(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) It is for me a signal honour and privilege to be part of this August body and to serve as a co-chair of this critically important 7Th UK-Caribbean Bi-Annual Meeting, being convened over two days and in so doing, I extend a whole-hearted welcome to all gathered for this momentous occasion. It certainly is good you came. Indeed one is encouraged to note the significant turn out of UK and Caribbean foreign Policy Makers, Experts and Representatives of other key development- partner countries, inclusive of Australia, France, the Netherlands and the USA. We give thanks for journeying mercies.
It certainly is a pleasurable experience to be back in a renewed, restored Grenada; our warm and generous Host. One of St. Kitts leading Calypsonians once sang. “Oh Grenada, our hearts bleed for you.” Hurricane Ivan’s devastating blow was one such time when hearts bled. It has however served to showcase the tenacity, resilience, and resourcefulness of a proud Nation. Today we give thanks with you, we rejoice with you; we salute you!
Minister Hood, on behalf of CARICOM, I extend to the Government and People of Grenada, sincere congratulations on your post-Ivan progress and to you and the staff of Grenada’s Foreign Ministry, our heartfelt thanks for your arrangements and hospitality.
Perhaps Grenada’s renewal journey is symbolic to this Forum, as we set about rebuilding and strengthening our ties/ commitment as we forge ahead in this noble and essential task of Nation-building.
It is then a distinct privilege and honour for me to serve as Co-chair to this august Body, as we strategize for resurgence and growth even as we together chart a path to prosperity.
I am heartened by the stated determination of our “Co-chair UK Foreign Secretary Mr. Hague, to re-invigorate the UK-Caribbean relationship; to bring about a new beginning as it were. And how essential that is at this time of unprecedented challenges!
We have of course historically enjoyed a “special” relationship between the UK and Caribbean, yielding much benefit.
The extraordinary pace of change globally however, dictates that we promote stronger relationships and that we strategically focus on mitigating against insidious global challenges with which we are faced.
The ongoing Economic crisis The epidemic of interpersonal violence The prolonged tightening of credit markets The less predictable relations between and among Nations The degradation of the Environment Climate Change
CARICOM recognizes with appreciation the UK’s contribution to the Region’s efforts to address climate change and acknowledges the strong stance taken by the UK, within the framework of the European Union, on the reduction of carbon emissions and the financing of climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in vulnerable countries The Caribbean Region has taken a beating in all areas resulting in a formidable toll on our very survival. I believe that globally we have all now been made painfully aware that these challenges are not Country-specific; and that the actions of individuals and enterprises in one country, do ultimately harm/threaten the livelihood in others. That we are after all one global village; and interestingly, a much smaller village, than we at fist opined.
We are therefore responsible to and for each other. We are our Brothers’ keeper! Our meetings over the next 2 days must of necessity reflect in real terms the gravity of the challenges faced and to set about with purpose and urgency to redress. I urge therefore that we be open, frank and responsible in our deliberations as we seek to formulate projects/ plans that would reap the benefits our citizens so desperately need.
As we consider our theme: “Sustainable Growth Towards Prosperity” let us carefully and without rancor examine measures/ policies promoted and imposed by development-partners, that exacerbate, rather than lighten the burden of others. It is a fact for example, that the Region’s Tourism Industry (the main industry for many) is staggering under the weight of the UK, APD Tax. How can this be reformed to bring about a win-win situation?
How can we as a Region reclaim Paradise from the grasp of severe unemployment, beleaguered Tourism and Agriculture Sectors, with their negative impact of wanton criminality, which are in large measure created by external developments?
How can we seriously and urgently blue-print procedures for deportees with criminal skills and records, who seriously exacerbate crime and violence in our Region? How can we safeguard the Caribbean Sea, our marine and coastal integrity, critical players in the context of Sustainable Development, from pollution in our Region?
Whilst we must of necessity confront and debate challenges, however we must also recognize the opportunities that exist. There can be no doubt that we have established a solid foundation in our relationship that allows for bold initiatives comparable to the challenges faced.
We must all be prepared to further deepen our engagement with Member States within the regional and international Integration Systems, and the International Financial Institutions. This is going to be critical to the provision of new opportunities; and the facilitation of greater access to the resources needed for implementing national policies and meeting International obligations.
I do believe that our friends gathered here have an important role to play in helping to deliver these opportunities. Within the Caribbean we are acutely aware of the challenges faced by the UK at this time, particularly in the context of the EU. Likewise, we know that the UK is familiar with the Region’s concerns and the immutable characteristics that shape our reality. Those of vulnerability, open economies, high indebtedness, exposure to external risks and small size.
We must leverage this mutual understanding to the advantage of all parties, without losing sight of the grounding principles of mutual respect, common aspirations towards sustainable development and prosperity and the pursuit of universal values, such as good governance and democracy. (Which maintain the integrity of our relationship)
For although the tenor of the present period, makes the Caribbean pursuit of special and differential treatment challenging, it does not/and must not compromise our commitment to fairness
Ladies and gentlemen, the Caribbean welcomes the opportunity that this Forum presents to discuss solutions, cooperation and partnership. We warmly welcome you, Foreign Secretary Hague, to this your first UK Caribbean Forum. We also thank most sincerely our specially invited and distinguished observer representatives from CARICOM’s Associate Members, Australia, Canada, France and the Netherlands, for accepting our invitation. Warm greeting and best wishes for a meaningful experience are extended.
We embrace the participation of senior business, trade and investment actors as well as the high level security delegates from the UK who will interact with their Caribbean counterparts in the course of this Forum and wish them fruitful exchange.
We are confident that all the Ministers, Senior Diplomats, Officials and Policy Makers here present, who have an important role to play in creating opportunities, will find means, in these two days, to utilize productively, the UK Caribbean partnership and relationship and to strengthen and /or develop policies that would help to create an enabling environment for sustainable growth and prosperity.
I have great faith also in the capacity within the Caribbean itself to work more closely as a Region to diversify its economy and to build its future.
I bid us all therefore, particularly valuable interactions and outcomes. May we have enough stamina at the close, to take us through Sunday afternoon’s cricket game.
I thank you
God Bless our Nations.
