Mr. Secretary-General
Hon. Omar Davies, Minister of Finance and Planning of Jamaica
Assistant Secretary-General, CARICOM
Hon. Prime Ministers
Colleague Ministers of Finance
Central Bank Governors
Representatives of the Donor Community
Delegates and Officials.
Having heard the Secretary-General, I do not intend to make a speech but just to say a few words to remind ourselves why we are here. Maybe, partly to see the West Indies bat today. But on a serious note, we are meeting for the second time in one year to advance the process of achieving the overarching goal of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
The Secretariat has been working assiduously in coordinating activities, reminding and ensuring that each Member State understands its role in this effort. We are grateful for its continued vigilance in this regard, especially during these challenging times where Member States have to confront a very difficult international environment and, for some, also their complex domestic situation.
Colleagues, we have before us today a number of issues to be dealt with which were also on the agenda at the last COFAP Meeting. While there has been measured success in these matters, there is need for us to ensure that the process be accelerated and progress be more rapid to ensure closure and solutions.
It is my fervent hope that today’s meeting will be pointed, focussed, decisive and fruitful in its deliberations and outcome.
I wish the Meeting every success.
