PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE
Caribbean Community Secretariat, P.O. Box 10827, Turkey, Greater Georgetown, Guyana;
Tel: 592-222-0001/0075; Fax: 592-222-0171/0095; E-mail: <[email protected]><[email protected].
NO: 148/2013
DATE: 09 July 2013
(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana)
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY,
3-6 JULY 2013,
PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
The Thirty-Fourth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held at Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, from 4-6
July 2013. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honourable Kamla
Persad-Bissessar, chaired the proceedings.
Other members of the Conference in attendance were: the Prime Minister of Antigua and
Barbuda, Honourable Winston Baldwin Spencer; the Prime Minister of The Commonwealth
of The Bahamas, Rt. Honourable Perry G. Christie; the Prime Minister of Barbados,
Honourable Freundel Stuart; the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica,
Honourable Roosevelt Skerritt; the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. the Rt. Honourable Keith
Mitchell; the President of the Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Donald Ramotar; the
President of the Republic of Haiti, His Excellency Michel Martelly; the Prime Minister of
Jamaica, The Most Honourable Portia Simpson-Miller; the Premier of Montserrat,
Honourable Reuben Meade; the Prime Minister of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Rt.
Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas; the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Dr. the Honourable Kenny
D. Anthony; the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. the Honourable Ralph
Gonsalves; the President of the Republic of Suriname, His Excellency Desiré Delano
Bouterse.
Belize was represented by the Honourable Wilfred Elrington, Attorney General and Minister
of Foreign Affairs.
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Associate Members in attendance were: Honourable Hubert Benjamin Hughes, the Chief
Minister of Anguilla; Honourable Alden M. McLaughlin Jr, Premier of Cayman Islands and
Honourable Dr. Rufus Ewing, Premier of Turks and Caicos Islands.
OPENING CEREMONY
The Opening Ceremony took place at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s Port of Spain and was
addressed by the Chairman of CARICOM, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, outgoing
Chairman, His Excellency Michel Martelly, President of Haiti, Prime Minister of The Bahamas,
Rt Honourable Perry Christie, Prime Minister of Barbados, Honourable Freundel Stuart,
Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr the Rt Honourable Keith Mitchell and Secretary-General of
CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque.
All speakers paid tribute to the Community on its 40th Anniversary and cited its
accomplishments while agreeing that more needed to be done. They acknowledged the
appropriateness of the theme of the anniversary: 40 years of Integration: Celebration and
Renewal.
A ceremony of re-dedication to the thrust of the Treaty of Chaguaramas by all the Heads of
Government of the Community was held on the date of the event at the same venue, the
Chaguaramas Convention Centre. Statements were delivered by the current Heads of
Government of the original signing countries, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and
Tobago.
Messages to the Conference are attached
Signings
During the Thirty-Fourth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, six Member
States undertook twelve treaty actions. A breakdown of the treaty actions is provided
below.
· Agreement establishing the Caribbean Community Accreditation Agency for Education
and Training (Signature by Guyana, Montserrat and St. Vincent and the Grenadines)
· Agreement establishing the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency
(Deposited an Instrument of Ratification Barbados)
· Agreement establishing the Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network Agency
(Signature by Montserrat)
· Agreement establishing the Caribbean Public Health Agency (Accession by Jamaica)
· Amendment to the Agreement establishing the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security
System (Signature by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)
· Amendment to the Agreement establishing the Caribbean Knowledge and Learning
Network Agency (Signature by Dominica, Montserrat, and Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines)
· Protocol Amending the CARICOM Agreement on Social Security (Signature by Guyana and
Montserrat) (Entry into force 4th July 2013).
THE ECONOMIC SITUATION FACING MEMBER STATES AND THE REGION:
A FRAMEWORK FOR REGIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community addressed the issue of the future of
CARICOM economies and expressed concern that the current adverse economic
circumstances of burdensome debt, fiscal unsustainability and low growth continue to be
inimical to the achievement of self-sustaining economic growth based on strong
international competitiveness, innovation, productivity and flexibility of resource use.
