Guyana assures of strong Caricom leadership, energised agenda

…as Pres Ali, PM reaffirm Guyana’s commitment to Caricom

While expressing pride in Guyana’s continued presence within the Caribbean Community (Caricom), President Dr Irfaan Ali has also assured that when Guyana does assume chairmanship next year it will provide strong leadership and a shot in the arm for the regional agenda.
In his Caricom Day message, President Ali reflected on the importance of Caricom for the collective survival of the countries in the bloc. He also pointed out that over the course of five decades, Caricom has survived the test of time and overcome challenges.
“Over the past five decades, integration movements have come and gone; others have stuttered and stagnated; new regional groupings have emerged. But our community has not only remained together but it has been enlarged and its membership expanded,” President Ali said in his message.
“The past 50 years have not been all smooth sailing. The Caribbean has been subject to many challenges including invasion, threats to our markets, the emergence of mega economic blocks, devastating natural disasters and geopolitical changes. As a constellation of small-island developing and low-lying coastal states, the Caribbean Community has been able to navigate these turbulent periods because we have stayed together as a united Caribbean family.”
He noted that over the past five decades, Caricom has continued to embody its original message of promoting economic integration, coordinating foreign policy and promoting functional cooperation for human and social development. When it comes to Guyana’s membership, President Ali expressed pride in the role Guyana plays. The President noted that in recent times the country has forcefully advanced climate, food and energy security on the agenda.
“Guyana is proud to belong to this regional family. The country’s commitment has been unwavering and its support unquestionable. Guyana has been the host of the Community’s Secretariat and has been integrally involved in the work, policies, programmes and organs of the Community over the past 50 years. In recent times, we have been very forceful in propelling the Region’s agenda in the areas of climate, food, and energy security.”
“We will continue to be a vibrant and engaged member in the future. This month Guyana will assume membership in the Bureau of the Conference and will undertake Chairmanship of the Community from January to July 2024. We aim to use these opportunities to provide strong leadership and to energise the Community’s work,” the President further said.
According to the President, Guyana will continue to be a “vibrant and engaged member” of Caricom. President Ali meanwhile assured that when Guyana does assume chairmanship of Caricom from January to July 2024, it will provide strong leadership and energise the Community’s work.
“This month Guyana will assume membership in the Bureau of the Conference and will undertake Chairmanship of the Community from January to July 2024. We aim to use these opportunities to provide strong leadership and to energise the Community’s work,” President Ali further said.

Pillar of strength
Meanwhile, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips in his Caricom Day message referred to the attainment of 50 years of existence as a special observance and achievement. He also noted that over the years, Caricom has stood as a pillar of strength in the Region, helping to promote economic, social and regional development.
“As one of Caricom’s founding members, Guyana holds the value of this observance in high regard. We have participated in and supported major regional initiatives that help promote Caricom’s values. But more than that, Guyana has benefitted from forging of strong bonds among Member States to promote mutual benefit and prosperity for our countries.”
“We have seen the benefits of regional trade, information sharing and cultural exchange through Caricom. We have embraced our identity as a Caribbean people on a world stage while addressing significant challenges facing our Region,” the Prime Minister also said.
According to him, the regional bloc has been able to foster greater opportunities to travel, work and seek higher education among Member States. He pointed out that they have continued to support each other both in economic endeavours and in times of crisis. He also made it clear that Guyana remains committed to Caricom and noted that there are many more opportunities for collaboration.
“May we seek to foster even closer ties with our neighbours and continue along the path of success where our people can equally benefit from new and shared experiences, resources and opportunities.”
“Guyana reaffirms its commitment to the principles and vision of Caricom as we continue to promote regional cooperation, understanding and unity. Let us embrace our shared Caribbean identity and work towards building a brighter future for all our citizens,” Phillips further said.

Opposition
Also sending out a Caricom Day message was the Office of Leader of the Opposition. In their message, the Opposition noted that the 50th anniversary is also a time for reflection.
They called for all stakeholders to recommit themselves to regional integration and strengthening of partnerships. The Opposition also emphasised the importance of each citizen and Member State being valued, while external and internal challenges necessitate unity.

The Opposition meanwhile urged members of Caricom to seize the opportunity, even as the historic milestone is marked by celebration, to deepen bonds, enhance partnerships, and reaffirm their collective determination to address pressing issues.
The 45th Regular Conference of Caricom Heads of Government will be held from July 3 to 5. On the Agenda for this high-level regional meeting are several recurring and new issues including the Caricom Single Market and Economy, climate change, including climate finance, agriculture and food security, security, and health, which will again be in focus.
Among these special guests, who will be in Trinidad to participate in Caricom’s 50th anniversary, are the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres; the Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland; and President-Designate of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28), Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jabe – Cabinet Member of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is hosting the summit in November this year.
Other guests include the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame; Prime Minister of Korea, Han Duck-Soo; US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken; and US Congressman, Hakeem Jeffries.
Following the Caricom Conference, Secretary Blinken is expected to travel to Guyana on Thursday, July 6, 2023, during which he will meet with President Ali and members of the Guyanese Cabinet. (G3)