The 15-mmber Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping has congratulated Mia Mottley, the first ever woman to head a government in Barbados with Secretary general Irwin la Rocque saying he is looking forward to welcoming her at the grouping’s next summit to be held in Jamaica in July.
In a congratulatory message following her Barbados Labour Party (BLP)’s historic 30-nil victory over the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) of former Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, the CARICOM Secretary General congratulated Mottley on her ‘truly historic achievements’ following the general election on Thursday.
“The overwhelming victory clearly indicates that the people of Barbados have tremendous faith in your ability to lead the country to even greater heights,” he said, adding that he was looking forward to welcoming her at the CARICOM summit in July.
“Your country’s deep commitment to regional integration is well chronicled. Your own dedication to the advancement of the Community’s goals is also well known,” La Rocque said, adding that he was also looking forward to Prime Minister Mottley continuing the leadership role that Barbados has exercised in the Community and as Lead Head of Government in the quasi-cabinet for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
“You assume the leadership of Barbados at a most testing time in its history but you do so with the knowledge that you have received a comprehensive mandate from your citizens. You can be assured, Prime Minister, that the Secretariat and I will offer our full support to you and Barbados as you seek to further the development of the country and carry forward the integration process,” he said.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness congratulated Mottley on what he said as an impressive landslide victory in the Barbados general elections, saying also that her election is proof that more women can ascend to the pinnacle of political leadership.
He described Mottley’s victory as a profound historical moment in the region and affirmed the view that she is a powerful force in the Caribbean, who will no doubt lead Barbados in an inclusive and transparent manner.
He wished the people of Barbados great success and pledged Jamaica’s partnership as they too seek shared prosperity.
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Dr. Keith Rowley in a letter to Mottley, lauded her and the BLP on the resounding victory and re-affirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening and deepening the already excellent bilateral ties which exist between the two countries
He said the victory was a “clear indication of the confidence that the people of Barbados have reposed in the vision for their future as articulated by you.”
Rowley also said he looked forward to the reopening of a resident diplomatic mission in Bridgetown, a move he views as critical to the advance of the bilateral agenda, and to solidifying the exemplary relationship shared by both countries.
Meanwhile, the United States has also extended congratulations to Mottley, who joined a select group of women in heading governments in the CARICOM region.
“We congratulate Mia Mottley on her election as the next prime minister of Barbados in the May 24 general election vote,” said Heather Nauert, a spokesperson for the US Department of State, in a statement on Friday.
“Ms. Mottley makes history as Barbados’ first female prime minister. We congratulate the Barbadian people on participating in another free and fair election and for their commitment to democratic values.”
Nauert said the United States and Barbados “enjoy a strong partnership, based on our shared democratic values and commitment to peace and security.
“We applaud Ms. Mottley’s stated intent to address fiscal transparency, and we look forward to collaborating with Barbados to enhance economic partnerships and private sector investment,” she said, adding that Washington values “the productive relationship” it built during Prime Minister Stuart’s administration, and is looking forward to working with the Mottley government.