Heads of Government emphasised that this serious problem was a regional one and all our
citizens should be aware that this period was difficult for all Member States and a time for
sacrifice notwithstanding that a few Member States were performing better than others.
The situation facing the Community was grave requiring the strength of a regional approach.
The reversal of these economic circumstances was therefore of utmost importance to the
future of CARICOM economies.
Heads of Government agreed to deepen the regional framework for growth and
development through the pursuit of a development strategy which engenders inclusiveness
of all stakeholders and which would lift the knowledge base, innovation capability, and
entrepreneurial capacity of CARICOM Nationals to engage in competitive, higher valueadded economic activities.
Specifically, the Conference noted the comments by foreign financial and economic
commentators which tarnished the credibility of CARICOM Member States thereby affecting
their ability to raise the financial resources required to drive growth and development.
Further, Heads of Government reiterated their commitment to sound and prudent economic
management even as they strived to overcome the challenges resulting from the worst
economic and financial crisis of this century.
Accordingly, Heads of Government agreed to give immediate consideration to –
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(i)
design and execution of a resource mobilization strategy to facilitate targeted
interventions by Governments to catalyse and ignite growth in CARICOM States;
(ii)
adoption of a stabilization and growth agenda which emphasizes the removal of
constraints on competitive production as well as proactive facilitation and support for the
private sector aimed at catalyzing growth in critical economic sectors;
Heads of Government charged the Bureau of the Conference along with the Head of
Government with Lead Responsibility for the CSME, Honourable Freundel Stuart, with the
responsibility of advancing this decision and in this regard, the Secretariat would circulate a
comprehensive programme within one month for the consideration of the Bureau.
TRANSPORTATION IN THE REGION
Heads of Government with regard to the Single Domestic Space (SDS), in the interest of
hassle-free Travel in the Region, mandated the CARICOM Secretariat in collaboration with
CARICOM IMPACS and other relevant agencies to coordinate and commence discussions on
a strategy for the SDS.
They referred this matter and a number of other issues in this sector to the Bureau of Heads
of Government including better co-ordination among airlines in the Region with a view to
providing a better service.
REFORM PROCESS IN CARICOM: STATE OF PROGRESS
Heads of Government recalled that the Reform Process was designed to facilitate the
structured, effective implementation of the transformation of the Community and its
Secretariat, in alignment with an agreed Community strategic thrust for the benefit of the
people.
Heads of Government noted the progress report on the Reform Process and welcomed the
appointment of change drivers in each Member State and also noted that the national
consultations for the preparation of the Community Strategic Plan had commenced and an
indicative schedule had been agreed to by the Change Drivers.
Heads of Government also welcomed the finalisation by the Community Council of the
Terms of Reference for the Review of the Regional Institutions and agreed that the Review
of the Community Institutions was a priority activity given its importance to the overall
Reform Process in the Community.
PROPOSAL FOR A HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
AND SPECIAL NEEDS
Heads of Government welcomed the initiative of the Government of Haiti to bring the issue
to the Conference. They acknowledged that a society could be judged by the manner in
which it treated its vulnerable citizens.
Heads of Government recognised that developments such as Climate Change, the
repercussions of the international economic and financial crises, and natural disasters had
worsened the condition of poor, vulnerable and marginalized groups in our societies.
In that regard they acknowledged that the differently-abled were the most affected given
that they are usually among the most marginalised.
Heads of Government therefore took the opportunity of this Conference to begin a regional
dialogue to highlight and address the issues and challenges being faced by such persons.
Heads of Government gave full support to the proposal by Haiti to convene a High level
meeting on persons with disabilities and special needs.
MEMBERSHIP AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMUNITY
Heads of Government welcomed the report of the Technical Working Group (TWG)
established to review and provide recommendations on the terms and conditions of
Membership and Associate Membership of the Community.
