I am deeply honoured to address the people of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and of Cuba, on this the 34th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Members of the Caribbean Community. On that historic day in 1972, four independent CARICOM countries - Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago - in a bold act of diplomacy and of strong commitment to the concept of the “oneness” of the Caribbean, established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba. Since then, the CARICOM-Cuba relationship has been one of solidarity and fraternity.

(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) In order to complete the stabilisation of Haiti and set it on the path to social and economic development, there was need for efficiency, Deputy Secretary General, Her Excellency, Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite said.

The Deputy Secretary General made the observation during a Conference for Haiti’s Social and Economic Development held at La Casa de America in Madrid, Spain, on 29-30 November 2006.

Over the years I have learnt to take up any offer to hold hands with the media with a hint of trepidation. But this time around I feel safer as the chaperone is the United Nations. And even though not the blue helmets of the peacekeeping force, the United Nations Population Fund grants me enough cover to feel reasonably safe particularly as over the years we have had a close and fruitful co-operation relationship. We look forward to an even closer and more productive relationship in the face of the upcoming restructuring.

(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) CARICOM Secretary General, His Excellency, Edwin Carrington, leaves Guyana on December 1 for a series of speaking engagements in Jamaica, Miami and Guadeloupe.

(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) Representatives of the Region’s media industry will meet on December 7-9, 2006 in Barbados, at the third Champions for Change Conference aimed at accelerating the process to reduce HIV and AIDS stigma and discrimination.

Today, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the members of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) join our brothers and sisters throughout the world symbolizing our deepest commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS. This disease, which is the highest cause of death among our youth between the ages of 15-29, as well as our most productive workforce between 15-44 years, has deep social and economic implications for us all.