communiqué issued at the conclusion of the thirty

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 3-6 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, the 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.
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 PersadBissessar, 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.
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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
(6) Member States undertook twelve (12) 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.
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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 value-added 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 –
(i)
design and execution of a resource mobilisation strategy to facilitate
targeted interventions by Governments to catalyse and ignite growth in
CARICOM States;
(ii)
adoption of a stabilisation and growth agenda which emphasises the
removal of constraints on competitive production as well as proactive
facilitation and support for the private sector aimed at catalysing 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.
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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 marginalised 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.
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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.
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 Inter-Sessional Meeting.
THE UNITED NATIONS POST 2015 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA:
PERSPECTIVES AND PRIORITIES
CARICOM’S
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 organise 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 coordinate 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.
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They further agreed that the regional task force should include representatives from
Member States on the Open-Ended Working Group on SDGs and the InterGovernmental 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
(25%) 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
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be convened to consider non-traditional 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.
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.
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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 (2) 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 WTO-compatible comprehensive trade and development
agreement continued.
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With respect to the Dominican Republic and Cuba, the Heads of Government reemphasised 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:
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.
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.
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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.
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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
CONFERENCE
TWENTY-FIFTH
INTER-SESSIONAL
MEETING
OF
THE
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.
APPRECIATION
Heads of Government expressed appreciation to the Government and people of
Trinidad and Tobago for their warm and generous hospitality during their ThirtyFourth Regular Meeting.
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
6th July 2013
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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
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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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