They also agreed that the applications for Associate Membership of the Community by
French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Curaçao and St. Maarten would require further
deliberation at the level of Heads of Government.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
Heads of Government acknowledged that the world was evolving from an information
society to becoming a global internet/digital economy characterised by the strategic use of
knowledge and creativity. They also acknowledged that the knowledge economy had
changed how economies create value, and how and what jobs were created.
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Heads of Government therefore agreed that ICT issues would receive focussed attention at
the Twenty-Fifth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference in 2014 to be held in St Vincent
and the Grenadines in the first quarter of the year.
In that regard they mandated that the Council for Trade and Economic Development
(COTED) ICT meet urgently under the Chairmanship of the Lead Head of Government with
responsibility for ICT to consider the ICT Action Plan, the proposal for a Single CARICOM ICT
Space and other relevant ICT issues and make recommendations to the Twenty-Fifth InterSessional Meeting.
THE UNITED NATIONS POST 2015 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA: CARICOM’S
PERSPECTIVES AND PRIORITIES
Heads of Government acknowledged that the new international development approach
embodied in the United Nations Post 2015 Development Agenda would be instrumental in
fashioning the global financing agenda for developing countries. The Caribbean Community
therefore needed to organize itself for effective participation in the processes, so that the
strategic interests of the Region received the attention they deserve.
Heads of Government agreed to the establishment of a regional task force to co-ordinate
the substantive engagement of the Community in the work to define the post-2015
development agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and preparations for the
Third SIDS conference to be held in Samoa in 2014, in a manner that assured due account of
CARICOM priorities and concerns.
They further agreed that the regional task force should include representatives from
Member States on the Open-Ended Working Group on SDGs and the Inter-Governmental
Committee on Financing Sustainable Development.
THE ISSUE OF REPARATIONS FOR NATIVE GENOCIDE AND SLAVERY
Heads of Government considered the issue of Reparations for Caribbean Slavery and Native
Genocide and received submissions from the Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of the
West Indies Professor Hilary Beckles and a legal team to facilitate their deliberations.
Heads of Government were unanimous in their support for action on this issue and agreed
that a committee under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister of Barbados and consisting
of the Chair of CARICOM and the Heads of Government of Guyana, Haiti, St Vincent and the
Grenadines and Suriname will oversee the work of a CARICOM Reparations Commission
made up of the chairs of National Reparation Committees and a representative of a research
unit at the University of the West Indies to drive the issue. An undertaking has been given by
all states to establish national reparation committees and to convene their first meeting as
soon as possible.
The approach would be to hold a development conversation and to use all reasonable
avenues to reach an amicable solution
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND HIV/AIDS
Heads of Government welcomed the launch of the Caribbean Public Health Agency
(CARPHA) and looked forward to its positive role in reducing current rates of premature
deaths from NCDs, AIDS and injuries by at least twenty-five per cent by 2025 and reducing
the upward trend in avoidable hospitalisations and the upward cost spiral in health care.
They also acknowledged the sterling contribution of the Pan Caribbean Partnership on HIV
and AIDS (PANCAP) in the regional fight against HIV.
Heads of Government urged the repositioning of health in the regional development
agenda, as well as the agendas of development partners and banks given the sector’s critical
importance to society. They also agreed to continue to prioritise action with regard to NCDs
and in this regard, congratulated Suriname and Jamaica on the recent passage of national
legislation for stricter tobacco control and urged other Member States to accelerate their
efforts to address this issue. The Heads also commended the Rt Honourable Dr. Denzil
Douglas, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis for his leadership and advocacy in addressing
the regional health agenda
With regard to the financing of tertiary education in the Region, Heads of Government
supported the request from Professor E. Nigel Harris, Vice Chancellor of the University of the
West Indies that multi-stakeholder national conversations be convened to consider nontraditional approaches to financing tertiary education in the Region.
