Caricom congratulates re-elected New Zealand PM

CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has congratulated New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on her re-election in the country’s general election on October 17.

Caricom noted in a media release that Ardern had led her Labour Party to a rare outright majority for New Zealand elections, capturing 64 seats in the 120-seat assembly.

“The New Zealand electorate has no doubt favoured you, Prime Minister, for your compassionate leadership and, particular, for the success of your 'go hard, go early' approach in addressing the covid19 pandemic, which helped to combat the spread of the virus,” LaRocque said.

“The Caribbean Community looks forward to strengthening the relationship which it has established with New Zealand, and wishes you success in your efforts to build back better after the pandemic."

The 40-year-old Ardern became the country's 40th prime minister in 2017, the same year she became leader of the Labour Party. She has been praised internationally for her covid19 response, as the country has recorded only 25 deaths out of a population of 4.8 million and currently has just 58 active cases.