National

CARICOM Leaders Pledge to Tackle High Cost of Living in the Region

ST. LUCIA – A closing media conference marks the end of the 51st Heads of Government Meeting in St. Lucia. Several issues discussed by regional leaders, but perhaps none to more important to residents in the region than the high cost of living.

Published

2 months ago

July 9, 2026

Joshua Williams

ST. LUCIA – A closing media conference marks the end of the 51st Heads of Government Meeting in St. Lucia.

Several issues discussed by regional leaders, but perhaps none to more important to residents in the region than the high cost of living.

The geo-political conflicts between world super powers have driven up the cost of oil, and its had a ripple effect on country’s that rely heavily on imported goods.

We’ve seen it right here at home with gas prices.

However, while acknowledging there’s not much that they can do, regional leaders, like Basian president, Mia Mottley say other countries can do what her government has done in Barbados to help ease the burden.

For Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, providing affordable health care is another way to bring down the cost of living.

Then for former CARICOM chair and St. Kitts and Nevis Prime minister, Dr. Terrance Drew, it’s about tackling the issue at the root, like the reliance and countries outside the region for reliable energy.