Heads of Government agreed to devote a Special Session of Twenty-Fifth Intersessional
Meeting of the Conference in 2014 to Human Resource Development.
SECURITY
Heads of Government urged that Member States take early action to sign, ratify and apply
provisionally the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty which was adopted earlier this year.
Heads of Government welcomed the establishment of an Interpol Liaison Office within the
CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS). They noted that this
was with a view to later transforming that Liaison Office into a regional sub-directorate or
regional sub-bureau of Interpol. This office will enable greater access to Interpol data bases
by IMPACS in support of CARICOM regional and national security measures.
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Heads of Government were of the view that this appointment demonstrated the
international recognition of and support for the CARICOM regional security architecture
developed under the Fourth Pillar of the Community.
SITUATION IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
Heads of Government endorsed a report from a Ministerial Fact Finding Mission to the Turks
and Caicos Islands, led by the Foreign Minister of The Bahamas, to get an appreciation of the
current situation in that Associate Member.
The team met with Government, the Parliamentary Opposition, private sector, nongovernmental organisations, the clergy, bar association and former Ministers of
Government. Copies of the report would be transmitted to the British Government, the TCI
Government and the Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition.
BORDER ISSUES:
Belize-Guatemala
The Heads of Government received an update on the efforts of Belize and Guatemala to find
a final and definitive resolution to the Guatemala claim. They expressed concern that
Guatemala has reneged on the agreement to hold a referendum on 6th October 2013 in
accordance with the Special Agreement between Belize and Guatemala to submit
Guatemala's Territorial, Insular and Maritime claims to the International Court of Justice of
2008, and emphasized the importance of preserving the Special Agreement which commits
both parties to resorting to the International Court of Justice for a final determination of the
Guatemalan claim.
The Heads of Government urged the parties to set an early date for holding the
simultaneous referendum and called on the international community to continue supporting
the process under the Organisation of American States and to engage the parties to assist in
their efforts to reach a final settlement. They commended the OAS Secretary General for his
Good Offices and for the role of the OAS in the Adjacency Zone.
Guyana-Venezuela
The Heads of Government expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of relations
between Guyana and Venezuela which has enabled the two countries to continue to
implement a vibrant programme of cooperation.
The Heads of Government noted that both countries remained committed to the Good
Offices Process of the United Nations Secretary General under the Geneva Agreement of
1966 and reaffirmed their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.
CARIFESTA XI
Heads of Government welcomed the signing by Suriname and the Caribbean Community of a
Host Country Agreement in respect of CARIFESTA XI, to be held in Suriname 16-25 August
2013. The CARIFESTA Host Country Agreement sets out the legal and operational framework
in which the new mandates for the management and staging of the Festival are to be
implemented.
Heads of Government noted that this was one of the key requirements in the new
CARIFESTA model, as agreed by Member States in 2007. They further observed that the call
for restructuring this regional festival was made at CARIFESTA VIII in 2003 in Suriname, the
country which has now taken the lead in setting the new direction of the Festival by being
the first to sign the Host Country Agreement.
EXTERNAL TRADE ISSUES
Heads of Government examined the issues related to the Community’s external trade with a
view to advancing negotiations for a pro-development trade agreement with Canada and
expediting the implementation of the trade agreements with Cuba and the Dominican
Republic.
Stressing the need to accelerate the pace of negotiations, they endorsed the importance of
securing continued duty-free trade with Canada while the negotiations for a WTOcompatible comprehensive trade and development agreement continued.
With respect to the Dominican Republic and Cuba, the Heads of Government re-emphasised
the need for a positive approach to negotiations with respect to the further expansion of
access in discussions with the Dominican Republic and Cuba.
