(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) Welcome to the Caribbean most fragrant island – the Isle of Spice! Grenada is extremely pleased to be host of the 7th UK Caribbean Forum. We are indeed heartened to have in our midst the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom and his delegation. For most of you, this is your first visit to Grenada. Sir, we extend to you and your delegation a warm and heartfelt Grenadian welcome and we are certain that you would enjoy your stay with us and plan a return visit in the not too distant future.
I also want to extend a special welcome to “the usual suspects,” my colleagues from the Caribbean region. It is no accident that our first gathering as Caribbean Ministers is being held here in Grenada, where true Caribbean hospitality abounds.
This 7th Forum emphasises the determination of both sides to build and strengthen the system of dialogue which started in 1998. Indeed, the challenges that we now face are different and far more daunting than those experienced at the advent of the Forum. However, in advancing the theme for this forum, “Sustainable Growth Towards Prosperity,” I am confident that with the spirit of cooperation, we can ensure that both sides see tangible evidence of our engagement, by embracing strategies what will ensure sustainable outcomes from our deliberations. Foreign Secretary, I applaud your expectations towards broad-based partnership with the Caribbean that encapsulates business, civil society and ordinary citizens, working together for the greater good of the citizens of the United Kingdom and the Caribbean.
We are equally pleased with the additional emphasis on security as we seek to combat the serious threats which are capable of destroying our economies.
May I take this opportunity to record our appreciation for the team of Caribbean High Commissioners in London who have been working diligently with the Caribbean Team at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and with the CARICOM Secretariat during the last two years to bring this Forum to fruition.
I look forward to the working sessions over the next two days and wish that our deliberations be constructive, fruitful and help to advance the process of bringing mutual benefits to the people of the Caribbean and the United Kingdom.
Once again, on behalf of the Government and people of Grenada, I extend a warm welcome, to all our visitors, to the Spice Isle of the Caribbean. I thank you.
