CARICOM and Chile moved one step closer in their relationship of co-operation, when Secretary General of CARICOM Mr. Edwin Carrington accepted credentials from Chilean Plenipotentiary Representative to CARICOM His Excellency Alfonso Silva.
In accepting his letters of accreditation at a brief ceremony held at the CARICOM Secretariat on Tuesday 27 April, the Secretary General stated that the relationship with Chile is highly regarded, especially in light of its contribution to democratic stability and development of the countries of CARICOM over the past fourteen years.
Making specific reference to Haiti, the Secretary General expressed his expectation of assistance from Chile in restoring democracy to Haiti. “The Region has noted with particular interest, the participation of Chile in the UN Multinational interim Force in Haiti. I am certain that given the experience of Chile in a post-conflict national situation, Chile will be able to contribute to the re-building of Haiti, the welfare of whose nationals is of the highest concern to us as Members of the Caribbean Community,” Mr. Carrington said.
Making special mention of April 27 as a historic occasion for South Africans who are celebrating a decade of the abolition of apartheid and the advent of a democracy, the Secretary General noted, “It is a day when both CARICOM Nations and the Republic of Chile are joining with the government and people of South Africa in the celebrations which are taking place there and around the world to mark that historic day ten years ago”.
His Excellency Alfonso Silva in his remarks stressed the importance of finding “common ground to work as a united front” in areas of politics, economics, trade and social issues in the face of globalization. “We renew our commitment to sustaining close political consultations on regional and world affairs, as well as to enhance our co-operation and seek closer integration on trade and commerce within the Caribbean Community”, he said.
Making reference to the importance of establishing regional institutions like the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), His Excellency Silva reiterated, “only through efforts aimed at having a community of interest and objectives to safekeeping fairness and equity in the region, will we achieve the expected boost to our economies and our social needs.”
The Chile/CARICOM relationship was solidified some nine years ago through the establishment of a CARICOM-Chile Joint Commission and the signing of an Agreement on Scientific and Technical Co-operation between CARICOM and the Republic of Chile.
Under that Agreement, Chile has provided the Region with technical assistance in areas ranging from Spanish language training to trade negotiations and to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
CARICOM not only enjoys technical assistance from Chile, but also receives political support on critical elements of Community policy.