EXCHANGE OF VIEWS WITH SPECIAL GUESTS: (CG)
President of the Republic of Venezuela
Heads of Government met with the leader of Venezuela, His Excellency President Nicolas
Maduro who underlined that Venezuela and CARICOM had a shared history of struggles and
challenges, a common Caribbean vocation, and a relationship of solidarity initiated by
President Chavez. President Maduro emphasized the need for a renewed effort together in
weaving more profound relationships in the framework of an economic bloc.
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In this regard he proposed the reactivation of the Joint CARICOM-Venezuela Commission
based on the long-standing trade and investment agreement which could lead to increased
trade, investment and economic and other activities. In this regard several proposals were
put forward touching on security, air and sea transportation, energy, a social and cultural
plan, and developing ties between CARICOM and Mercosur.
Heads of Government concurred that many of the initiatives proposed touched on issues
with which the Community grapples and on which cooperation could be furthered. They
welcomed the assurance of the continued legacy of former President Chavez and expressed
their appreciation for the aid provided. They also viewed the visit as being symbolic of the
tangible measures being taken to strengthen the relationship.
President of the Dominican Republic
Heads of Government met with President Danilo Medina of the Dominican Republic. He
informed that the meeting with CARICOM Heads was taking place at a special moment as a
few days ago the Dominican Republic, in keeping with its emphasis on regional integration,
had become a full member of the Central American Integration System (SICA) and of the
Petro-Caribe Economic Zone.
The President was of the view that this meeting was therefore an opportunity to strengthen
ties with CARICOM and it was a natural space for trade, cooperation and integration in view
of the geographic proximity of the two parties as well as their historical and cultural links. He
added that the natural evolution of processes with the Community had led to the
strengthening of trading links and it was therefore a perfect time to reflect on expanding
the borders and the market of the Community. In this regard, the Dominican Republic had
earlier requested membership of the Community and was still interested.
The Heads of Government indicated their intention to deliberate on the matter and revert to
the Dominican Republic.
ACP
Heads of Government met with the Prime Minister of Equatorial Guinea Honourable Vicente
Tomi in the absence of the President who is also the President-in-Office of the ACP Group.
The Prime Minister underlined the importance of the recent 7th Summit of the ACP that took
place in his country. The resulting outcome document, the Declaration of Sipopo, was a
milestone and a point of inflection in the direction of the ACP. The grouping needed to
reinvent itself in order to have greater weight in international affairs. To this end, an
Eminent Persons Group had been established including three members from the Caribbean.
In reviewing the common challenges faced by members of the grouping, the Prime Minister
singled out the new "differentiation" framework of EU aid which would reduce the quantum
of development resources for Middle Income ACP Countries. He reaffirmed the importance
of ACP solidarity in support of penalised countries. The CARICOM Heads of Government
shared the view that the Summit had set a platform for further cooperation and that the
grouping needed to renew itself and to reassert its relevance.
OAS
Heads of Government received a succinct presentation from the Secretary-General of the
Organisation of American States (OAS), His Excellency Jose Manuel Insulza on a report
entitled Drug Problem in the Americas. The Report sets out a number of scenarios. The SG
proposed holding consultations with the CARICOM Secretariat and IMPACS as part of the
process of discussion on this critical issue leading to a Special Meeting of the OAS General
Assembly. He also informed that though interdiction increased considerably in the region,
drug trafficking continued to be a scourge. He underlined the importance of more
effectively addressing the problem of addiction and of crime and violence.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Heads of Government welcomed the Special Envoy of the United Arab Emirates, the
Honourable Matar El Tayer who expressed interest in building a relationship with the
Community and expressed readiness to share their knowledge in areas of transportation.
FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF THE BAHAMAS
Heads of Government extended congratulations to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas as it
prepares to celebrate its Fortieth Anniversary of Independence. Heads of Government
received an invitation from the Prime Minister to attend the celebrations.
DATE OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH INTER-SESSIONAL MEETING OF THE
CONFERENCE
In accordance with the Rotation Schedule, Dr. the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, Prime
Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, will assume the Chair of the Conference of
Heads of Government for the six-month period commencing 1 January 2014.
