Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Dr Edmunds and Party
Deputy Secretary-General
Members of Staff of the Secretariat
Members of the Media
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is not very often during my tenure in this Office that I have been the recipient of a book – many papers and briefs yes, a lot of them the size of books, but actual books – no. Further when that book is entitled “Eternal Spring: Living with Enough in a World of Abundance” and is recommended and presented by a distinguished Caribbean Man, whom I am proud to call my friend and privileged to call a colleague, Dr Joseph ‘Eddie’ Edmunds, then I know that it is worth receiving. However, I am receiving this Book not simply on my own behalf, but for and on behalf of the CARICOM Heads of Government as well.
The issues relating to sustainable development which the Book addresses has assumed even greater relevance as concern grows over the question of maintaining social as well as ecological balance in the face of growing poverty and increasing evidence of global warming and their attendant threats to the planet. Indeed, as regards the latter, only on Monday, the most expensive satellite ever launched by the European Union captured on its cameras, a massive meltdown in Antarctica, the size of the ice shelf which broke away sending shivers down the spine of the scientists monitoring the phenomenon. It is salient to note that the US 2.2 $billion satellite’s mission is to provide the most detailed picture yet of environmental conditions on earth.
The widespread nature and urgency of the scientific investigation into the factors necessary to sustain the earth for those yet to come is further demonstrated by the Iwokrama Rainforest Project right here in Guyana where critically important work is going on with respect to rainforest conservation and the delicate balance of eco-systems.
It is clear therefore that any suggestions which may prove helpful in ensuring that we bequeath literally a better world to our heirs are welcome. When those suggestions come from a source who has made virtually his life’s work the improvement of the world’s eco-systems, then they must be taken seriously. Mr. Crab, we therefore intend not merely to read your book but to study it in-depth, and you can rest assure that in doing so, we intend to pay particular attention to the recommendations which are contained therein. After all, all of us have a stake in the kind of word we leave behind.
Also the book could hardly have come at a more propitious time as the world prepares for the upcoming World Summit on Sustainable Development, a Conference in the outcome of which the Caribbean has a vital stake.
I therefore wish to thank you and your collaborators – Dr. Vrede, Mr. Taylor, Ms. Neus and my good friend Dr. Eddie Edmunds for a work that in the words of Dr. Coppieters, the distinguished Honorary Chairman of the Flemish Parliament, offers “a workable model in which all facets of human life, and all living beings on this planet are integrated in a new vision of hope”, while “at the same time offering realistic concrete steps and actions directed at different levels of society, locally as well as globally to realise a world of peace and abundance for all life on earth.” This is a mammoth claim on behalf of this work, and we are deeply appreciative to you for having recognised the importance of such a work to the eco-fragile Caribbean States. On behalf of the Caribbean Community, I am grateful to receive it and would be most pleased to transmit it to the Heads of Government of the Community.
Thank you.
