Dr. Janet Caroo Appointed CARICOM Ambassador

Dr. Janet Caroo was formally accredited as Saint Lucia's new ambassador to the Caribbean Community on October 2. She presented her Letter of Credence to CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett during a ceremony at the CARICOM Secretariat headquarters in Georgetown.

Caroo's appointment comes as Saint Lucia serves as chair of CARICOM under Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. The administration has emphasized ensuring that regional integration delivers tangible benefits to people across the Community.

Caroo also serves as head of Saint Lucia's Regional Integration Unit, placing her in a key role in the country's engagement with CARICOM's regional integration agenda. Dr. Carla Barnett said Saint Lucia has long been an active member of CARICOM and consistently demonstrated its commitment to regional integration and collective action.

Dr. Carla Barnett highlighted Saint Lucia's role in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet for Sustainable Development as the region addresses climate change, food and energy insecurity, economic vulnerabilities and geopolitical uncertainty.

In her inaugural remarks, Caroo said she takes on the role at a time that requires sustained commitment, deeper cooperation and greater deliverables for all people. She outlined four priorities for her work, including expanding opportunities for movement, education, skills development and employment across the Community.

Caroo also identified strengthening trade links for Saint Lucian producers and service providers, deepening institutional, digital and people-to-people connections, and promoting Saint Lucian culture, creativity, talent and ideas across the region as priorities.

She stressed that regional integration cannot be driven by governments alone and identified greater youth engagement and citizen participation as priorities.