Caricom hails Grenada, welcomes Curacao to the fold

CARICOM secretary general Dr Carla Barnett deeply thanked the people of Grenada for warmly hosting the 47th Regular Meeting of Caricom Heads while recovering from Hurricane Beryl and with equal gusto welcomed Curacao as the newest associate member state on July 29.

"In a demonstration of remarkable resilience and courage, we are being ably and graciously hosted by the Government and People of Grenada, who for the past four weeks, have been fully occupied with the extensive assessment, recovery and rebuilding necessitated by the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl on Monday, July 1.

She offered condolences to all Grenadians who lost family members and possessions during Beryl, and extended Caricom's sympathies to Barbados, Jamaica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

"The community stands with you as efforts continue to return to normalcy."

Barnett recalled Grenada's historic significance to Caricom, as the site where the Grand Anse Declaration and Work Programme for the Advancement of the Integration Movement was signed in 1989. Saying Caricom was still vibrant due to the resolve shown at Grand Anse, she keenly welcomed Grenada Prime Minister Dickson Mitchell as conference chairman, hailing his role heading Science and Technology including ICT, in the Quasi-Cabinet of Caricom leaders.

Barnet thanked outgoing Caricom chairman, Guyana President Dr Irfaan Ali for guiding Caricom with "decisiveness, determination and energy."

"There have been notable results under his Chairmanship, including increased engagement with Africa and the Middle East, advancements on initiatives to increase the region’s food and nutrition security, and arrangements to widen the membership of Caricom."

She noted landmark advances in managing the crises in Haiti, a Caricom member state.

"A governance structure, comprising a Transitional Presidential Council and a Prime Minister, has been established, and through which a new Cabinet has been appointed."

Barnett saluted the critical role of Caricom Heads and the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) to bring Haiti a transitional government whose head Senator Edgard Leblanc Fils was present. "The coming months are crucial to Haiti’s future stability, and Caricom remains ready to continue its support, as needed."

The EPG team consisted of former prime ministers Bruce Golding (Jamaica), Perry Christie (The Bahamas) and Dr Kenny Anthony (St Lucia, chairman), with the Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Haiti Ambassador Colin Granderson, Caricom's Asst Secretary General for Foreign and Community Relations Elizabeth Solomon and Project Officer Nickeva Eve-Benjamin. Barnett looked forward to the virtual attendance of Commonwealth head Baroness Patricia Scotland.

Barnett was glad two Caricom stalwarts were that day receiving the Order of the Caribbean Community.

"West Indian Cricketer extraordinaire, Sir Clive Lloyd of Guyana, and former Caricom Secretary-General, Mr Roderick Rainford of Jamaica, will join the pantheon of awardees previously recognised for their phenomenal contributions and legacy to regional integration and identity."

She hailed Caricom's voice on world issues including the Haiti crisis; Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS) funding, recognition by all independent Caricom member states of the State of Palestine, advocacy for a two-state solution, and a call to end the Gaza war.

From four founding Member States in 1973, Caricom now has 15 member states and five associate members, "with Curacao set to be formally installed as our sixth associate member today." She welcomed Curacao Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas.

"I have a steadfast belief in the potential of Caricom to be a force for good for every Caribbean man, woman and child.

"Our dynamic interplay in economic coordination, functional cooperation, foreign policy coordination, security cooperation, tourism, education, agriculture, and health is one of the hallmarks of our success, truly exemplifying the theme of this meeting, 'One People, One Journey, One Future.'"

Amid a common ancestry, history and heritage, Caricom countries were also known for their diversity and blending these distinct characteristics was no easy feat.

Hailing the role of regional institutions in integration, she said this was especially evident after Hurricane Beryl where the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) provided critical support to assessment and relief efforts.

She said Caricom has taken notable steps towards realising the 1989 Grand Anse Declaration – the free movement of nationals in the community, the provision of a reliable and cost-effective regional transportation system; establishment of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME); economic and political cooperation; and common market instruments. She hoped the meeting would advance these issues.

"We have been intentionally engaging the private sector, civil society, indigenous peoples, women, and especially young people, who are the future of our region.

"My hope is that we will rise from this 47th meeting more aware, more confident of our strength, and more focused on the tangible outputs – food, health, shelter, education, social interaction and social justice – that will ensure the development and prosperity of our Caribbean Community."