The Twenty-Fifth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference will be held in St. Vincent and
the Grenadines at the end of January or early February.
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APPRECIATION
Heads of Government expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Trinidad
and Tobago for their warm and generous hospitality during their Thirty-Fourth Regular
Meeting.
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
6th July 2013
Re-dedication to the Principles of the Treaty of Chaguaramas on the Occasion of the
40th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
(Declaration of Chaguaramas on the 40th Anniversary of the
Establishment of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) )
On the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of the Caribbean
Community (CARICOM), we, the Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean
Community (CARICOM):
Remain dedicated to the ideals of our founders for the integration of our economies and our
people of the Caribbean Region;
Recognise the invaluable contributions made by CARICOM nationals over the years in
numerous areas including , education, health, security, Foreign Policy, Sports, Arts,
Literature and Cultural Development, among others;
Are resolute in our determination to further enhance our tradition for united action as we
strive to propel our Community to achieve sustained economic and social development in
securing increased global competitiveness for our respective Member States and to secure a
higher standard of living for all our peoples;
Undertake to recalibrate and fully implement the goals and objectives of our Community
consistent with the best interests of the Community, including its people;
Pledge to strengthen existing policies and embark on new initiatives aimed at securing our
common interests regionally and internationally;
In witness thereof, we have affixed our signatures:
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STATEMENTS BY THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT
Statement on the Situation in Egypt
Heads of Government viewed with concern the ousting of the democratically elected Government of
Egypt, putting an end to Egypt's first experience of representative government. Their concern has
been heightened by the detention of President Morsi, the arrests of Muslim Brotherhood officials
and activists, the closing of pro-Brotherhood media outlets as well as the rising violence.
Heads of Government expressed the hope that democracy will be soon reinstated and that civil,
political and human rights will be respected as well as inclusiveness and good governance principles.
Statement on the Bolivian Head of State plane incident
Heads of Government expressed concern regarding the various incidents that occurred on Tuesday,
2 July which caused the plane carrying President Evo Morales (Bolivia) to be re-routed to Vienna,
Austria where it was searched. CARICOM calls on all countries to comply with international legal
principles as well as respect the rights of Heads of State.
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
6 July 2013
MESSAGE TO THE 34th MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE
CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS
I am honoured to send greetings to the leaders of CARICOM on your 40th anniversary.
For four decades, CARICOM countries have demonstrated the importance of democratic values and
the strength that comes from a united voice. You have done this with inspiring resilience in the face
of external shocks, such as natural disasters and the global financial crisis. CARICOM has also been a
valuable advocate for Haiti, which successfully chaired your organization during the first half of this
year.
I appreciate the contributions of CARICOM countries to numerous issues on the global agenda,
including the Millennium Development Goals, climate change, the importance of addressing noncommunicable diseases and the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States. I also
commend the important role played by CARICOM countries in the negotiation of the Arms Trade
Treaty.
Your meeting is an occasion to do more than look back with pride on CARICOM’s many
achievements. We are now in the process of striving to accelerate progress on the Millennium
Development Goals before the 2015 deadline while defining the contours of a post-2015 development
agenda. I count on CARICOM to help us make the most of this historic opportunity to achieve a
transformative shift for our planet and its people.
I welcome the election of a distinguished Caribbean diplomat, Ambassador John W. Ashe of Antigua
and Barbuda, as President of the General Assembly. His appointment offers a further opportunity to
harness CARICOM’s expertise and experience in the service of global leadership.
The upcoming Seventh UN-CARICOM General Meeting at United Nations Headquarters will
strengthen our ties even further. More broadly, I look forward to continuing to work with you, the
leaders of CARICOM, towards the full realization of security, development and human rights for the
region’s people.
I wish you a successful meeting and many more significant milestones to come.
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