CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General has hailed the achievements of Barbados over the past 45 years as “an inspiration to the rest of the Community.”
Congratulating the CARICOM Member State on the occasion of its 45th Anniversary of Independence in a message to Barbados Prime Minister, The Honourable Freundel Stuart, the Secretary-General said that Barbados had made a “sterling contribution to the regional community in the social and economic sphere, while distinguishing itself at the international level in a wide range of fields, including diplomacy, culture and sports.”
He hailed the country’s leadership and the responsibility it had displayed in advancing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
Ambassador LaRocque also singled out for commendation, Barbados’ advocacy of “important regional issues” in sustainable development that has yielded global recognition.
The full text of the message reads:
Honourable Prime Minister,
On behalf of the Caribbean Community I extend warmest congratulations to you and the people of Barbados on the occasion of your country’s Forty-Fifth Anniversary of Independence on 30 November 2011, a significant milestone in your history. During its 45 years as a sovereign country, Barbados has made a sterling contribution to the regional community in the social and economic spheres, while distinguishing itself at the international level in a wide range of fields, including diplomacy, culture and sports.
As the world moved towards liberalization, Barbados adapted accordingly by embracing diversification and placing emphasis on improving the welfare of its people, whilst increasing education and job opportunities. Its achievements have become an inspiration to the rest of the Community.
Barbados is also recognized for the leadership and responsibility it has displayed in advancing and promoting the Single Market and Economy which forms the First Pillar of the Community, and is critical to the success of the regional integration movement. Moreover, the championing by Barbados of a number of important regional issues through the sustainable development and protection of the Caribbean Sea in various international fora has yielded global recognition and support for the Caribbean Community.
I take special pleasure, Honourable Prime Minister, in extending to you and the people of Barbados my very best wishes for the continued development and well-being of your country. I look forward to the continuing active participation of your country in the activities of the Caribbean Community as it seeks to consolidate the process of regional integration.
