Ashley Lashley addresses 48th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting

BRIDGETOWN, 19 February 2025— In a stirring address at the opening ceremony of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), UNICEF Youth Advocate Ashley Lashley welcomed leaders to Barbados with a message that resonated deeply with the Caribbean's history, present struggles, and aspirations for the future.

Lashley, standing before United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres and the distinguished Heads of Government, urged the gathering to confront a critical question: "Have we truly lived up to the promise of regional integration?" Aware of the complexities of the Caribbean's colonial past, Lashley challenged the region to break free from outdated structures that still hinder progress and to embrace a bold, new vision of collective empowerment.

"Our people demand more," Lashley emphasized. She called for affordable transportation, food and nutrition security, and economic opportunities for the region's youth. Moreover, she highlighted the need for reparatory and climate justice as crucial components of the Caribbean's future.

Turning to Haiti, Lashley voiced her unwavering support for the nation, stressing the importance of sovereignty and self-determination. “How is it that after centuries of leading the charge for Black liberation, our Haitian brothers and sisters still suffer under political turmoil, economic instability, and external interference?” she asked, asserting that no external force—be it developed countries or others—should dictate Haiti's future.

Lashley also focused on global financial inequities, calling out the flawed world order that has disadvantaged Small Island Developing States (SIDS). She pointed to the Bridgetown Initiative, a bold proposal for financial equity, and urged the region to demand its full realization. Lashley also expressed the importance of strengthening ties with Africa, Latin America, and the Global South—not just in sentiment, but in tangible trade, policy, and collective action.

Crime and health security also came under scrutiny. While the George Bridge Declaration called for action, Lashley reminded the leaders that true security is not just about reducing crime but ensuring the prosperity, health, and well-being of the people. “How can we be a zone of peace when illicit trade, arms, and economic manipulation continue to destabilize our region?” she questioned.

In her conclusion, Lashley posed a crucial question to the assembled leaders: “What is the CARICOM ideal citizen?” Lashley called for a Caribbean where citizens are no longer bound by limitations but are empowered to compete globally and achieve their fullest potential.

Meanwhile, Mr. Guterres pledged the UN’s continued support to tackle many of the concerns raised by the youth advocate and called for unity to achieve progress.

The UN Secretary-General proposed solutions to inequities in the global financial system, the climate crisis, and regional instability, especially in Haiti.

“A unified Caribbean is an unstoppable force,” he said. “I urge you to keep using that power to push the world to deliver on its promises.” 

This story was first published by UNICEF