council; and
10. Trinidad and Tobago – Ms. Danielle Chow, Commissioner, Election and Boundaries Commission.

The CEOM is supported by the following CARICOM Secretariat staff:

1. Mr. Brian Bellevue, Programme Manager, Foreign and Community Relations;
2. Mr. David Allens, Project Officer, Foreign and Community Relations; and
3. Ms. Denise Morgan, Stenographer II, Foreign and Community Relations.

The Core Group, which consists of the Chief of Mission and CARICOM Secretariat Staff, arrived in Jamaica on 27 August 2025. Other Observers arrived on 27 and 28 August 2025. Since arrival, meetings have been held with Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica and Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party, as well as with Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. Members of the team have also observed the conduct of the Advance Poll at several locations in Kingston.

Over the coming days, the Mission will continue its programme of engagements, meeting with the Opposition political parties, the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, the Commissioner of Police, and as many other stakeholders of the electoral process as time will allow.

The role of the CEOM Observers on election day is to observe the electoral process across Jamaica, including preparations for the start of the poll, the casting of votes, the closure of the polling stations, the counting of the ballots, the preparation of the statement of polls and the tabulation of results. Qualitative and quantitative information regarding the voting process and the results will be collected to facilitate the preparation of an Independent Final Report on the General Parliamentary Elections to Jamaica with the objective of assessing its transparency, fairness, and adherence to accepted democratic standards.

Following the conclusion of the Election Day activities on 3 September 2025, and prior to the Mission’s departure on 5 September 2025, a Preliminary Statement will be issued, outlining the Mission’s initial assessment of the electoral process. The Mission will thereafter prepare a detailed Independent Final Report on the elections for submission to Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community.  

The CEOM looks forward to supporting the democratic processes of Jamaica and extends best wishes to the Jamaican people as they prepare to go to the polls with pride and unity on Wednesday, 3 September 2025.

FERN NARCIS

CHIEF OF MISSION

29 AUGUST 2025