(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana, 20 September 2024) – As Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), It is indeed with immense honor and privilege that I welcome you all to the 2nd CARICOM-India Summit, the first of which was held in September 2019.
Today, we gather as partners and friends, united by a shared vision of progress, cooperation, and mutual respect. And I will say it, our love for cricket.
The Caribbean Community attaches tremendous value to the shared history, common values, kinship and strong bonds of friendship that we have enjoyed with the Government and People of India, which have strongly influenced and enriched the diverse and vibrant culture of the Caribbean.
This historic summit is taking place against the backdrop of rapid developments regionally, hemispherically, and globally. The multifaceted and protracted crisis in Haiti, the existential threat we face from climate change, the post-COVID-19 economic recovery challenges, the conflicts in the Middle East, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war have all contributed to high inflation, global unemployment and have contributed to some measure of despair, uncertainty and anxiety amongst our peoples.
These circumstances have sapped resources, hardened hearts, and shifted the attention of the international community from the multi-faceted challenges facing developing countries. This somewhat gloomy international landscape has further exacerbated the already uncertain outlook for the small and extremely vulnerable island and low-lying states within the Caribbean Community.
However, against this somber back drop, we remain convinced that closer linkages between CARICOM and our trusted partner, India, are part of the very necessary medication and intervention needed by the CARICOM Community to better equip it and its citizens to overcome our existing developmental challenges.
I therefore extend a special acknowledgement to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, whose visionary leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the ties between India and CARICOM. Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and his dedication to sustainable development have set a remarkable example for all of us.
His leadership has not only propelled India to new heights but has also opened new avenues for collaboration within our region
As both the current Chair of Caricom and as Prime Minister of Grenada, I express on behalf of all our citizens gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the Government and great people of India for their proactive and influential role in championing the ideals and aspirations of the Global South.
We commend India’s unwavering commitment to the Sustainable Development of our region, especially in this intricate and interconnected era of globalization.
It is evident to us that the challenges we face can only be effectively addressed through a spirit of deeper integration and cooperative action among nations. We are particularyly appreciative of India’s enhanced engagement in recent years, as it demonstrates a genuine eagerness to fortify our bilateral ties and collaboratively confront pressing issues such as the pervasive Digital Divide.
As Prime Minister Modi once said, “Good governance with good intentions is the hallmark of our government. Implementation with integrity is our core passion.”
These words resonate deeply with our shared commitment to building a future grounded in trust, transparency and mutual benefit. Since our inaugural summit, the bonds between CARICOM and India have grown stronger, reflecting our mutual commitment to a partnership built on trust, shared values and common goals. Our collaboration spans various sectors. Including trade, technology, healthcare, education, and climate resilience, each contributing to the sustainable development and prosperity of our nations.
This Summit presents an important and timely opportunity for us as Leaders to engage in frank and meaningful discussions that will redound to our mutual benefit.
As we do so, we are pleased to note that India continues to maintain its position as the fastest-growing major economy among emerging markets and developing countries. Furthermore, India’s expertise in such key areas as agriculture, energy, health, human resource development, and information and communications technology is well-known. CARICOM also remains highly grateful to India for the vaccines donated to CARICOM Member States at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking ahead, we envision a future where CARICOM-India relations continue to flourish and expand. Closer cooperation and collaboration amongst leaders of CARICOM Member States and India, would serve to further enhance the partnerships, and contribute to successfully strengthening our existing economic, commercial and people to people relations.
Allow me therefore, to warmly welcome Prime Minister Modi to Guyana and to CARICOM.
