The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and the host Government, Saint Lucia received financial and technical support from the Cable and Wireless (West Indies Limited) for the staging of the Nineteenth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government and the celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas. Following is a statement issued by Cable and Wireless
The global telecommunications company, Cable and Wireless, has extended significant financial and technical support for the 19th CARICOM Summit, which ends tomorrow (Saturday 4 July 1998) in St. Lucia. The initiative was undertaken in partnership with the CARICOM Secretariat and the host government.
Cable and Wireless funded live radio and television broadcast of the major events associated with the historic 19th Summit, which marks the 25th anniversary of CARICOM. Cable and Wireless underwrote the coverage by the Caribbbean News Agency and the Caribbean Broadcasting Union to the tune of US$36,000. The company spent an additional US$75,000 to upgrade the Eastern Caribbean Fibre System to facilitate live regional television broadcast of the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as daily newscasts from St. Lucia.
Cable and Wireless St. Lucia established the media centre at the conference venue to accommodate the more than 200 journalists covering the Summit. Facilities for the media include computers, printers, photocopiers, international telephone and facsimile service, Internet access and general media support.
The company also provided funding for the colourful banners lining the highway from George Charles Airport Vigie to the Royal St. Lucian Hotel where the CARICOM leaders and President Nelson Mandela of South Africa are staying.
Pat Bynoe-Clarke, External Relations Manager with the Cable and Wireless regional office in Grand Cayman said “We’re pleased to be associated with the 19th CARICOM Summit and to be part of the celebrations marking the 25th anniversary for the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas. The support is tangible proof of Cable and Wireless continued commitment to the development of the Caribbean.”
Cable and Wireless is one of the world’s leading providers of international telecommunications services. Its businesses provide 15 million customers in 70 countries with a complete range of international, domestic and mobile communications. Cable and Wireless is the world’s fourth largest carrier of international traffic, provides mobile communications in more than 30 countries and operates the world’s largest, most advanced cableship fleet.
