CARICOM chief outlines priorities for stronger regional integration

CARICOM CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett recently outlined the Community’s main priorities for regional integration amid geopolitical uncertainty, technological changes, climate change and competition for investment. She highlighted food and energy security, transportation and connectivity, productive transformation and digital transformation as key areas for strengthening regional development and resilience. The secretary-general reflected on the traditional view of regional integration as a means of expanding markets, liberalising trade and encouraging cooperation among member states. She continued by saying regional integration “must now be viewed as a strategic development platform to drive economic transformation, enhance resilience, and advance the region’s strategic participation in an increasingly uncertain, complex and competitive global economy, through increased investment and broadening of economic and trade relations”. Dr Barnett made the remarks during a panel discussion at ECLAC’s 41st session in the Dominican Republic, where she called for stronger partnerships between CARICOM and Latin America. The panel focused on the theme: “A new stage of regional integration: what to do and how to move forward.” Dominica Dominica Electricity Services Ltd (DOMLEC) announced that a new electricity tariff, approved by the Independent Regulatory Commission, will take effect on November 1, but the company did not disclose the new rates. The approval marks a step forward for the island’s electricity sector, as its last tariff review was conducted in 2007, despite the Electricity Act requiring reviews every three years. “Despite the inflation over the last two decades, our fixed charges for operations and maintenance haven’t been adjusted since; this change allows us to address needs that allow us to deliver a better service,” said DOMLEC’s general manager, Dwayne Cenc, adding that the new tariff approval is essential to maintaining reliable electricity supply and quality service. DOMLEC said the revised structure includes lower rates during off-peak periods, with public education planned to help customers understand the changes before they appear on their bills. IRC executive director Justin Kase said the tariff will follow the commission’s regulatory framework. “The Commission intends to monitor customer bills from this period through the end of the year and potentially longer. The exercise will examine whether the expected impact is appearing on bills while also determining whether DOMLEC is achieving the revenue targets established through the rate review. “That follow-up matters, because a tariff review is ultimately tested outside the consultation room. Customers experience it through the bills they receive each month,” Kase added. The new tariff comes as Dominica moves towards a more sustainable electricity system by incorporating geothermal energy. DOMLEC said geothermal power reduces reliance on imported diesel and exposure to global fuel price changes. DOMLEC business development engineer Felix Julien noted that customers are already benefiting from the country’s increased use of geothermal energy. “Geothermal is already helping to cushion the high cost of fuel, and we are seeing our prices starting to stabilize due to its increased production." Dominica is investing in renewable energy, battery storage and infrastructure to achieve its goal of generating 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. DOMLEC also pledged to provide customers with clear and timely information about the new tariff and how it will affect their electricity bills. Guyana The IMF reported that Guyana’s economy grew by over 19% last year, driven by strong oil production and a 14% increase in non-oil activity. Oil output exceeded 900,000 barrels per day, while inflation rose slightly in 2026 due to higher global food and energy prices. The country’s financial position also strengthened, with international reserves reaching US$1.4 billion and the Natural Resource Fund accumulating about US$3.3 billion by the end of 2025. The IMF said Guyana’s strong oil revenues helped reduce its fiscal deficit to 5.5% of GDP in 2025, while public investments supported economic growth and social development. Savings in the Natural Resource Fund strengthened the country’s financial position, while monetary and fiscal measures helped control inflation and exchange rate pressures. However, the IMF noted that wages and competitiveness still require monitoring. The IMF said Guyana’s sound economic policies continue to support strong growth, with a focus on diversification, sustainability and building financial reserves. Public investments are boosting non-oil growth and social development, while measures help control inflation and exchange rate pressures. However, strong wage growth and competitiveness indicators require close monitoring. The IMF said Guyana’s economic outlook remains positive, with oil production expected to grow and non-oil activity projected to average 7% over the medium term. While new oil fields should strengthen the country’s finances, risks include fluctuating oil prices, overheating and climate shocks. The fiscal deficit is expected to widen in 2026 before improving in 2027, and the IMF advised saving more oil revenue if prices remain high. The IMF recommended that Guyana develop a long-term fiscal strategy to maintain financial stability and protect oil wealth for future generations. It advised gradually strengthening the non-oil primary balance while ensuring public spending meets development needs. The IMF also stressed maintaining price stability and the exchange rate by carefully managing money supply and liquidity. Jamaica Jamaica recorded 407 murders so far this year, compared with 534 during the same period in 2025. National Security Minister Horace Chang said murders fell by 2.4%, with 123 recorded between July and September and 36 in September, the lowest monthly total in more than 30 years. However, concerns were raised in Parliament over fatal shootings by security forces. Chang said five months in 2026 recorded some of the lowest murder totals in over 30 years, while each of the first three quarters also had the lowest figures for their respective periods in more than three decades. Despite the decline in murders, opposition lawmakers raised concerns about fatal shootings by security forces, citing 311 deaths in 2025 and at least 231 by October 6 this year. They also questioned the delayed introduction of body-worn cameras. Chang acknowledged the concerns but said officers must respond when their lives are threatened, citing an incident in Mount Salem where a gunman fatally shot by police had injured three officers. “Any loss of any Jamaican life is a concern; it’s a question of the circumstances,” Chang said. “My understanding — and I will say it again — [is that] as the homicide rate gets lower, the likelihood is that fatal shootings by the police will go lower,” he added. Chang said police shootings were based on intelligence rather than impulsive decisions. He attributed the decline in murders partly to the disruption of violent criminals, with some imprisoned and others leaving the region. He added that the government remained committed to maintaining the reduction in homicides and credited the decline in murders to government policies and investments in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, including personnel, infrastructure, technology and equipment. "While we recognise these gains, we will not become complacent. Our responsibility now is to protect and deepen them,” he said. He also highlighted training programmes at regional security institutions aimed at improving professionalism, leadership and performance to help sustain the reduction in crime.