(CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana) The themes of economic cooperation, unity and strengthening of the economic base of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) came to the fore as the Sixteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government opened in Paramaribo, Suriname on Wednesday February 16.
Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Mr. Edwin Carrington has underscored the importance of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) as a mechanism to propel the Region towards overcoming its many social and economic challenges even as the Community forges alliances with other nations and regions. Speaking at the Opening Ceremony at the Congress Hall before deliberations at the Torarica Hotel, Mr. Carrington heralded 2005 as the “Year of the Single Market” in keeping with the earlier decision by CARICOM Heads, and said indications of its realisation was evidence of significant progress.
Pointing out that the Regional institutions being developed in the context of the CARICOM Single Market are designed to enhance the Region's resilience and to mitigate the profound political and socio-economic consequences, he declared: “Today, the task of our generation is to see to the implementation (of the CSME) through to finality, and we can afford no slippage.”
The Secretary-General alluded to the many challenges now facing the Region, including natural disasters and threats to banana exports, but expressed confidence in the long-term future of the Region. “Today we are on the cusp of entering a new and exciting phase of a more mature regionalism – a Community embodying a Single Market and Economy,” he noted.
Mr. Carrington also lauded the Government and people of Suriname on what he described as their bold move to be the first to issue the CARICOM Common passport utilising specifications already agreed on.
Outgoing Chairman of the Conference, Dr. the Hon. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, who also addressed the Opening Ceremony, expressed his country's appreciation to the Region for its support following the passage of hurricane Ivan, which devastated the island. He said the support attests to the true unity that exists among Member States.
Meanwhile, current Chair of the Conference, Drs. Ronald Runaldo Venetiaan, President of Suriname told the delegates at the opening of the meeting that encounters between CARICOM and other nations such as India and Brazil during the current Inter-Sessional Meeting present a crucial first step for CARICOM in building strong extra-Regional relationships.
“Suriname is committed to the integration process in the Caribbean Community,” President Venetiaan reaffirmed. He assured that his country would be ready to participate fully as the time approaches for the full implementation of the CSME.
Special guest at the Meeting, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil shared a vision for strengthened ties between the Region and the South American country. He expressed conviction that now is the opportune time for the establishment of “solid partnerships” between the two sides.
President Lula posited that Brazil shares similar values with CARICOM, based on democratic principles, and he cited CARICOM/Brazil collaboration as fundamentally important to the changing face of negotiations between the developed and developing world. After the Opening Ceremony, President Lula met with CARICOM Ministers to discuss areas of cooperation.
