Georgetown, Guyana – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has renewed its call for the prohibition of nuclear weapons, emphasizing the urgent need to eliminate their testing, use, and proliferation. Speaking at a regional workshop held in Jamaica on April 3 under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) Framework, CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General Elizabeth Solomon underscored the heightened nuclear threat in today’s world and the region’s steadfast commitment to peace.

Ms. Solomon described nuclear weapons as an “anathema” to CARICOM’s values and reiterated the region’s dedication to maintaining its status as a Zone of Peace. “We have retained and continue to do everything in our individual and collective power to maintain this Region as a Zone of Peace,” she stated. Solomon also highlighted the critical role of treaties like the CTBT in reinforcing global norms against nuclear testing, which directly supports CARICOM’s peace initiatives.

The Assistant Secretary-General further expressed CARICOM’s strong opposition to the transshipment of nuclear waste through the Caribbean Sea, citing potential environmental and economic risks. She stressed that a nuclear accident could irreversibly damage the delicate ecosystems of the region, which are vital for its tourism-driven economy and biodiversity.

CARICOM’s stance aligns with its longstanding support for international disarmament efforts, including its advocacy for the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Member states have actively participated in global negotiations aimed at stigmatizing nuclear weapons and promoting their elimination as a necessary step toward global security.

The reaffirmation comes at a time when climate change and geopolitical tensions have exacerbated vulnerabilities for small island developing states like those in the Caribbean. CARICOM continues to advocate for diplomatic solutions and global cooperation to ensure that nuclear weapons are permanently outlawed, safeguarding future generations from their catastrophic impacts.

As CARICOM member states work collectively to uphold their commitment to disarmament, they remain vocal proponents of preserving peace and advancing sustainable development across Latin America and the Caribbean.