(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, has extended congratulations and best wishes to Haiti on the occasion of its 210th anniversary of independence celebrated on Wednesday, 1 January 2014.
In a congratulatory message to His Excellency Michel Martelly, President of the Republic of Haiti, the Secretary-General said that Haiti’s pride of place in history was unquestionable.
“This is a day that is etched in the hearts and psyche of Haitians as the day when dignity, courage and the inexorable quest for freedom, equality and betterment that reside in the human spirit soared triumphantly in Haiti, searing an indelible mark on the trajectory of human civilization,” Amb. LaRocque said.
Alluding to the purpose, valour and resilience with which the Haitians have faced daunting challenges and natural disasters, and their march towards social and economic development, Secretary-General LaRocque assured President Martelly that Haiti was not alone and that it could count on the solidarity of fellow Member States of CARICOM.
The text of the message reads:
“It is with great pride and pleasure that, on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I extend to the People and Government of the Republic of Haiti congratulations and best wishes on the celebration of Two hundred and Ten years as an independent nation.
Haiti's pride of place in history is unquestionable and perhaps at no time is this fact as deeply felt as on the annual occasion of its independence day. This is a day that is etched in the hearts and psyche of Haitians as the day when dignity, courage and the inexorable quest for freedom, equality and betterment that reside in the human spirit soared triumphantly in Haiti, searing an indelible mark on the trajectory of human civilization.
The spirit and virtues of this historic achievement have consistently motivated the people of Haiti over their two hundred and ten years of independence. In the face of daunting and trying challenges and natural disasters they have never wearied, responding with purpose, valour and resilience. In this forward march towards its social and economic development, Haiti is not alone. Its Government and People can count on the solidarity of the fellow Member States of the Caribbean Community.
The Caribbean Community extends fraternal greetings to the Government and People of Haiti on this most auspicious occasion and best wishes for the Republic's continued progress.”
