St Kitts and Nevis foreign minister urges unified regional trade strategy
Published:Wednesday | July 30, 2025 | 1:19 PM
St Kitts and Nevis foreign affairs minister, Dr Denzil Douglas, is urging Caribbean leaders to adopt a coherent regional investment and trade strategy, while reaffirming support for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
Speaking during a panel discussion on Wednesday at the Caribbean Investment Forum in Montego Bay, Douglas said regional collaboration is vital amid global uncertainty.
“We recognise there are several things that we can do, not only to preserve our sovereignty, but at the same time ensure that we are part of the collective understanding of the global impact,” he said.
Douglas called for renewed focus on creating a structured investment framework for the region.
“I believe that what is going to be critically important is to establish what I would describe as a regional FDI (Foreign Direct investment) framework, so that we work within this framework, but at the same time, we have deep respect for the sovereignty of our nation and the independence of our people.”
While acknowledging past delays in implementing the CSME, Douglas said he believes current global trade tensions offer new urgency.
The former St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister noted that “appropriate innovation” and regional unity are necessary for Caribbean economies to survive and thrive in today’s fragmented world.
- Albert Ferguson
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