She was speaking in Caracas at the plenary session of the inaugural summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
She said while there are "myraid" differences within the community of 33 states, there is a common purpose that will keep them together.
"While we recognise that our integration isn’t always consistent with other geo-political interests, simply acknowledging that here today is a victory in itself," she said.
"Although there are many challenges to the regional integration process, we can be heartened by the fact that the process of integration of Latin America and the Caribbean has not reached a standstill.
"Neither has it encountered any insurmountable obstacles that have forced us to retreat. Instead, the integration of the Caribbean and Latin America is moving steadily ahead through dialogue and through the execution of concrete mandates," Persad-Bissessar said.
"Let us continue to commit ourselves to the consolidation and the effectiveness of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States.
"The revolution of this regional integration movement cannot remain as a geographical expression, the opportunity doesn’t lie simply in our hands now but in our hearts, in our understanding of the history we are about to make happen.
"Others recognise it in fear; we must acknowledge it with the courage of conviction and commitment with One vision – equity, justice and prosperity for all, with One mission – a Region united to truly integrate and represent our people, under one banner- the CELAC banner."
She also spoke of the need for a common approach to dealing with crime. "We should confront the myriad problems associated with transnational crime standing together," she said, "We should stem the flow of illegal arms and narcotics and discourage the practice of human trafficking, co-operating with our neighbours in the region.
"A State of Emergency was instituted in Trinidad and Tobago in August in an attempt to deal with crime. There have been many successes. This comes to an end on Monday," she said.
Persad-Bissessar said her government is committed to regional co-operation and she called for Government to Government co-operation on issues such as the empowerment of women; health challenges especially HIV and AIDS; global financial uncertainty; and environmental issues and natural disasters.
She concluded her address with a reminder that leaders have a responsibility that goes beyond the present.
"After all we do not own the states we represent: we inherited them from our forefathers: we hold them in trust for the future of our children and the children who come after them," she said.
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