CARICOM Leaders Pressed for Answers on Missing Saint Lucian Fisherman

Five months after Saint Lucian fisherman Ricky Joseph disappeared at sea, CARICOM leaders say they are still waiting for answers from the United States over a controversial maritime strike that has fuelled questions across the region.

CARICOM Chairman and Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has confirmed that the U.S. has not responded to a formal request for information regarding the February 13 maritime operation between Saint Vincent and Saint Lucia, an incident that has remained under intense public scrutiny.

Although many have speculated that Joseph’s disappearance may be connected to the strike, the Government of Saint Lucia and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) have repeatedly stated that no evidence has been found linking the two events. Joseph, 35, remains officially listed as a missing person.

The issue resurfaced during the post-summit media briefing following the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, where Prime Minister Pierre acknowledged the continued lack of information from U.S. authorities while expressing concern for Joseph’s family.

“I have answered that question before… we are very concerned about the loss of life about anybody,” Pierre said.

The matter also prompted responses from several regional leaders, each urging caution while investigations continue.

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar stressed that governments must be guided by evidence and legal advice, noting that there is currently no proof that Joseph or any other Caribbean nationals were among those killed during the maritime operations.

“We were careful. We got legal advice… our legal advice has not been that they are murders. And I can only act within the rule of law based on the legal advice we have received,” she said.

Outgoing CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, echoed the importance of due process, saying the region must continue to uphold the principle that individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley also called for restraint, describing the situation as legally and morally complex while urging Caribbean governments to continue engaging international partners through dialogue.

Meanwhile, the RSLPF has maintained that Joseph’s disappearance remains an active missing persons investigation. Police have previously confirmed that a vessel which washed ashore in Micoud formed part of the investigation, but have released no further details. Authorities have also noted that the incident occurred outside Saint Lucian waters, meaning Saint Lucia is not the lead investigative agency, though local officials remain available to assist if requested.

With no response yet from U.S. authorities and few new developments made public, questions surrounding Ricky Joseph’s disappearance continue to linger, leaving his family and the wider public waiting for the answers they have sought for months.

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